Metrics are an important part of goal tracking. Prefer progressive over regressive measurements.
Regressive measurements evaluate whether a baseline has been met; they do not capture incremental improvements and can hide a lack of forward progress. Progressive measures, on the other hand, quantify tangible advancements in performance, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement. This has a big psychological impact.
Let me give you an example.
If I'm training to improve my mile time from 7 minutes to 6 minutes, merely measuring the number of times I beat 7 minutes would be an ineffective approach. Such a stagnant and regressive measurement would allow me to run a 6:58 mile for months on end without providing me an insight into how far my efforts were propelling me. It could demoralize me; making me question if I’d squandered my time attempting the impossible.
Instead, if I’d employed progressive measurements that track my actual mile times, a plateau at 6:15 would signal to me that I had reached the gains from the current training regiment. At that point, I could choose to either revisit how realistic a goal I’d set or examine what I would need to change to hit it. Either way, I’d be pumped knowing I was now running a 6:15; something I haven’t done since college.
Progressive measurements are proactive and promote ongoing enhancement, while regressive measurements are reactive and simply evaluate whether a predetermined level has been attained. The former fosters a growth mindset and sustains motivation, while the latter risks complacency and potential demoralization.