Why Scales Are Helpful: Gaining Perspective and Tracking Progress

By: Michael Beiter

As humans, we often tend to think in extremes. We either consider something perfect or terrible, with no room for anything in between. This thinking can be detrimental, especially regarding our health and wellness. That's where scales, ranges, continuums, and other assessments are helpful.

Scales allow us to see the relative value of something. For example, where would it fall if you were to rate your sleep quality on a scale of 1 to 10? This disrupts all-or-nothing thinking and allows for a more nuanced understanding of your experience. It also helps you to consider what might have made your sleep better or worse.

Additionally, scales help us to determine tasks based on comparative difficulty. If you're trying to establish a new habit, such as exercising every day, it's helpful to consider how easy or difficult it will be. Aim for something that is 9 out of 10 easy so that you're sure you can do it.

Tracking progress is another important aspect of using scales. It benefits intangible health factors, such as energy levels or mood. You can see how you're improving over time by rating these things on a scale. For example, if you placed your energy level as a 3 out of 10 last week, and it's now a 6 out of 10, that's a significant improvement!

To gain perspective, it's essential to think about the best and worst scores on the scale. For example, if you're rating your overall health and fitness, you might consider how much healthier and fitter you are than 0 (with 0 being dead). When you think that dead is one end of the spectrum, even the worst health habits seem good by comparison.

Finally, using scales can help to start a dialogue about why we score ourselves the way we do. If you notice that your mood is much better this week, take some time to consider what might have contributed to that. By asking questions and reflecting on your experiences, you can continue to improve and grow in all aspects of your life.

In conclusion, scales are a helpful tool for gaining perspective, tracking progress, and starting meaningful conversations. By using them regularly, you can develop a more nuanced understanding of your experiences and continue to grow and improve in all areas of your life.