Chapter 1: The Importance of Measurement

As the saying goes, “If you cannot measure it, you cannot control it,” a quote attributed to Lord Kelvin. While we may not have control over every aspect of our lives, we do have the ability to influence significant parts of it. I firmly believe in taking charge of what we can and embracing personal responsibility.

Feel free to adopt the measurements I utilize below or develop your own. If you track something I haven't mentioned, please share it with me; I would love to explore if it’s something I could incorporate into my own routine.

Main Measurement 1: Inputs and Outputs

The relationship between outputs and inputs is undeniable. By being mindful of what we consume—both in terms of information and relationships—we can significantly impact our results. This is why I dedicate a considerable amount of time to reading and nurturing meaningful connections.

I focus on the following four indicators, as I believe they currently reflect my success. These metrics may evolve over time.

1. Articles Written: I aim to produce one article daily. While I may occasionally write two or three on a Sunday, my weekly goal is to ensure I have seven articles by the week's end.
2. New Connections: My goal is to connect with three new individuals each week. Not every relationship will flourish, but some will, and that’s what matters. By continually introducing myself to new people, my network will naturally expand.
3. Follower Engagement: The number of followers can be a mixed bag. While engagement is key, it’s important to acknowledge that new followers actively chose to follow me amidst countless options. I also track my article views, aiming for a healthy engagement ratio; my current average is 56% on Medium.
4. Books Read: I strive to read at least two books each week. If I’m falling short of this goal, it’s a sign that I’m not managing my time effectively, which ultimately affects my output.

Main Measurement 2: Financial Tracking

Effective money management is crucial; otherwise, it can easily spiral out of control. It's surprising how many people are unaware of their financial situation. For example, my mother recently didn’t know her monthly cable bill, despite having paid it for over 30 years.

Here are the three financial metrics I currently monitor:

1. Net Worth: This should ideally trend upwards. My net worth calculation includes savings, stock accounts, and my 401k. You might also consider real estate in your calculations.
2. Credit Score: Although credit scores can be perplexing, they are vital for financial endeavors such as real estate investment. Recently, my partner and I secured a car loan with an excellent interest rate, saving us potentially thousands over time.
3. Cash Flow: Understanding where your money goes is essential. I track income, expenses, and investments monthly, typically managing bills every two weeks to simplify the process.

Main Measurement 3: Health Metrics

Our society faces increasing health challenges, yet we often overlook our well-being. To take control of my health, I've begun measuring several key factors.

1. Sleep: I aim for a minimum of seven hours each night, but more is always better.
2. Workouts: I try to engage in some form of exercise daily, whether it's bodyweight exercises or jumping rope. Tracking my workouts encourages consistency.
3. Daily Steps: I target a minimum of 10,000 steps each day. While this number lacks scientific backing, it serves as a motivational goal.
4. Meditation: Although I'm not very consistent, I aim to meditate for 2-5 minutes daily to enhance focus in our fast-paced world.
5. Power Naps: I strive for 15-20 minute naps to recharge my energy levels for the afternoon.
6. Diet: I keep a record of my meals and supplements. Monitoring my intake helps me identify patterns, particularly if my weight increases, and encourages mindful eating.

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Chapter 2: Maximizing Measurement Efficiency

Explore how to efficiently calculate your daily averages with Pivot Tables, a crucial skill for tracking your progress effectively.

Learn how to use Excel PivotTables to summarize your data by month or day of the week, providing valuable insights for your measurements.