## While our forebears depended on their senses to gauge their well-being, we are increasingly turning to technology.

Nowadays, if you have enough curiosity, you can monitor your heart rate, your step count, your workout intensity, and your sleep quality—sometimes all on a single, sleek device.

In optimal scenarios, **these gadgets create a connection between what you feel subjectively and what can be measured objectively.**

Our subjective emotions and evaluations are significant, but they aren’t always the most trustworthy. We humans are generally not adept at quantifying our experiences and actions with objective precision.

Consider a colleague of mine. He thought he was consuming calories within a limited range, but after meticulous tracking, he discovered he was indulging in an extra 500 Calories daily—thanks to barbecue sauce.

Nevertheless, some individuals are more adept at this than others.

Ben Johnson, the Canadian sprinter, reportedly could predict his 100-meter time within a tenth of a second of the stopwatch reading.¹

This is certainly exceptional performance, but it does prompt reflection:

### How proficient are you at self-assessment?

And how can you **enhance your precision through the strategic use of technology—such as fitness trackers—to support better choices regarding your health?**

In the upcoming article, we will explore the aforementioned queries, in addition to addressing:

– **How reliable are data trackers** from the outset?
– **When is tracking beneficial?** (And when is it counterproductive?)
– Can you learn to **more accurately gauge things by intuition?**

Let’s delve into it.

## To begin, how reliable are data trackers, anyway?

**Not all data is created equally.**

Some brands provide superior products compared to others. This encompasses not just the hardware but also the quality of their software and data sets.

Moreover, not all metrics are equally straightforward to quantify.

For instance, heart rate and step-count information is generally dependable,² while numerous other output types—from calories burned to movement speed—can have significant error margins.

The chart below illustrates the trustworthiness of various tracking devices.

(If you’re interested, we discuss the accuracy of different progress indicators in greater detail here: **[Are Fitness Trackers Worth It?](https://www.precisionnutrition.com/are-fitness-trackers-worth-it)**)

## Next, when does tracking prove to be helpful?

The positive aspect: Tracking devices provide us with an unprecedented amount of data about our behaviors and bodies.

The negative aspect: Tracking devices provide us with an unprecedented amount of data about our behaviors and bodies.

“What’s truly fascinating,” states Samantha Kleinberg, a computer scientist focused on decision-making, “is that even a small amount of excess information can significantly impede our decision-making.”³

This is the dilemma of tracking: **Insufficient detail complicates the right decision, but excessive detail does as well.**

This can be visualized as an inverted U, with the optimal point situated at the apex of the curve.

### Nowadays, it’s surprisingly easy to become overwhelmed by information.

Think about the analysis paralysis you experience after sifting through countless reviews of various taco joints in your area. (All you wanted was a decent *el pastor*, but now you’re uncertain which *taqueria* to choose!)

Finding just the right amount of information to make informed decisions is a fine art—especially in health and fitness, where everyone seems to compete in offering more science, greater personalization, and increased complexity.

But when all that information begins to blend together without a clear way forward, what should you do?

To start, you can pose a straightforward question to yourself:

**Does tracking enhance my well-being and performance?**

If the response is a definitive yes or no, you know how to proceed. (Either keep tracking as before, or set aside the gadget and step back.)

If you’re feeling uncertain, here are three indicators to observe to help you evaluate whether tracking is beneficial—or detrimental.

## Sign #1: Tracking alleviates your stress and affirms your method(s).

When Zak’s coach praised the advantages of zone 2 cardio, it seemed reasonable. However, when he hit the pavement, Zak found himself questioning everything. He took pride in his grit and had difficulty believing that something that *felt* easy could also be effective.

Yet, the data was undeniable. Over the weeks, Zak watched his resting heart rate decrease—along with his recovery time from intense runs. With that assurance, Zak began to feel more at ease about the process—and his resting heart rate continued to decline.

Zak hadn’t trusted his feelings, but he *did* trust the data from his heart rate monitor.

Utilizing a tracking device enabled Zak to adjust his perceptions, making them more accurate and realistic.

If you’re a coach with a client like Zak who is high-performing but doesn’t