This is something I'm pretty sure I'm missing right now.<p>Since I got started in cross country running in high school, which included just the most modest of weight training, I've been interested in it. I'd often have gym memberships, and dabble with the various machines, trying to cover muscle groups.<p>Eventually, I joined fitocracy.com when it was young and full of active members. It was there that I learned about Starting Strength, and where the programming rewarded logging barbell activities much more than running or using a machine. Before long, I had bought the Starting Strength and began teaching myself the movements. I began with little or no weight, and using videos I took of myself to improve my form. I also paid more attention to dietary intake, and used If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM) to design my daily goals for macronutrients.<p>The results were manifold. Of course I got stronger - barbell lifts done right are so much more efficient and effective than any chaotic routine, or even somewhat organized attempts with machines. I was visibly in better shape. But I was also naturally more confident, more in tune with the world around me. As the article mentions, I was seeing how my own decisions were affecting my life, and I would direct myself in other areas to zero in on decisions within my areas of control and concern. My energy increased and my focus improved on the job. I was able to find a healthy relationship that continues today.<p>However. I lost my way. Eventually the habit was interrupted and was never fully restored. Today, I'm distracted, procrastinating on a task I've procrastinated for too long already. I'm irritable and I don't want to waste my day at the office, but I'll go home, and I won't make good use of my time their either. I'll snack too often and grab unhealthy things.<p>Of course I'm not saying that this one habit will fix all of your problems, but it is a bit of a foundational habit, and it can leak into other areas of your life. And, of course, strength is helpful! You can move furniture and chop wood and have the bad posture on your office chair you were going to have anyway, but with a stronger back, you'll find yourself injured less often. So I recommend it, and I hope I can take my own advice!