There is a truism that what we count matters. Where and when we have clear metrics, it is easier for us to place value. The problem is that some things are harder to count than others.
Diet and exercise are two areas that are relatively easy to track, and where counting really matters. Every day, for example, my smart watch tracks my health through established benchmarks (steps, minutes of exercise, standing time).
It turns out that when my watch tracks these metrics, I actually adjust my behaviors to reach set benchmarks. In other words, my watch counts my steps and that supports my long-term health. This counting adds value to my life and really matters.
At the same time, we need to value intangibles. Intangibles like family, friendship, contributions to our communities, and our spiritual / religious commitments defy easy measurement. Yet they add essential meaning and value to our lives. As Albert Einstein said:
“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.”
Arguably the most important decision that a person can make is how to spend their discretionary time.
How we choose to spend our time shows what matters most to us. How many hours of your day are within your total control? And how do you spend that time.
Every day we make choices. What are yours?
What are you counting?
Your Second-Middle Age: 