As an engineering student we did a simple labs experiment to measure the efficiency of a combustion engine at various operating conditions. With an understanding of the theory, you could improve it’s efficiency by changing factors like the air/fuel mix.

But what happens when you apply that experimental method to improve the performance or, err, me?

How can I measure my effectiveness as a knowledge worker and, armed with the relevant theory, improve it?

Given my newfound freedom to live/work as I please, I’m willing to give it a try.

So what are some good performance parameters which relates to factors in my life I want to monitor/improve?

• Rescue time performance - Rescue Time measures the time spent on your computer using different applications/websites and rates your productivity based on how productive you rank those applications/sites. (eg Excel = +2, gmail=+1, Facebook = -2) 
• Number or percentage of weekly to-dos which are achieved - I always give myself a set of tasks I *have* to do that week. What percentage of these am I actually getting done?
• Resting pulse rate - This is closely related to general fitness so a good one to keep check on.

Thats a good set of metrics to start with which I can note weekly.  More suggestions in the comments please.

Next step is to measure, experiment, and then measure.  But what experiments should I conduct?

I’m looking for ways to improve concentration, effectiveness, fitness, and effectiveness.  Time to get hunting for theories…