Do you really need productivity tools?

"Productivity is being able to do things that you were never able to do before." --Franz Kafka

Today we thrive in a work space where smart work has replaced hard work.

The norm is to work with the least effort and churn out phenomenal results.

Technology enables smarter ways to meet goals more effectively. And most professionals consider productivity tools as a basic necessity at work.

But are we going overboard with productivity tools and techniques?

People in the past achieved success with simple tools like pencils and paper. Take, for instance, Benjamin Franklin, whom we can consider The Godfather of the To-do List. He created a 13-week plan for self improvement in his journal.

Every week he would work on one of the 13 virtues he believed was important. And in this way he was able to achieve his goals of being a better person - just by following a schedule and making marks in his journal.

Most difficult problems have simple solutions. You can work with simple tools and get things done. It is the idea that matters. You need to convince yourself to stop depending on tools and believe in your own skills.

Why do we rely on productivity tools?

Productivity tools are software programs or apps that help you produce greater results with less effort. Here’s how:

Make work simple

Tools ensure the work processes are made simple and easy for you to understand. They do this by breaking work processes into smaller steps. This reduces the time spent on each task.

Save Time

Most tools enhance output and achieve results faster.

For example, shared calendars make it unnecessary for you to contact each person to join a meeting.

Similarly, chat messengers help you convey information that could take longer over phones or emails.

Manage files better

Productivity tools give you the ability to upload your files in a common space. And you avoid duplication of work files. With the help of file management and asset management tools, it’s easier to monitor work progress from time to time.

Communicate more effectively

Tools help you set meeting requests without having to send many emails. Features like templates save time and help convey messages to a group of people with ease. And in these times of uncertainty where social distancing is necessary, communication tools are critical while working remotely.

Support remote working

With the right tools, communicating with people anywhere in the world is hassle-free. Tools help you cut costs on office space and daily maintenance. You can hire and work with people from different locations. As a result, there will always be someone to help. And you can find awesome workmates and employees from anywhere.

Do we really need productivity tools?

"No matter how many personal productivity techniques you master, there will always be more to do than you can ever accomplish in the time you have available to you, no matter how much it is." --Brian Tracy

We often think that we just need to have the right tools to be able to do more. But as Brian Tracy says in his quote above, trying to do everything can be an illusion. We may be losing more than we realize when we pursue higher efficiency and dependence on productivity tools.

Let’s explore some real reasons why you should consider working without productivity tools:

You improve your thinking ability

Avoid using tools to compel yourself to find other ways to complete a task. You may just find simple solutions that can be way easier and quicker than relying on a bunch of tools. There is a lot of learning when things are done from scratch. You also get a sense of achievement when you complete things on your own.

Productivity tools aren’t always ‘productive’

Tools cannot get you desired results by themselves. You need to know how to use them to get results. So, you have go through a steep learning curve just to start using a productivity tool.

And you have to realize that even the best tools out there won’t suit every business. You either have to customize them, find alternatives, or get addons which cost more.

Eventually, using too many tools makes the work tasks difficult over the period of time.

Reduced Creativity Levels and Personal Touch

Tools do not help you think in different ways. For instance, templates are ready to use tools with everything typed in it. You need to fill in some information but cannot make major changes. This leaves no room for creative thinking. Over time, the tasks will seem routine in nature.

Digitally Addictive Behavior

Productivity tools can create addictive behavior.

We end up constantly looking out for updates, toggling between files and screens. What happens is that we waste time, feel like can’t figure out what to do, and end up tinkering with apps rather than getting things done.

Personal Performance Obsession

Most tools have in-built reward features. These features can include digital applauds, automated appreciation emails, digital badges and points that give you an instant dopamine rush. Eventually you can get so obsessed with personal performance that you lose sight of your overall business and values.

In the end

You need to make your own decision on whether productivity tools are right for your not.

Remember that great inventions were made in the past with the help of simple tools like pencils and paper. And we’ve also created computers to do amazing things. However, the problem arises when we go from using these tools to support our work to relying on them completely.

We become even more lost by trying to do too much and spending too much time on these tools.The real tools that can help you stay organised and efficient are within you.

Your best support system is your ability to think and feel. All you need is the passion to succeed at work.