Tracking vs Memory Keeing: Numbers and the Narrative

Tracking is the numbers. Memory keeping is the narrative. Tracking says, “I walked 10,000 steps.” Memory keeping says, “I took a sunset walk on the beach with my daughter.”

Both matter. Numbers can motivate, but they don’t tell the whole story. A scrapbook full of calories burned isn’t exactly inspiring, but neither is a scrapbook that ignores reality. When you combine the two—data plus story—you get the full picture.

ROBYNE RECOMMENDS: The way we are wired pops in here too. Those of us who are bottom-liners vs the creative artists, and there is room for both! I love a good tracker and struggle with memory keeping. (I’m the one who can never remember to get a family picture when we are all together.) But I am enjoying the practice of learning to be a better memory keeper.

FAITH FOCUS: Tracking shows the details of our lives—steps, dollars, habits. Memory keeping shows the story. God cares about both. Jesus said even the hairs on our head are numbered (Luke 12:7), but He also commanded us to remember His works. Numbers and stories together reveal His care.

SUMMARY: If numbers excite you, lean into tracking. If stories move you, lean into memory keeping. And if you want both? You’re in luck—they’re great together.