Upon reflecting on my recent self-measurement routine, I’ve concluded that some adjustments are in order. My original blueprint entailed a monthly self-measurement, but upon further inspection, I’ve recognized certain imperfections in that plan.
To be specific, there’s always a margin of error in measurements, especially if taken infrequently. Such errors, though minor, can accumulate over time and offer a skewed view. Therefore, the more frequently I collect data, the more accurate my averages will be, as they’ll iron out these tiny inconsistencies.
I’ve decided to transition to a weekly measurement schedule with this realization. Not only will this give me a more precise understanding of my progress, but it’ll also spread out the task, making each session less burdensome. However, rather than trying to measure my entire body in one go each week, I’ll distribute the task throughout the week.
Here’s the game plan: On every run day, I’ll measure two specific parts of my body. This structured approach ensures I don’t get overwhelmed by the task and can gradually become more adept at the process. As for Saturdays, they’ll be my catch-up days. Should I miss out on any measurements during the week, Saturdays will allow me to make up for it.
I believe that this revised approach strikes a harmonious balance. Each measuring session will be shorter, making it more manageable. Moreover, the regularity will enhance accuracy and aid in making the process second nature to me. The more frequently I measure, the more proficient I’ll become, reducing the likelihood of errors and increasing comfort with the process.
In the grand scheme, it’s always wise to reassess and adjust our strategies as we gather more insights. This updated measurement routine will serve me better, offering more accurate data and a smoother experience.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of self-awareness and continuous improvement.
About a month ago, I watched an interesting YouTube video about a memo skill to solve your problems. The video introduced a book written by Yuji Akaba, who graduated from Stanford University and worked as a consultant with McKenzie for 14 years. The direct translation will be zero-second thinking. When I heard the title, I was skeptical. How can we find the solution to a problem in zero seconds because the only thing that can solve a problem that fast is a robot or computer? So, I was listening to the video for my entertainment.
He explains some people are never able to solve their problems. Those people will react to their situations in three patterns:
The first pattern is to ignore and endure the situation.
The second pattern is to sit with the problem with an uneasy feeling.
The third pattern is to think about the solution; however, not acting on it.
Despite there being three patterns, all people who use them sit with the problems. Thus, they all reach the same result – they all sit with the trouble forever.
Akaba explains this. There is an approach to solve our problems.
You receive the information or fact
You have felt toward the information or fact
You contemplate on the information or fact
You organize the thought
You create a hypothesis or find the solutions to the problem
You solve the problem
People with the first pattern stop at the first step. This type of person does not try to understand their feelings or ignores them when receiving the information. So, they stay with the issue. For example, they are told by the doctor that they have a weight problem. They may feel something about it, but they will ignore their feeling. They sit with the situation without doing anything about it.
People with the second pattern cannot go beyond the second step. They have the information. They acknowledge their feeling about the information; however, they will sit with the sentiment. For example, they are told that they have a weight problem by their doctors. They may be angry at themselves or doctors that telling them they have a weight problem. They may be anxious because they may get health problems. These people worry about many issues; however, they also do not do anything about the problems.
People with the third pattern also cannot go beyond the second step. After they have the information, they acknowledge the feeling toward the information. They think about their problem, but they will stop there. They will think about it. For example, they found about their weight problem. They don’t like it. So, they will think about why they have the weight problem. They may research how to lose weight, but they stop there.
Organizing Our thoughts:
Smarter people can organize their thoughts. After finding out about a weight problem, they go beyond thinking about their weight problems. They identify the root causes of the issue. Then, they create hypotheses that they may be overeating or exercising too little. So, they make a goal to lose weight by creating a calorie deficit by exercising or eating less. They develop strategies to create a calorie deficit. They even think about any possible obstacles they may face. Some people even think about how to overcome those barriers.
Competent people put their strategies or plans into action. These people clear their controllable problems. These people can use the new information to innovate something new.
According to Akaba, we are stuck at the 3rd step because we don’t organize our thoughts. More competent people will go through the subsequent steps. People like Akaba, who a consultant from a vast consulting firm is. I imagine he could be consulted about many issues from his clients. He would need to deal with the problems promptly in the right way. Over the 14 years of working at McKenzie, he developed a memo technique.
If you want to acquire the skill to solve your problem, please exercise the memo technique he invented. If you want to acquire the skill to solve your problem, please exercise the memo technique he invented. There is no need to reinvent the method.
You will need the following:
A4 or letter size paper
Translucent Poly File Folders
White Label sticker for the clear file folders
A clipboard
Write down the following categories on the label stickers. (I used the below labeling, but you can create your labels. Just keep it to 5-7 categories.
Future
Communication
Teamwork
Information
Idea
Memo Steps
You will write one idea per page. Put the title in the left-hand corner. Put the date in the right-hand corner. One page can contain one idea. Summarize the one idea in 4-6 sentences. You do write ten pages every day.
Memo Format: A4 or Letter Size (Landscape)
2. Every night, you file them in the clear file folders you made earlier. For example, if you think up a new idea during the day, the page is in the new idea folder.
3. Put them aside and review them in three months and then again in six months.
Important things to Remember
Only one idea per page
It is essential to use a physical paper and write it down. Don’t do this process on a PC or mobile device.
The paper orientation must be landscape so that your ideas can expand easier.
Use A4 or Letter size paper. You can expand your ideas better with a wider page.
Write and draw. Don’t limit yourself to using only words.
Use Large fonts.
Write down the idea as soon as you are able
Spend only 1 minute per page.
When you exercise this memo technique, you start worrying or thinking about the same things – money, Work, Family, Friends, etc. By categorizing your thought, you can push yourself beyond the 3rd step. When you review the files in three months and six months, you notice that you worked on ideas or issues. You start to see the log of how you dealt with your problems. So, you will gain confidence.
Discussion
When I found out the technique, I thought. “what’s the hell….”. What kind of person would do thing this every day?
I know I do struggle going beyond the 3rd step. What am I going to lose from this? I will probably lose nothing from doing this. So, I followed his memo technique. I have been writing ten pages every day.
Initially, it was hard. Writing one idea in one minute was hard. I almost ditched this newly acquired habit once because it was hard. But I am still doing this.
I have not passed my first three months yet, so I cannot tell how I feel when reviewing my files. However, I noticed there are some changes in my thought process. My focus toward the idea and worry has shifted from being passive to being active.
I am more focused on my feelings, something I used to ignore or was oblivious about. Once I started paying attention to the little emotions or thoughts, I used to dismiss, the ideas repeatedly appeared on my page. It is interesting to find out how I continually worry about the same thing. So, I started to find the solution so I can get rid of them for good.
I am going to read the actual book which I just ordered from Amazon Japan. I will let you know after three months and six months.
