Level Up
A few months back I read a particularly pithy comic on xkcd.com which gave me one of those lightening bolt moments. If I’m willing to spend hours on hours on a video game so that I can improve the strength, agility, wit, etc. of a character in a game, why is it so hard to get off my dead ass and do the same in real life?
A few years ago I unknowingly found the answer to this question when I started using the integrated Nike + ipod system in order to track how far I was running in preparation for running the Indy 500 Mini-Marathon. The result of this purchase was that I went from un-motivated (and unable to run more than 2 miles without a near death encounter) to nightly runs of 5-6 miles on hilly terrain. Initially, I attributed my success to the fact that I was driven to complete the Mini(I have since signed up for the mini and failed to run) when the reality was I was able to see myself leveling up on my computer screen every night. This machination of my bodily statistics provided motivation beyond anything I could imagine. The difference between going out and running in a circle, and striving to watch my character(me) run further, faster and with less fatigue was the motivation I needed. As much as I’d like to pretend the feeling of accomplishment after a run or the abstract knowledge I was getting in better shape is enough to keep me going, it’s a crock.
I had to see data. Cold, hard facts and figures to prove that today’s Mark could beat the crap out of yesterday’s Mark. If there was only one level of character in World of Warcraft
Hell no.
Feelings are fleeting and hard to understand. Just look at how the internet has cashed in on dating with algorithms that predict you will love someone. Even these “scientifically” proven algorithms manage to make users inclined to believe the outcome. Because, data would never lie. We have been taught that numbers mean facts, and I like everyone else buys into this whether they like it or not.
Therefore, embrace the numbers! If you want to achieve a goal in life make your self a data slave. Emulate that grade grubbing punk-ass premed who will sell their soul to get another point on their homework. It is the path to success.
Which is why I have purchased the Zeo Mobile Sleep Manager cause an EEG to quantify my sleep is freaking cool, and data is king. A review will be written on my path to becoming a level 10 sleep warlock.
Cheers,
Mark
