Having goals is a good thing. But the current trend of self-monitoring, whether through time trackers such as Toggl or fitness trackers such as Fitbit, means we’re constantly evaluating ourselves — the sales we make, the hours we work, or the miles we run. Overmonitoring can get tiring and cause us to lose sight of what really matters. Avoid this trap by taking a more humane approach:
- Assess yourself. If you’re constantly measuring what you’re doing and feeling uneasy about things you actually want to do, it’s time to loosen up.
- Reevaluate the why. Think about whether you’re monitoring habits because they work for you or because it’s what you think you should do.
- Disappoint people. Don’t get overwhelmed by all the things people expect you to do and be. Let some of them go.
- Be brave. Stop looking at your self-worth as a scorecard.
Adapted from "The Perils of Overmonitoring Your Behavior and Goals," by Elizabeth Grace Saunders
