It’s hard to let go of something that we become emotionally attached to. This is especially true when we have invested time, resources and money into researching and using something. Perhaps it is why you might have a lot of outdated logins, hardware in drawers and unfinished technology projects.
We have this false sense of empowerment from the abundance of choices made available to us. Being able to download new apps on our iPhones at any instance feels amazing. Installing a new plugin can be delightful for a moment.
But just because we have choice does not mean we have power.
If you have so many apps that you can’t find the ones that count, you become cluttered and less efficient.
My guess is that you have a lot of good intentions from the past, but many of the tools you invested in may not fit any longer. One of the best strategies is to be continually purging. When you see something that you don’t use any longer or are reluctant to continue with, then get rid of it.
The false illusion is that we have infinite capacity. The reality is that we have finite bandwidth and attention. And it’s very important, if you want to be competitive in this age of speed, that you guard every front that distracts.
So, here’s the call today. Purge the tools that have become outdated. Throw it in the trash. Delete it from your phone. Get rid of it.
Also, if you find that you don’t enjoy using something, then replace it. The form factor, flow, design and aesthetics matter. When you spend thousands of hours having to use something, it should be easy to get in and out of. It should be appealing.
Such small attention to the details of your work pay off. You get clearer.
Distractions kill productivity and execution. Everything you let into your life has to be managed, whether overtly or subconsciously. So guard your attention and only demand the best.
There’s likely many areas of your work that are slowing you down because of this area of focus or lack of attention. Assume there are better tools, systems and processes you can enjoy and thrive with. Watch your load lighten and your opportunities open. It’s all linked together.
