Better Questions

Become Your Own Health Scientist

The Power of Questions

I read a lot of research papers and science books. A really lot. Over time, I’ve noticed common themes among the most strongly cited papers from reputable journals, as well as among scientists and science writers whose work stands the test of time.

They are generally far more interested in questions than answers.

The best researchers and thinkers understand that their conclusions are always limited—just a temporary stopping point in an ongoing process of discovery. There is always more work to be done.

In the small, siloed world of health and performance, we’re often sold on devices, diets, methods, or techniques that claim to be the ultimate solution. Some of them are even “scientifically based.” In our secular culture, science is treated like a religion, and scientific experts are the priests and cardinals safeguarding the path to truth. We swap our own investment in self-exploration for deference to “what science says.”

Yes—having some understanding of research consensus is valuable. (By the way, there’s a cool little app called Consensus that uses ChatGPT to categorize scientific research.) But don’t let that replace your own continuous exploration of what works for you.

The Myth of "Science Says"

One of my favorite phrases in articles and conversations is "science says," as if science is a static destination. Science is, at its core, a system of investigation—a method that uses repeated experimentation to get closer to the truth. A method that will be forever limited by the tools available for measurement.

Take body composition as an example. Right now, the DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is the gold standard for measuring body composition. DEXA uses low-dose X-rays to differentiate between bone density, body fat, and lean mass. It’s the best tool we have for this purpose. But is it flawless? Not even close.

DEXA doesn’t directly measure muscle mass—it estimates lean mass, which includes muscle, bones, and internal organs. Factors like hydration levels and body movement during the scan can also skew the results. That doesn’t mean DEXA is useless (I get one done 1-2 times a year). It just means that even the best measurement tools have limitations. Science is never final—it’s an ongoing effort to better understand the world and the complex, ever-changing biology that makes up our small corner of it.

Scientific data is important—critical, even. But that data has to be interpreted and applied by people. And since none of us have time to sit around reading scientific literature all day with absolute scrutiny and still take action on what we learn, we inevitably have to outsource some of this to experts.

The Reality of Expertise

When I was coming up in this field, I thought of experts as people who had answers. I assumed they collected knowledge and experience, and then referenced that catalog to solve problems.

Over time, I realized that’s not really how it works. The best experts don’t necessarily have more information—they just know how to ask better questions. They use the information they gather to bring clarity to problems, identify outcomes, and develop effective strategies.

True expertise isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about quickly identifying what matters, probing for solutions, and adapting to new information. Experts lean on science, but they also integrate their own experience and the collective wisdom of others. Over time, this process helps develop heuristics—mental shortcuts that make problem-solving more efficient and effective.

Most importantly, real experts remain flexible. They’re constantly evaluating new information, refining their approach, and—when necessary—abandoning faulty hypotheses. They understand that getting the right answer often starts with realizing they asked the wrong question.

Stay Curious

Become an expert in exploring yourself. Learn how to identify potential problems, define your goals more precisely, and measure solutions that actually work for you. Be your own health scientist—not because you have all the answers, but because you keep asking better questions.

The work of understanding our own health is never done—at least, not until we’re dead. But by cultivating an attitude of curiosity, interest, and investment, we stay open to new information that could improve our well-being. We also sharpen our instincts to recognize and filter out nonsense.

Stay informed about research, sure—but don’t let only the research dictate your decisions. Balance scientific understanding with real-world experience. Pay attention to what’s happening right in front of you. Staying curious will keep you thoughtful, engaged, and actively involved in your own performance longevity.

Thanks for reading,

Rob

---

---

Try this Personal Health Experiment I posted awhile back HERE.

---

My upcoming book has even more about how to use Personal Health Experiments to tune your mind and body. HERE