What gets measured gets done. It is a fairly old adage and a corny truism but definitely worth remembering.

If you are trying to change something or achieve something, setting measurable goals is a really effective way to ensure that your undertaking the right actions, that you’ve selected the correct tactics and even to help you stay motivated.

Unfortunately, it is unfathomably common for us to select the wrong measures. The influence of the media trying to hook us in, companies trying to sell us something or writers trying to promote their books, creates a plethora of mis-information and over-simplified guidance in our search of our chosen outcomes.

Obvious examples can be found in the world of weight and health management. The crude measure of calorific intake and output is often the go-to tool for supporting a weight management regime. In truth, the source of the calorific intake and the relevant nutritional make-up has a huge impact on the effectiveness of calorie management. As does how we burn the calories. Different forms of exercise lead to different in-event and post-event calorific burn. Metabolic health, sex, genetics, age, hormonal balance – these all make a difference in their own way.

The oversimplification found at the results stage of weight management can be even more facile. Using a set of scales to watch the “weight drop off” can lead to a real misrepresentation of progression towards a healthier physique. Muscle is heavier than fat and weight can fluctuate depending on the time of day and our level of hydration.

Such oversimplifications can be found in learning, sleep health, financial health, emotional stability, cognitive function and even dental hygiene (do you brush for 2 minutes?).

Simple tools can be very effective. For some the use of scales and calorie control can be a real benefit to hit goals and we are not suggesting that they should be discounted. Rather, our argument is that measures should be clearly appropriate to what our targets are. The secret to getting this right is research.

Research into the detail allows us to get very specific about appropriate goals. Using a variety of sources and looking for consistency, preferable supported by science or documented experience, will help ensure that we select the right measures to keep our progress effective and rewarding.

Obtaining professional guidance (such as a personal trainer) can be really effective, but check out the bona fides – ensure that you’re selecting someone with the right qualification, experience and that can demonstrate results. Try to ensure that their approach is supported by credible confirmation from different sources.

Don’t give up the measurement, but use the correct one.