In the age of data-driven everything, the allure of optimization is hard to resist. From sleep scores to workout metrics, we’re inundated with numbers that promise to quantify our well-being. But what if these numbers are not just reflective but also directive, influencing how we actually feel?
Consider the “nocebo” effect, the evil twin of the placebo effect. While a placebo can make you feel better through positive expectations, a nocebo can make you feel worse through negative ones. If you wake up to a sub-par sleep score, your day might already feel ruined, regardless of how you actually slept. It’s a compelling example of how psychology can override physiology.
This is a cautionary tale for those of us in the health and fitness industry. While metrics can be incredibly useful, they can also be misleading or even harmful. It’s like hiking with a GPS that sometimes leads you off the trail. Sure, it’s mostly reliable, but when it’s not, you could end up lost or, worse, in danger.
So, the next time you’re tempted to obsess over a score or metric, remember that your perception of that number can be as impactful as the number itself. It’s not just about the data; it’s about how the data makes you feel. And sometimes, the healthiest choice might be to ignore the numbers and listen to your body instead.
This resonates with me because I’ve seen how the psychology of metrics can impact not just performance but also self-perception. A good score can boost your confidence, but a bad one can do the opposite, even if it’s not an accurate reflection of your well-being.
Read more at: The Case Against Optimizing - by Brady Holmer
Go one level up : Body MOC You may also be interested in: Overoptimizing Burning out and working out