“I will be more productive if I could just find the right app!” If you’ve asked yourself this question, you are definitely not alone. There seems to be a never ending list of tools, apps, and software available to keep us organized, thereby increasing our productivity.
Do you find yourself looking for the ultimate productivity tool? Are you constantly chasing the new shiny object, jumping from tool, to app, to solution? And, do you have a list of all the tools that just didn’t do the trick?
Here are a few tips for finding the right tool to enhance your productivity.
Think about HOW you work.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to adapt your workstyle to the tool rather than the other way around. Changing your workflow, essentially changing your work habits is difficult, and not something that is going to happen overnight. It begs the question on tools-of-productivity-past, was it the productivity tool that didn’t work, or was it the habit that you didn’t change? Look for tools that have a workflow complimentary to how you already work.
Narrow down the areas where you want to improve your productivity.
Do you want to get more work done in a shorter amount of time? Do you need to keep a running list of to-dos so you are not dropping the ball? Or, are you looking for a way to be more balanced with work and life? These days there is a tool for everything, so honing in on the area you want to improve is key to narrowing down the vast list.
Consider the cost.
Really, consider the cost. A free app could be exactly what you need. But, if that free app takes up too much of your time learning, implementing, and using, then it’s not so free after all. Be open to the idea that a monthly, or one-time fee may pay for itself in greater productivity. Free is great, but don’t discount a solution just because it has a cost.
Give it a reasonable amount of time.
There is no magic tool out there that is going to improve your productivity overnight. Once you find the tool that checks all the boxes – give it a fair chance. What doesn’t work the first day, or even week, may prove to be an invaluable tool long-term.