WHOOP + Focus

 

Psych & Such    |    19 JULY 2022 

I own a WHOOP.  WHOOP is a wearable technology that analyzes and reports on various biometric markers that can propel your overall health, and fitness goals, through education and increased self-awareness.  Something I haven't quite understood about my WHOOP is why there isn't a face or screen with viewable amenities such as a clock or other real-time information.  It's just a simple band.

Then, today I received an answer!  Will Ahmed, the creator and CEO of WHOOP, went on a podcast and explained this very decision.  Essentially, he stated not having a face or screen allowed the WHOOP team to remain focused on creating and executing their ultimate purpose and mission.  Furthermore, he claimed adding a face or screen would put them in a different retail category that would compete with other products such as the Apple Watch or Fitbit...and a WHOOP is not those products.  A WHOOP is intentionally different.

What can a WHOOP teach us?

1. Clearly understand your purpose and mission.  In doing so, you can more easily say "no" to (or pass on) irrelevant, unrelated, and distracting opportunities that don't fulfill your plight.
2.  Less can be more.  While evolving and making edits or changes to your work and direction in life can be helpful, adding more to your plate and/or work doesn't necessarily translate to better or more optimal for you and others whom you impact.
3. Start and be your own category.  Replicating what others do and create might be necessary for a time, but building what is authentic to you and your unique vision can set you apart from the herd.   

I'm no longer bothered by not having a face or screen on my WHOOP.  If I want one, I need to find a very different product.

Photo source:  https://www.wired.com/review/whoop-strap-3/