Are You in Control of Your Devices or Are They in Control of You?

My New Wearable Was Calling the Shots

Justine McGrath

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Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

The whole smartwatch and activity tracker craze seemed to pass me by completely. Then last year I bought my husband a fancy activity tracker for his 50th. He loves running and he needed a tracker with good GPS.

It is definitely one of the best presents I have ever bought him. Daily he checks his stats and has become increasingly motivated by his achievements.

I am the sort of person who can be quite laid back when it comes to doing something for myself. But give me a goal or make me responsible for a deadline for someone else and I am all over it.

I avoided activity trackers for that reason. I suspected they would have me jumping to their tune. However, when I reflected on it and saw the joy of achievement my husband experiences on a regular basis, I realized they could also be a great motivator.

I get a sense of achievement every time I go to the gym, but this way I realized I could amplify that. So I gave in.

So far, so good — I think. I am enjoying looking at my daily stats. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment when I hit my daily targets.

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Justine McGrath

ICF certified Executive Coach. Specialist in EI. Author ‘Conversations with my Father — Jack Kyle,’ and ‘The Elephant Crossing.’ http://proactivecoaching.ie