Chapter 1: Understanding Personal Patterns

The concept of persistence has inspired a multitude of topics for discussion, leading me to refine my focus to avoid overwhelming you with an abundance of content on this theme. While I believe that persistence is most clearly reflected in concrete achievements such as writing and facilitation, I want to introduce another equally significant aspect that may not seem as engaging: the careful examination and reflection on our everyday lives.

To elaborate, for the past decade, I have been committed to diligently tracking my daily routines. Initially, this was done manually in my journals, where I would record various metrics such as my daily step count, mood, energy levels, work hours, personal time, dietary choices, and weight.

As technology advanced, much of this tracking became automated. I no longer needed to manually log these details, thanks to various applications designed for this purpose. One such app, Exist.io, was developed by two programmers who envisioned a platform that could not only compile the data being tracked but also provide insightful analysis while ensuring user privacy. Their premise was that by having access to our data in a structured manner, we could identify correlations and connections that would help us better understand our behavior and implement necessary changes.

This innovation was transformative for me. I was able to consolidate all my information to gain a comprehensive view of my habits. This holistic perspective revealed real-time data and patterns that prompted deeper self-reflection.

While this might not seem significant to some, it was a game-changer for me. I quickly recognized the benefits of monitoring my data and extracting insights from it. In fact, this approach proved so impactful that I was able to present my findings to my doctors regarding my Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). How did I achieve this? By tracking weather patterns (which the app facilitated) alongside my recorded moods, energy levels, and productivity—an integration between my time management software and the app—I was able to construct a clear narrative of my experiences during the winter months.

Was this knowledge entirely new to me? Not at all. I had long suspected this connection; however, the data validated my intuition. Armed with this evidence, I was able to approach my doctor and ask, "Here’s what I’ve observed; what are your thoughts?" More importantly, I now had the option to either ignore this information or actively seek ways to modify my circumstances.

Consequently, I sought methods to elevate my mood and energy throughout the winter. I began utilizing LED lamps, adjusting my schedule to allow for more rest, and incorporating additional physical activity to boost my energy levels. I also turned to my journal more deeply during these months to counteract the pervasive feelings of depression that often accompanied my "wintering" periods.

And it worked. I can pinpoint the moment I began applying these changes and how they positively influenced my data patterns. Rather than seeing a correlation between winter weather and declining mood, energy, and productivity, I began to notice an upward trend instead. After two years of implementing these strategies, my data no longer indicated a sharp drop in my moods or energy; instead, I maintained levels comparable to those I experienced in the fall and spring.

Had I not been persistent in tracking and analyzing my data, I might have fallen into a cycle of despair without attempting to enhance my quality of life. Looking at this more broadly, I can say that the positive changes I made had a ripple effect on other aspects of my life. Before these adjustments, my creativity had suffered tremendously, which was another data point I could analyze. It became clear that the months I felt low coincided with the lowest word counts in my writing and a stark decline in completed projects.

However, after implementing my changes, my data told a different tale. Not only did my efforts to improve my quality of life succeed, but they also transformed my creative output during those challenging months. This past winter, I completed some of my most cherished projects, including work on the publication of "Forged in Fire." I was able to accomplish tasks that I had previously reserved for the summer, a time when I typically felt more energized.

Another noteworthy observation was the correlation between days dedicated to self-care—whether reading, soaking in a bath, or journaling—and significant improvements in my mood, energy levels, sleep quality, and productivity. Was this groundbreaking information? Not really. I had always known this intuitively, but now I had the confirmation I needed to prioritize daily reading in my life.

With the data at hand, I can confidently say that reading makes me a better version of myself. Thus, I have taken steps to establish clear boundaries around these priorities, making them non-negotiable, and the data reinforces how influential these efforts have been.

All these beneficial changes further validate why tracking my data is essential to my life and why I must remain committed to this practice. Weekly and daily, I receive a comprehensive overview of my progress through my data dashboard.

I enjoy being able to view this data in real time. Does it always provide pleasant insights? Not necessarily. However, it consistently delivers the information I need. For instance, I can see that I have been more proactive about physical activity (evidenced by an increase in steps) but less consistent with my sleep schedule (reflected in my sleep metrics).

Sometimes, I discover correlations that are unexpectedly positive. My husband enjoys pointing these out to me frequently! 🤣

I could easily dismiss this data and move on. Alternatively, I could choose to take deliberate action based on what I observe. Ultimately, it comes down to whether I want to make changes to influence my well-being. Do I care enough about this data point to adjust my actions for improvement?

There are times when the answer is affirmative and times when it is not. But the decision is mine to make.

I've had numerous friends express skepticism regarding my dedication to tracking all this information. I've heard comments like:

"It seems like a waste of time?"

"I'm not sure I would see the same results as you."

"Doesn't it become cumbersome to keep track of everything?"

To these, I respond: It's not a waste of time if you are willing to analyze the data and act on it. It would be a significant waste if I documented all this information without any follow-up action. The essence of tracking is to uncover correlations, connections, and patterns.

Of course, your results may differ from mine, as they are inherently personal. Your outcomes depend on the information you provide and how consistently you track it. I assure you that if you focus on what matters to you, you will see correlations arise, prompting deeper contemplation about why the data appears as it does.

Finding the ideal balance in my tracking—determining which aspects can be automated and which require manual input—has made data collection a seamless part of my daily routine. It has become so integrated into my life that I no longer find it burdensome. The rewards of my persistence have made it a natural practice.

Ultimately, what you choose to persist in is what truly matters and shapes how you feel about your life. If I were indifferent to my health and well-being, my commitment to tracking data might seem pointless. If I were uninterested in questioning my lifestyle, the data would hold no significance for me.

But I do care, and I find this practice immensely beneficial and fulfilling. Therefore, I remain steadfast in my efforts.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Data Tracking on Well-Being

The first video, Food Power: Exploring Patterns in Our Personal Resilience, delves into how understanding our behavior can foster resilience in our daily lives. It highlights the importance of recognizing patterns and making informed choices for personal growth.

The second video, Exploring Jungian Archetypes Personally and Professionally, offers insights into how archetypes influence our behaviors and decisions both personally and professionally. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own patterns and how they can harness this understanding for self-improvement.