Use tools, the ones you like, not too many

This play on Michael Pollen’s adage is a good rule of thumb for how to approach adulting in the Anthropocene. Let’s break it down:

Use tools: Productivity, planning, scheduling, and accountability tools are a-plenty, thanks to capitalism and our hustle culture. These tools can aid in your adulting by supplementing and supporting our brain, which was not designed to function like the organized output machine that we expect it to be. There’s apps for communication, streamlining, task and project management; basically, anything you can think of to help you be more productive, there’s an app for that. Not to mention there’s plenty of analog tools (planner books are back in vogue, literally) and even just strategies for working and resting, like the pomodoro technique or holding a rock in your hand as you dose into a nap.

I use tools to organize my projects, track my thoughts, remember things I would surely forget, and automate processes to save me time.  

The ones you like: With so many tools to choose from, you don’t need to use one you don’t like. Even if everyone else uses it, even if every other ad on the internet is pushing it, even if you think you should use it: you don’t have to. That being said, give the tools that appeal to you a chance, as it may take a while to get into the groove of using something new. Luckily, many of apps have free trial periods, or monthly subscriptions.

Here are the tools I use on the daily: Supernote is my digital notebook; Omnifocus is my inbox and project management system; iPhone reminders for when I need to do something timely; and Reminderful to ping me with intentional thoughts I am practicing.

Not too many:  Tools take time to learn and master. They also take time and energy to use, maintain, and update. You don’t want to find yourself spending so much time in tracking and managing your productivity that you aren’t able to get much done!  

You’ll know you have too many (or if you don’t like the ones you have) if you are not using them, if the idea of using them brings you dread, or if you’re not actually getting done what you want the tools to help you do.

If that’s the case, take a break from engaging with them, and try to accomplish what you wish. If you want help in doing so, it will become clear in that process, and you can figure out which tool might be best for the job (and then limit yourself to that!)

For example, I was once overwhelmed with the scheduling tools available for setting up meetings and intimidated by setting them up. I tried a bunch at the same time, and then gave up on all of them. But it was clear to me that going back and forth via email on what day/time/location worked for folks was something I wanted to avoid. I carved out time to research options for arranging meetings, and ultimately chose Calendly, which I love.

What are some of the things you’d like to automate, organize, or uplevel in your adulting?