We live in a world where we can track and measure almost everything on the devices we wear and carry. The statistics that these measurements provide can be useful, but is also overwhelming to work out what to take and what to leave.

When there is abundant opportunity for cool and interesting information, it is vital to ask yourself about what truly matters. In this episode of the podcast we address some fundamental questions so that we don't end up throwing the proverbial baby out with the metaphorical bathwater.

Do you like to track anything?

I must confess that I love it. I find it really interesting to see how things grow and develop over time. At this time of year I am in reflective/planning mode and am thinking about this in a big way right now.

Adapting to the New Reality

One of the biggest observations I've made is how quickly I adapt to new realities. Last week I looked at the Google Analytics for website visitors. I was comparing now with last year, and was shocked to see how much things have grown in just 12 months. Strangely enough, I had thought things had levelled off and stagnated. It wasn't until I saw the data that my perception was challenged.

How often do we do this kind of thing? We quickly adapt to the new situation, maintaining the perception that "things have always been like this". Measuring can provide good perspective. But it's not always so helpful.

In the show we examine how unchecked data tracking can lead to:

Pressure On Yourself to Keep Winning, Regardless of the Competition

Caring More About Doing Than About Being

A Loss of Perspective for The Things That Cannot Be Measured

And then we ask the all important questions, why is stuff worth tracking? And as a result, what stuff is worth measuring?