JFDI: The Only Productivity Tool

What apps do you use to help you write? I’ve always been a sucker for tools that help you outline ideas, draw mind-maps, store away notes, and generally be more efficient and productive. It became an addiction, and I spent more time installing and getting bored with apps that helped me work, than actually working.

Productivity Learning Curve

That happened without me even noticing it. Aside from my obsession with productivity tools, what took up all the time? Part of it was learning how to use the app, and then the more difficult task of incorporating it into my workflows.

To-do apps are a great example. Try out an app like Things or even just iOS/iPadOS Reminders, and it takes time to learn they work. Normally, they’re initially amazing and then you notice the gotchas. You can’t set up a recurring task, or something. Well, you find workarounds and start seeking alternatives. That takes a lot of time.

Too much time, which dilutes your enthusiasm for the app. You decide to put up with the limitations, and then you have to discipline yourself to use the app. In this example, it’s a To-do app, so you have to add a task every time you stumble across one.

Buyer’s Regret

At first, you do this with vigour. You’re eager to spot opportunities to create another task or reminder. Then you forget or start missing tasks. Still, you stick with it, especially if you’ve paid or are paying for it (subscriptions, ugh).

Then the tasks start to pile up, and you know you’re not clearing them. Often, it’s because you’re waiting for someone. You don’t have many levers over them, and you just have to wait, watching your to-do list growing.

Then you’re nervous about even launching the app. It just reminds you about what you haven't done. You go into denial, and then you read about another app that promises to be different: better. And the cycle repeats.

It’s JFDI now….

I don’t go looking for productivity apps any more. I don’t read books about them, either. It’s the stock iOS/iPadOS apps, Notes, Reminders for me or nothing.

Don’t get me wrong, it is essential to research and plan, but at the end of the day, the only productivity app most people need is JFDI. I’ll clean that up for family reading: Just Fecking Do It.