To quantify something, comes from the Latin word quantum, the word for amount or measure.  There are numerous ways to measure practically anything now days with all the computer technology out there.  But, when I started thinking about this, it reminded me of an older technology called biofeedback that I have used for years in physical therapy with my patients.  To put it simply, in therapy, we use it to detect and measure how much a muscle is contracting under the surface of the skin.  The patient gets feedback on a monitor, whereby they can see and hear how much muscle activity is occurring.  They use this feedback to learn either, to incorporate more muscle fibers firing, or in the instance of spasm, to relax more of the muscle fibers. I can’t tell you how many patients have told me, “I didn’t realize that muscle was so weak”, until they were able to see and hear the feedback monitor.

Many businesses and individuals spend a lot of time measuring things and collecting data.  They measure workers’ production, income/expenses, and customer satisfaction via surveys, just to name a few.  As individuals, perhaps we measure what we eat in calories, how much weight we lift at the gym and how many repetitions or how we invest our money.  So, while quantifying or measuring is obviously a very important first step, I think that what we do with all this information is just as important.

If you think about the ways we learn, there are visual, auditory and tactile learning styles.  Biofeedback is the perfect combination of these three-you see the graph move on the monitor, you hear a tone go up or down as the muscle contracts and relaxes, and of course, you feel the muscle squeezing or relaxing.  But most of us don’t have biofeedback machines sitting around at home.  So how do we create a lasting change after we have taken the measurements and analyzed the data?  Well, it has to go back to how we learn and incorporating and implementing those things to make a change.

Whatever it is you are looking to change, set up visual cues or reminders. For example, if your goal is to eat better, take a photo of your plate when you consciously choose a healthy meal. Perhaps, set this photo as a screensaver or phone background.  Every time you’re at your computer or use your phone, you will see the great job you did choosing a healthy meal. The more you see it, the more your subconscious will kick in and you will start to choose foods that resemble this more often.  Visual feedback will help direct you forward to your goal of eating more healthy.

Just as sight is a very powerful tool in modifying our actions, what we hear can be equally as important.  I’m sure you have heard the story of the kid who was told he was stupid, over and over again?  Most likely, he believed it and it became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Words and sounds are very powerful.  If you have collected data on starting a new business, let’s say, and feel confident that the numbers and your game plan are solid, but… maybe you listen to the TV news or talk-radio constantly.  Hearing negative messages about the economy, corruption and crime, and about how others are suffering, will only add fear and paralysis to you implementing your business plan.  You need to hear positive messages and affirmations daily to keep your plan moving forward. MorningCoach is a great example of auditory reinforcement to keep you on track to make a change in the direction you desire.

Finally, what about tactile learning?  Take your collected data and get hands-on with it. We have powerful feedback loops inside our bodies that connect the brain to the muscles.  Want to improve your sports performance, maybe in golf?  Get a swing analysis, then break down the components and practice it over and over and over again. Your muscles will adjust and create a new muscle memory and feedback loop with the brain. Before you know it, your swing improves.

These are just a few examples of all the ways you can use feedback learn to change your outcome and results. While measuring is indeed necessary, don’t forget to do something with those measurements.  Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis.  Use visual, auditory and tactile feedback to take action and thereby improve your data.  This is how you can stay consistent on reaching your goals, whatever they may be.

Traci Vincent