Sometimes, measure using your feelings
Recently @gapingvoid posted, once again, how emotions are our true drive for change. He points out that facts, logic, and reason provide a basic framework for action, but it is only when we feel something that we’re propelled forward. This got me thinking about how we measure progress. Especially that feelings can also be a good metric to help us start with things.
It seems odd for me to say this. I’m the type who likes to study a subject and have a clear understanding before starting to build. Usually, one of the primary outcomes of this knowledge is to have a clear framework of where to start and then measure my progress. Being objective is an excellent way for me to feel safe and place constraints that aid in tracing my path like my metaphorical training wheels.
For example, when I want to learn a new skill, I can buy a new course and set a schedule to follow it through the end. Or I can go my self-taught path, setting up a metric or clear goal that helps me measure and ensure progress. If I want to learn a new programming language, I usually list what I want to be able to build with it and a timeline. When I was going for a healthier life, I set a target weight and exercise cadence, course of action, and timeline. The lack of ambiguity gives me structure and security that I’m on track with what I want.
I see nothing wrong with this path. In fact, that’s my default mode. But sometimes, feeling my way can be a better way to get started. It helps me evaluate if that is what I want to do and even build the motivation to dive deeper into understanding it. When I often want to begin in a new context, I don’t even know what you are looking to achieve and what’s hurting or bothering me — feeling it can be the best way to build tacit knowledge and map your route.
That’s how it happened to me with my noting-taking skills. I didn’t even know in the beginning that it was something I wanted — or needed — to get better at. But by following and tracking my feelings about it, I adapted my way through and improved over time. So, if you want to start something, start by tracking how you feel about it. It also applies when something is not looking alright, or you don’t know where to begin. It’s a simple and easy measure to help you understand why it’s happening and if you need to act on it.
