The Power of Observation

The mere act of observing and tracking habits can change behaviour.

Take food journaling as a simple example of this. Research shows that when people diarise what they eat over a set period of time, even without a goal of counting calories or macros (for weight loss purposes for example), dietary outcomes are better compared to those who don’t. Meaning, those to track their habits tend to change their habits for the better just from the simple act of observation.

James Clear says that “tracking is a different form of vision”. It can make the invisible, visible. There are obvious examples of this like making one’s biochemistry visible through blood tests, blood sugar visible through glucose monitors, bone density visible through scans, and so on. But tracking can also make daily habits that don’t serve us well more visible, like not drinking enough water, not eating regularly or over-doing sweets.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had clients tell me “It was such an eye opener looking back through the food journal you asked me to do! I had no idea I was doing ‘X’ habit so much!” If you can visualise your patterns and habits, you have insight into how best to start to change those patterns.

Can you give your body and mind some extra attention (without self-criticism or judgement!) this week?

Can you pay closer attention to some niggling symptoms? Your mood? Your water intake? Your sleep habits? Your bowel motions? Your energy levels? Or perhaps you can write down what you’re eating and drinking for a week??

Paying attention to your body, mind and habits is a cheap and fascinating exercise that more often than not, is a catalyst for positive change.