Why You Shouldn’t Have Too Many Time Management Tools

You are about to write down an important note.

Yet, you hesitate… should you write it in your Moleskine? Type it in Evernote? Or just capture it to the Post-It pad on your desk?

The multiple options at your disposal aren’t just giving you pause now, they will create more work for you later when you try to find the note you took.

Trying to utilize too many productivity tools results in extra effort, lost information, and additional work in the future.

Too Many Productivity Tools

A common time management mistake is having too many productivity tools in your toolkit.

The best approach is to keep things simple and follow the “Power of 1.” This means that you only need one of each of the essential time management tools:

1. Todo List
2. Calendar
3. Address Book
4. Notebook

If you are using more than one of a specific productivity tool… then you have too many. At a recent seminar, a participant brought 6 different calendars that he uses. (Three of which were physical calendars!)

How many time management tools are you currently using and carrying around?

Here are some tips to keep your time management tools in check:

• Minimize Your Tools – Keep it simple and adhere to the “Power of 1.” You don’t need more than one of a particular tool.
• Define your System – Be specific, and define which tools are in your productivity toolkit. Avoid picking up tools that are outside of your system.
• Resist the Shiny New Gadget – The latest gadget isn’t going to necessarily make you more productive. If you are constantly jumping at the newest device or app, your system will never be effective.
• One Place for Information – When you capture information, have one place for each type. You won’t have to wonder where you recorded something. You have one place for notes. And one calendar for appointments. And so on.
• Get Rid of Extra Tools – To prevent the temptation of using extra tools that aren’t part of your system, get rid of them. Hide them in a drawer to get them out of sight. Give them to someone who needs them. Or dispose of them altogether.

The Simplest Time Management Tool Set

Extra gadgets and tools don’t make you more productive, rather they distract and result in additional effort. Avoid duplicity, lost information and sync issues by minimizing your time management toolkit.

Sticking to one of each of the essentials is best. You’ll be more efficient now, and information will be easier to find later.

Make sure that you don’t have too many time management tools in your toolkit.

Question: Do you have too many time management tools? What duplicates could you eliminate from your toolkit? You can leave a comment by clicking here.