You Get What You Measure
The Hawthorne Effect.
It may seem obvious to you that our behaviors change when we are observed. Your interpretation of “change” may be positive, negative, or neutral.
That observation may be from external, or internal. It could be as simple as sitting close to your boss at work. Do you think you are more or less productive sitting in close proximity to a supervisor?
The same applies to our fitness and nutrition. The observation could be internal or external.
The simple act of tracking your meals daily imposes this observation, although internal. What’s interesting is the positive effect of eating an appropriate amount of calories isn’t the only reason you are likely to hit your physique goals, regardless of if you are trying to gain or lose weight. For example, let’s say you are in a 500 Cal deficit per day. Obviously, the result over a few weeks should be the loss of a couple pounds of body weight. But the act of tracking also holds you accountable. You see every day what you put in your body. We’re less likely to cheat when we know at the end of the day we’ll see a red number at the end.
The same applies to the external. You hire a coach, either in person or online. You could do the EXACT same training with and without the coach - and it is likely you will perform better with the coach. It’s not just the act (of eating, training, doing mobility, sleeping). The overwatch induces a modification in your behavior whether you realize it or not.
Side note - Lee and I love coaching. We have a couple slots open this month if you would like to hop on a call.
Elton Mayo actually ran the study at Hawthorne Works, resulting in the name of the phenomenon. In a letter from Mayo in 1929, he wrote “The change which you and your associates are working to effect will not be mechanical but humane.” Mayo actually ran the study at Hawthorne Works, resulting in the name of the phenomenon. This was groundbreaking at that time period, even though it may seem obvious to you now. This was in the scope of workplace productivity. The "Mechanical" refers to the previous, traditional view of management that treated workers almost like machines - focusing on efficiency, rigid rules, and treating all workers the same. The "Humane" indicated a new approach that recognizes workers as human beings with individual needs, emotions, and social dynamics.
Again, the same applies to health and fitness. It is difficult to view individuals as machines that just eat, sleep, and workout. Rigid rules and efficiency may work for David Goggins, but even Goggins takes into account the humane side of individual needs and emotions. Especially with coaching - we have to understand what actually motivates people, account for their life circumstances, and make it as easy as possible to stay consistent.
Of course the simple act of “watching” from a coach plays a massive role in coaching overall. And that is a real world implementation of the Hawthorne Effect.
The point being - whether you hire a coaching or you simply write down and track your actions - you will massively benefit from subtle behavioral changes as a result of this observation.
“You get what you measure” is a phrase that’s existed for a while, and for good reason. This is not just health and fitness, but I love that a lot of sociological reason applies to it. You may have dozed off in your gen-eds in college, but at least take this away. You can introduce observation by simply writing things down every day. Track your workouts (shoutout app.acidgambit.com), write down your food (in a journal, myfitnesspal, carbon diet app, etc), and you will have noticeable improvements over time.
Thank you for coming to my ted talk.
Happy Wednesday.
DISCLAIMER
This is not Legal, Medical, or Financial advice. Please consult a medical professional before starting any workout program, diet plan, or supplement protocol.