I put my whole life into a single database (howisfelix.today)

Article summary

The author has spent three years collecting over 100 types of data about their life, including fitness, nutrition, social life, and computer usage, and has created a database to store and visualize this data. The project has yielded some interesting insights, but the author concludes that building their own solution was not worth the hundreds of hours invested. The data has helped the author identify trends and correlations in their life, such as the impact of sleep and weather on their mood and productivity. The author has made their data and visualizations publicly available, but notes that the project has not had a significant impact on their life.

Main themes

• personal data collection
• self-tracking
• quantified self
• data analysis
• goal-setting
• motivation
• well-being

What commenters say

• Collecting personal data can be useful for identifying trends and correlations, but it may not be worth the time and effort required to collect and analyze it.
• Some people find that tracking their data helps them make positive changes in their lives, such as improving their physical health or mental well-being.
• Others argue that collecting data can be a form of obsession or a replacement for actual self-improvement, and that it is not a guarantee of success or happiness.
• Having a clear goal or purpose for collecting data can make it more valuable and worthwhile, such as tracking progress towards a specific health or fitness goal.
• Collecting data can be useful for detecting anomalies or patterns that may not be immediately apparent, and can provide a sense of accountability and motivation.
• However, relying too heavily on data can lead to an overemphasis on numbers and metrics, rather than overall well-being or happiness.
• Some people find that simple, low-maintenance forms of data collection, such as journaling or using a fitness tracker, can be more effective and sustainable than complex, time-consuming systems.
• Ultimately, the value of collecting personal data depends on the individual's goals, motivations, and circumstances, and what works for one person may not work for another.