I need you to make a saving throw against Spreadsheets. What's your Graph Paper modifier?
Most of our characters have attributes that we can track, modify, or define. Rolling up characters and determining their skill point allocation is, for some of us, the high point of a tabletop adventure. As our little minions progress through their quests and level up (or whatever the equivalent term is for a given game), they will hopefully become more powerful, more skilled, and generally better at what they do. They also learn how to do more things.
Character development. It’s what’s for dinner.
We kind of hope that you see us here at SG HQ as that handy NPC who sends you on quests in to improve your +STR, +STA, and maybe +INT and +WIS, not to mention pick up some new skills and maybe some shiny stuff. And by shiny stuff, I’m not talking about Mike’s head.
But how are you going to know how much progress the creature known as “You” is making if you don’t have a character sheet?
An occupational hazard of being a geek is a probable affinity for statistics. Does the dagger with the faster attack speed do more or less damage than the mace with the damage modifier? Break out the calculator. How many rounds does it take to drop that mob with each weapon you can equip? Check the reference table.
How much lighter, stronger or faster have you gotten since you started your fitness program?
*crickets*
Uh huh. That’s what I thought.
If nothing else, even if you’ve only got one goal in mind, knowing where you’re coming from allows you to see your progress. This lets you gauge (and learn) what works, and what might not be as effective, so you can get the most out of your effort. Weight Watchers keeps it low-key, with nothing fancier than a weekly weigh-in. Knowing that’s on the agenda as part of your progress record might be all it takes to maintain discipline. Plus, there’s the satisfaction of watching the numbers go in the direction you want them due to your own effort and dedication.
For folks of a slightly more statistics-flavored bent, well… getting into a fitness routine is an opportunity to indulge. You can even make graphs if you’re so inclined. Want to track body measurements to see how soon you’ll need new pants, or empirically prove what those curls are doing for your arms? Shooting for a personal record on a certain lift? Want to run a sub-35 5k? All of the above? Go nuts.
However, this statistical orgy does come with a small caveat: most of these numbers don’t move quickly, especially the body composition ones (other than weight, and even that fluctuates a little), so you don’t want to obsess about measuring them daily, or even weekly, for the most part. Monthly is a pretty good interval — third Saturday of the month, first payday, or the first according to the calendar — go with whatever works for you.
Watch those numbers move, and know that you’re the reason why. Better, faster, stronger, more confident… That sounds like a recipe for +CHA.
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