Why goal-setting and task organisation apps do not work for everyone

You know the feeling, right? You want to get rid of the bad habits and pursue your goals with full determination at all times. Various apps and tools are advertised to help you with that and solve your problems. Sure, they are nice. I also use my phone to organise my day… just that…

Are your expectations realistic?

Too rigid routines often lead to failure. We tend to blame ourselves for being weak, faulty, incapable of success and whatnot. But seriously, assuming that a new tool will finally get rid of the havoc in your life is about as probable as expecting that you can eat one banana a day until you reach the perfect weight. In theory, it is possible. Sadly, some actually do that, sacrificing their health. Having such expectations is unhealthy and doomed to failure.

Do you actually know what you are aiming at?

Have you stopped and wondered why it is, actually, that I want to accomplish X? Is it something for fun that you really enjoy? Did you see somebody else doing it, and you started thinking that if you just manage to achieve it, you will be as good as them? Self-confidence is involved in that latter case.

What does your aim signify? Will it make you a better person? Will your life become more meaningful?

Are you simply scattered?

I know the feeling. I am a living example of what one can call a scattered person. My desk is a mess. My room is a mess. My head is a mess. Yet, somehow, I manage to get things done. What is a mess for one person is okay with another. But more importantly, do you miss out on important events due to forgetfulness? Does your attention wane all the time? This can happen if you are stressed and sleep-deprived.

Do you know what your priorities are?

This is a difficult question. Knowing one’s priorities in life is complicated. But even harder is actually to act according to them. Are you a people-pleaser, doing every task that somebody asks for the moment they send you an email with a request? Do you know how to say “no”? Chances are that you are setting yourself up for failure. Nobody can be everything to everybody. Attempting works for a while, but sooner or later, you end up burned out, relationships and friendships may be severed, and your job situation might get strained.

So is this all hopeless?

While I do not believe that organisation and productivity tools are useless, what they truly are is tools. They are not going to solve every single problem in your life. They are just the means. Buying watercolours will not magically produce a painting unless you put them into use. That does not mean that art supplies are pointless or redundant. This hints that, firstly, you need to look into yourself. What is it that you are actually trying to do? And most importantly, why.

But how about wishing strongly for something yet not having the strength to pursue it?

The answer is not that you are a terrible person. It is not that you lack the strength to do it. Achieving goals is a long journey. There are many setbacks and many temptations aiming to divert you from your destination. Sometimes our brain wants immediate rewards. Working hard for something that will bring results only half a year from now is a real challenge.

Is there anything that you can do?

The biggest problem with long-term goals is the lack of reward. Most mobile productivity apps try to set up short-term achievements, so you can get a virtual pat on the back for doing well. This works to an extent, but still, motivation can go up and down. This approach, where the steps towards the main goal are identified and set as individual goals, is one of the few things you can do to set yourself up for success.

Still, sometimes it is not enough. Simple things that take little effort lack sparkle. Out there, you can find something shinier and new. Excitement builds inside you, and before long, the old habits kick in.

Remember to forgive yourself and re-evaluate your goals.

This article is (or will be) reposted on my other blogging and social profiles.

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