I don't think it takes rigorous, time intensive application to improve oneself. Many of these "data trackers" take a few seconds a day. Write down some calories. Jot down sleep hours. Etc.
It's not the "few seconds" that's the problem, the problem is that it breaks the "flow" that you were in, such as switching tasks when concentrating hard or enjoying a jog or getting to sleep. The act of recording the data is quick but the mental jolt takes time to get over.
This is why passively recording the data is the way forward. I myself ordered one of these:
But it does take attention, at least until it's a habit. In order to insure you actually do the steps after every meal, etc, you either need to be thinking about it all the time, or use some other device to remind you. Eventually, it'll be second-nature, but there's a considerable cost in the ramp-up period.
This is why passively recording the data is the way forward. I myself ordered one of these:
http://wakemate.com/
They're also a YC startup.