"Analysis Paralysis"

Although I never started out that way, during my working life I eventually learned to make decisions using data.  One of my favourite expressions was, without data, yours is just another opinion. That being said I encountered lots of people who couldn't make a decision for the life of them without just one more critical piece of information....analysis, paralysis!!

The funny thing is that any initial success I had both technically, and as a manager, was due almost strictly to using my gut instinct.  On top of that I have met people who seemed to achieve success while relying totally on doing what felt right.

I think there is a time and place for both approaches.  

Certainly when you have lots of time, and the subject is well known, than managing with data makes sense.

But, when you're about to turn sixty(time limited) and the subject is your physical health (doctors only know what they think they know), then maybe a little less science is in order.

I considered this when I went out on my run today.  I got all geared up, and was looking forward to getting out there despite the weather.  Then I strapped on my watch.  The watch that tells me my time, my distance, my pace, my heart rate, etc.  I suddenly felt stressed!

But I headed outside to exactly what the weatherman promised.  Freezing rain!  

Before I go to the end of the driveway I decided that the only consideration today was gonna be not getting killed out there! Towards that end I decided to start my watch, but also decided that I wasn't gonna look at it the whole way!  I was just going to run for the joy of it, or perhaps walk for the joy of it, but I was not going to let the data tell me how to feel.  Besides, it was quite enough of an adventure watching where I was stepping, without trying to look at my watch.  

And while I know that by itself it doesn't mean anything (need more date, lol) I really enjoyed my 10 kms.  Of course the weather helped, since bizarre as it may seem, I love running when it's raining and the temp is around freezing.  Of course I don't like the ice, but I find the rest of it exhilarating.  Makes me feel so alive!

So I think it makes sense to stay off the data for a while, or at least while running.  I think I still need it as a motivator when I ride in the basement.  Coincidentally I seem to be having a problem downloading my stuff to the computer so I can't even review it in any detail.  Maybe I just won't worry about fixing that too quickly.

easy run 10 kms

"Data is not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom."---Clifford Stoll

Love

Peter