Measuring Your Inner Metrics - An Engineer's Guide to Personal Growth

AI-generated image created using (DALL·E) with artistic direction and input by Annmarie Bhola

This blog is part of a series exploring themes from Engineered Miracles—an extension of my journey to inspire alignment and transformation personally, professionally, and industry-wide.

Years ago, while working on a high-rise building project, I walked into the engineering workshop in the basement and noticed something odd. The building was newly opened, but the usual hum of machinery was missing. It was subtle, yet I instinctively knew something wasn’t right.

I asked a staff member, “Did the fire alarm go off today?” He gave me a puzzled look, as though I had psychic abilities. He said yes, they had been testing it all day. I continued, “Did anyone go on the roof and reset the corridor supply unit?”

After some investigation, it turned out the equipment hadn’t been reset. The missing hum was a critical clue that the unit was off, and I knew the building's pressure would be out of balance. Later that night, I received another call. Papers were blowing back out of the garbage chute on the upper floors, frustrating residents. I immediately knew the unbalanced air pressure caused the issue and instructed them to go to the roof and reset the corridor unit. This moment underscored the importance of tracking performance and creating fail-safes to prevent breakdowns.

Just as buildings require pressure monitoring to ensure seamless operation, our lives are filled with systems that need regular checks. Whether it’s emotional regulation, physical health, or mental clarity, we can’t improve what we don’t measure.

You Can’t Improve What You Don’t Measure

This principle first hit home during a financial boot camp. My wealth coach made us create a budget—not just track spending, but actively plan where our money would go. Her words, “You can’t improve what you don’t measure,” became my mantra.

The result? I found clarity and control. Tracking my finances not only helped me navigate slow periods in my business but also freed up time to write Engineered Miracles.

The same principle applies to personal growth. When I began using biofeedback tools, I discovered how powerful it is to measure inner metrics. These tools provided real-time data on my coherence and stress levels. Watching those numbers improve through intentional actions reinforced the idea that progress starts with awareness.

Tracking Inner Metrics

Just as engineers monitor system performance, you can track your personal growth with simple tools and metrics. Here’s how to start:

1. Identify What to Measure

Consider these key areas of life:

• Emotional Regulation: Are you managing stress effectively?

• Physical Well-Being: Are you getting enough rest, exercise, and nourishment?

• Mental Clarity: Are your thoughts constructive or self-critical?

2. Use Tools to Track Progress

• Biofeedback: Tools like Muse provide data on coherence and stress.

• Journaling: Reflect on patterns, wins, and areas for improvement.

• Daily Trackers: Use apps or spreadsheets to record habits like meditation, gratitude, or physical activity.

3. Regularly Reflect and Adjust

• Check-Ins: Review metrics weekly or monthly to evaluate progress.

• Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge even small improvements to stay motivated.

• Refine Strategies: Adjust approaches based on what’s working and what’s not.

Aligning Actions with Intentions

When I began tracking my inner metrics, I noticed a profound shift: my actions began aligning with my goals. Here are a few examples:

• Emotional Regulation: Tracking my coherence practices helped me notice triggers and respond thoughtfully instead of reactively.

• Financial Clarity: Creating a budget allowed me to prioritize writing Engineered Miracles without financial stress.

Tracking isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating clarity and accountability. Metrics serve as a bridge between where you are and where you want to be.

Take Action: Build Your Metrics Dashboard

Ready to measure what matters? Here’s a simple framework to get started:

Step 1: Map Your Metrics

• Choose focus areas (e.g., emotional health, financial stability).

• Define specific metrics (e.g., coherence scores, monthly savings).

Step 2: Set Up Tools

• Use Muse for biofeedback and mindfulness tracking.

• Journal or use a habit tracker to log progress.

Step 3: Reflect and Adjust

• Review metrics weekly or monthly to identify patterns.

• Celebrate progress and refine strategies as needed.

Measuring Miracles

The turning point in my journey wasn’t just discovering what to measure—it was realizing that progress begins with awareness. Whether it’s biofeedback, budgeting, or journaling, tracking gives us the tools to create meaningful change.

What metrics could you start tracking today to align with your goals?

Join the Conversation

• What metrics are you tracking? Share your thoughts below.

• Have you used biofeedback tools or other tracking methods? Your experience might inspire future blogs.

• Want to learn more? Stay tuned for workshops and resources on emotional regulation and personal growth.

Let’s create progress and transformation—one metric at a time.

This blog is part of an ongoing series inspired by Engineered Miracles.