Have a Plan Newsletter

Track Health, Lead Better

I believe it’s a crucial part of my productivity and overall happiness, which, in turn, positively impacts the business I manage.

I often check my temperature when I have the flu or a virus. This is a way to gather data and track how fever reducers work — how quickly the medicine kicks in and how long the effect lasts. I do this because information is the foundation of success today.

I measure and track as much as I can. I keep a log in Notion where I record my illnesses, including the dates, symptoms, whether I saw a doctor, and medications I took. For each case, I add a small note with critical details—just the most essential things that might help me in the future.

I started keeping this log when COVID hit the world, and I was terrified. When I’m scared, I create a new table and try to systematize and structure everything I can.

In a world full of chaos, much can actually be structured, and health is one of those areas. While it involves many uncertainties and miracles, it also has a lot of concreteness and evidence-based medicine.

I usually recover quickly from illnesses in a few days and let my body handle them independently. But this time was different. I raised the alarm and went to the doctor, getting the treatment I needed on time.

This practice teaches me to collect data and listen to my body constantly. How do I feel? How does my body respond to different life conditions, vaccines, or climate changes?

Knowing all this, I can better care for myself. I can rest before I overdo it, notice the first signs of illness sooner, and react faster. When I go to the doctor for a check-up, I review my notes to highlight what’s most important to me. I know my body’s strengths and weaknesses and how much it can handle when I treat it with care.

I know when I’ll start feeling better and when I’ll be able to get back to my routine. I can plan my time based on how my body responds.

It might sound a bit crazy, but when I share this with my friends, I often hear that people keep similar logs for their children.

Interesting. Why? To collect data, analyze it, and care for them better. So why don’t we all do for ourselves what we do for our kids?

Today, I encourage you to think about how to care for your body better. The first skill every leader needs is the ability to lead themselves. Provide your body with maximum comfort and care. Recharge regularly so you have the energy for bold decisions, challenges, and the stresses of running a business.

When you have that energy, every challenge will feel exciting and engaging — not draining and overwhelming.

Start keeping a health journal today by recording your symptoms and the medications you take if you’re currently ill.

If you’re healthy, begin by tracking basic metrics like sleep and weekly activity levels. While your phone or fitness tracker does this for you, make it a habit to transfer this data into a dedicated note or table every morning.