Measure What Matters
Lesson 23: Intentionally Tracking the Right Aspects of Life Enriches It
Our lives are filled with countless data points—milestones, habits, finances, relationships, health, and more. Yet, in this ocean of information, not all data holds equal weight. The key to gaining clarity and making meaningful progress is measuring what truly matters.
Over the years, I’ve grown to love numbers and tracking. Whether it’s monitoring productivity, setting financial goals, or tracking health metrics, I’ve found that measuring the right data can unlock powerful insights. By measuring what matters, we equip ourselves with the tools to learn, adjust, and grow intentionally.
However, I wasn’t always this way. In fact, I was never a fan of maths, for reasons I can trace to my early experiences. But tracking life’s aspects doesn’t have to be complicated. During the 2020 global pandemic, which confined us indoors, I immersed myself in online learning. My interest in productivity and related tools grew, leading me to explore tracking habits like finances, health, learning patterns, and how I spent my time.
One standout tool I discovered was Notion, which I used to elevate my tracking efforts. With its robust databases, I created systems for organizing data, from a learning resource bank for podcasts, books, and videos to an all-in-one habit tracker for sleep, workouts, and study routines. I even built a financial tracker to manage budgeting, income, expenses, savings, and investments. Tracking this data revealed patterns in my life that helped me make better decisions.
Initially, my trackers depended heavily on manual input, which sometimes proved inconsistent. Over time, I began automating parts of these processes to reduce errors. For instance, I now use Google Fit and Apple Fitness for workout tracking and other supplementary tools to sync data into my Notion databases seamlessly. Discovering frameworks like the Pillars, Pipeline and Vaults (PPV) system by August Bradley further amplified my interest and helped me streamline my own tracking systems even better.
Why Measuring Matters
- Clarity Through Data: Measuring simplifies complexity. Tracking your expenses, for example, can uncover patterns that help you make smarter financial choices.
- What Gets Measured Gets Managed: Progress is hard to gauge without measurement. Tracking lets you align your efforts with your goals and pinpoint areas for improvement.
- Uncover Patterns in Your Life: Numbers tell a story. Monitoring sleep, productivity, or daily moods can reveal correlations—like how exercise impacts mental clarity—that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Common Life Data Points Worth Measuring
- Health: Track steps, sleep quality, or water intake to enhance well-being.
- Time: Log hours spent on work, rest, and leisure to manage your day better.
- Finances: Monitor income, expenses, and savings for financial freedom.
- Goals: Measure progress toward personal or professional milestones.
Simplifying Measurement
While my approach leans toward technical tools, measuring doesn’t have to be complex. Start small: focus on one area, identify what’s meaningful, and use simple methods like a notebook, app, or spreadsheet.
Measuring what matters isn’t about obsessing over details—it’s about aligning data with your values and aspirations. By doing so, you empower yourself to live more intentionally, grow sustainably, and achieve success in ways that truly resonate with you.
So,
What will you start measuring today, and why does it matter?
In case you missed lesson 22, you can read it here.
Ivan Kabandize