For some time, a trend towards minimalism can be seen. Everything is removed out of the house or the apartment, which is not really in use and that would be followed by the feeling of lightness and freedom. Some go as far as to reduce their belongings until it fits in their backpack. Others begin with clearing out the closet. But who is thinking about his work tools to get more freedom and ease?
Today I started using a new tool and from the beginning I was hooked. This tool is actually a ToDo list, but has features that seemed really interesting. With the tool it is in fact possible to add several other ToDo tools in this one. I am working with different tools (my personal list, team list, etc.), and so it really seemed interesting for me. Within minutes, I was logged in, looked at the video to the service, played around a bit and was still excited.
When I thought about how I could integrate the tool into my workflow, I had my doubts. Sure, it can be great to combine several programs in one – but I will not replace other tools with the new one. I simply use another which perhaps has a slight advantage (in this case more clarity by merging), but also mean more work (the other tools continue to be used). So why should I use this tool? Suddenly the advantage appeared no longer as great, but I found more disadvantages and signed up.
This experience led me to further considerations. How many of the tools that we use from time to time, we really need? When it comes to SEO, for example, in my bookmarks can be found folder full of tools. From keyword research to backlink checker and complete on-page tools, everything is available there. Some can be found in duplication or triplication, just because a tool provides a little extra, the other does not. But how often do you need those little extras and which are really important?
If you think a little further, check your workflow and be completely honest, you’ll see very quickly: many tools that we use, we do not need. With other solutions, we would more quickly come to a conclusion, though perhaps with two clicks more or less comfort. A good example of this are also cloud spaces. Everywhere free storage is offered and we certainly use it. Before you know, you spread your data on four or five different cloud services. And when you need something, there begins the big search that takes time. If you focus on one service, you would save a lot of time – and that pays off even if you spend a little money for the storage space.
So it goes on in many areas in which we use tools. And even if we suggest here in the blog from time to time new and great tools, whilst it’s good to be critical to deal with the use and to follow here the minimalism trend. Because often that means not only feeling good, but it’s a great time saver and we also can save money, because many tools we use indeed in the paid versions.
Do you use tools that bring actually more work than advantages?
