The Importance of Measuring: A Conversation with Tim Ferriss
Summary
In this Q&A, Tim Ferriss discusses the importance of measuring various aspects of the body for personal growth and development. He shares his experiences with different methods of gathering data and emphasizes the importance of not only having data, but also having actionable information. The conversation also covers timing for taking supplements, potential stigma of self-tracking, minimal effective dose, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, and measuring cognitive function.
Table of Contents
- The Beginning of Measuring
- Importance of Data and Actionable Information
- Tracking for Personal Growth
- Future of Self-Tracking
- Simplifying the Presentation of Data
- Reflection on Success
Introduction
Measuring our bodies for personal growth and development is not a new concept. Athletes have been using weight and workout tracking for years, but it’s only recently that mainstream society has embraced self-tracking. In this Q&A, we speak with Tim Ferriss, a well-known author and entrepreneur, on the importance of self-tracking, the different methods available, and the future of this evolving industry.
The Beginning of Measuring
Question: Tim, can you share with us why you began tracking details about your body?
Answer: Sure, my fascination with measuring began in my early teens when I started wrestling. I had to lose weight before weigh-ins, so I cut weight by losing water weight before rehydrating and winning my matches. Over time, I developed my own notation and recording system to track my weight and workout routines. I became obsessed with measuring controlled variables like rest intervals and the number of days between identical sessions. I quickly realized that measuring in and of itself made me more aware of my decisions, which had many positive downstream ramifications.
Importance of Data and Actionable Information
Question: Tim, what did you learn from tracking your workouts, and how has it helped you in other areas of your life?
Answer: Well, measuring my workouts helped me to understand the concept of minimal effective doses. This means finding the smallest dose of an activity or supplement that will produce the desired outcome. It’s about avoiding overwhelming individuals with too many action items. Additionally, I experimented with many methods to gather data, including using modern devices like the Dexcom 7 device for continuous glucose monitoring. However, I found that there is a gap between having data and having actionable information. I prefer using tools like the Lyft app and the Nike Fuel Band, which are intuitive and easily graspable by people who are not self-identified quantifiers.
Tracking for Personal Growth
Question: The concept of self-tracking can be seen as obsessive or even stigmatized. Can you speak to the potential barriers that people have when it comes to self-tracking?
Answer: Yes, there is a potential stigma attached to self-tracking. Some may say that it’s obsessive, but I disagree. Measuring is a way to become more aware of ourselves, and we often measure things we care about, like finances, time and relationships. I also think that tracking can help us solve problems and find patterns that we can’t see with naked eyes. For example, I once tracked what I ate and how it affected my excretion as part of my quest for fatness. This tracking enabled me to identify triggers that I would have never found otherwise.
Future of Self-Tracking
Question: Can you share any future projects that you’re working on in the self-tracking arena?
Answer: Sure, I’m always looking for new areas to track. Currently, I’m interested in non-invasive blood glucose monitoring and measuring cognitive function. I’ve been working with 23andMe to help track my ancestry, but I’m also interested in tracking fertility metrics. In the future, we might all be wearing continuous blood glucose monitors that help us make real-time decisions about what to eat and when to exercise.
Simplifying the Presentation of Data
Question: With so much data available, how do you simplify the presentation of data to make it accessible to a wider audience?
Answer: I think it’s crucial to simplify the presentation of data to make it more accessible. We’re very visual creatures, so I believe that visualization can help people to better understand their data. The Lyft app and the Nike Fuel Band are great examples of tools that make data accessible by using simple and intuitive visual designs. When it comes to my work, I always try to frame messages in a way that attracts people’s attention. Success in this arena requires addressing people’s objections and concerns, encouraging self-tracking, and tapping into people’s desire to achieve specific outcomes, such as six-pack abs.
Reflection on Success
Question: Your books and the movement around them have been very successful. What do you believe is the key factor to this success?
Answer: I think my success is due to a few key factors. First, I address people’s objections when it comes to self-tracking. I offer a different perspective that can change the way people think about self-tracking. Secondly, I encourage people to experiment and try new things. Finally, I tap into people’s desire to achieve specific outcomes, like six-pack abs. I believe success is not just about hard work and discipline but also about making people feel good about themselves.
