How do you keep score?

From time immemorial, humanity has kept score. Centuries ago people measured wealth counting animals, property and with the establishment of governments, began using coins.

Today, professionals estimate value for purposes of trade, economic advantage, political gain and sports. Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) and Scorecards presented using desktop dashboards offer corporate decision makers abundant indication of successes, failures and items needing attention drawing upon data accumulated and generated using far flung sources and operational models.

Student scores on exams and resulting grades set future direction and opportunities, opening some doors and closing others.

Family trees and social connections also create and deny opportunities. Is anyone keeping score?

How do you keep score? What is important? Would you decide to take a different course of action if you knew the score? How do you keep score and what scores do you keep?