The Metronome Effect
How Shifting Metrics Can Unlock Progress
There’s a scene in Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer that has stuck with me ever since I read it. The book follows Foer’s journey from being a journalist covering a memory competition to becoming a memory champion himself. Along the way, he dives deep into the techniques and mental frameworks used by some of the world’s top memory athletes.
One particularly memorable moment comes as Foer is trying to memorize a deck of cards within one minute with 100% accuracy. Despite countless attempts, he hits a wall. No matter how hard he pushes himself, he can’t break below the one-minute mark. Frustrated but determined, he realizes he needs to change his approach.
Instead of focusing on pure speed, Foer switches his metric. He starts a metronome and turns one card every second, focusing on rhythm and accuracy rather than brute force speed. At first, his accuracy drops to around 70%, but he sticks with it. Within a few tries, his accuracy improves, and he’s back to 100%. Eventually, he surpasses his previous plateau and achieves his goal.
The Power of Changing the Metric
This story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, when we’re stuck, the problem isn’t effort—it’s the metric we’re using to measure progress. By shifting his focus from sheer speed to rhythmic consistency, Foer unlocked a new way of thinking about the challenge. The metronome became a tool for deliberate practice, forcing him to slow down, focus, and build muscle memory. Ironically, slowing down was what helped him speed up.
Lessons for Building and Learning
Whether it’s startups, creative work, or personal growth, there are moments when brute force effort isn’t enough. Plateaus are inevitable. The key is knowing when to zoom out and re-evaluate the metrics you’re optimizing for. Are you measuring the right thing? Are you focusing on the process or just the outcome?
Changing the metric often reveals overlooked opportunities for improvement. For example:
Startups: Instead of chasing user growth at all costs, focus on retention or engagement. These slower, more deliberate metrics can create a stronger foundation for scaling later.
Fitness: If you’re stuck on a plateau with weightlifting or running, shift the focus to form, consistency, or recovery.
Creative Projects: If a big project feels overwhelming, try setting smaller, more achievable daily goals to build momentum.
Deliberate Practice Works
Foer’s experience in Moonwalking with Einstein reminds us that deliberate practice isn’t about perfection in the moment—it’s about creating systems that allow you to improve over time. Shifting metrics isn’t about giving up on your original goal; it’s about finding a better way to achieve it.
Sometimes, progress isn’t about working harder or faster. It’s about stepping back, rethinking the challenge, and finding a rhythm that works for you. What’s your metronome?