Beyond the Data: Harnessing Human Perception and Machine Precision
Navigating the Balance Between Human Insight and Data-Driven Decision Making.
Hello Friends, and a very Happy New Year to you all! I hope the post-holiday blues haven't hit you too hard and that you're feeling enthusiastic about the year ahead. This month, I'm busy mapping out my personal speaking and travel schedule, as well as developing some exciting new classes I can't wait to share with you.
I'm looking forward to connecting and sharing more with each of you in the coming year.
Until then, enjoy this month's content and remember to keep that spark of curiosity alive!
Warm regards,
Sadie
Beyond the Data
While we humans absorb millions of bits of data from our senses to our brains, our perception of the world is surprisingly limited. This is due, in part, to our senses filtering out a vast amount of information (for example, we only see a fraction of the light spectrum), and also because our brains compress much of the data we receive into heuristics for efficient storage and retrieval.
Understanding these key aspects of brain function is crucial in determining tasks best suited for humans versus those better handled by computers. Machines excel in processing more data and experiences than humans are capable of handling. This is why adopting a "data-driven" approach can be challenging for us, as it requires a shift in our thinking.
The most challenging aspect of being data-driven lies not in how to measure, but in knowing what to measure.
Take personal goals, such as weight loss. It might be tempting to focus solely on the daily scale numbers, but these are just outcomes and can be slow to change and misleading. A more effective approach is to monitor caloric intake and expenditure. This strategy provides a clearer path to your goal, as maintaining a consistent calorie deficit will inevitably lead to weight loss.
The same principle applies in the business world. Consider the goal of boosting sales. While increased sales are the ultimate aim, they result from a combination of factors such as product or service quality, customer engagement, and effective messaging. Focusing only on the final goal can obscure the necessary steps to achieve it.
The solution lies in reverse analysis. Start with your desired outcome and work backward, identifying and tracking all the influencing factors. This approach offers a more comprehensive perspective, enabling quicker adjustments and strategic decision-making. In essence, it's about measuring the journey, not just the destination.
How I Approach My Yearly Planning
As someone who's passionate about planning, my approach to yearly planning may seem a bit unconventional. Twice a year, in January and July, I dedicate time to jot down my lifetime, three-year, and one-year aspirations. Alongside these, I also define the mindset I aim to maintain throughout the year, setting personal, relational, and business goals.
At the start of each month, I revisit these long-term aspirations and outline a few key actions I plan to take that month to inch closer to them. This monthly plan then breaks down further into weekly objectives. Each week, I select a handful of these monthly goals to focus on. And daily, I reflect on my weekly objectives to create a small, manageable task list for the day. I’ve found that realistically, I can complete about 2-3 significant tasks per day.
What I love about this method is its flexibility and kindness. If a day doesn't go as planned, it's okay. Each new day is another opportunity to try again. This approach keeps me aligned with my larger goals while allowing room for adjustments along the way.
I encourage you to try this method, or let me know if you do and how it works for you!