Tech or Toy? 5 Ways to Keep Your Gadgets Productive

It is no secret that I am a big technology fan. I have lots of gadgets.

My iPhone and iPad travel with me almost everywhere.

But, at some point, you have to ask “Do your gadgets make you more productive?”

Do they set you free? Or hold you back?

Today, let’s look at whether or not your gadgets save you time.

And how to keep them productive.

Do Your Gadgets Get Things Done?

Do your gadgets make you more productive?

Maybe they do.

But, I’ll bet you can also name several ways that they waste time. From distractions to games to tech difficulties, many of the gadgets that we carry actually take up time.

“Does your tech save you time? Or does it take up more time than it’s worth?”

Some questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you really need to check your email every 10 minutes?
  • Are your gadgets life-enablers that set you free or simply a technology leash that holds you back?
  • Is that smartphone really smart, or are you using it to play Angry Birds?
  • Is immediately looking up every unknown fact on Google really benefitting you?

Tool or Toy?

Technology tools are very powerful when they are used for your advantage.

From video calls to mobile banking to other amazing apps, we can do things from almost anywhere that were only dreams a few years ago.

However, it important to keep that technology in check. Otherwise, we can find ourselves playing, surfing, and futzing with our gadgets until they actually become a hindrance.

Here are 5 Ways to Keep Your Gadgets Productive:

  1. Limit Your Gadgets – This is easier said than done. Most tech enthusiasts are always trying out the latest gadgets. However, it is important to avoid tech creep, that leads to too many tools. (Remember the “Power of 1.“) Do you really need a smartphone, tablet, camera, Kindle, laptop, and MP3 player in your bag? Stick to as few devices as possible.
  2. Choose Tools You’ll Use – Always choose tools that are suited to you. Don’t get the newest, shiniest gadget just because everyone else has it. Select technology that you are good with and will use. Otherwise, your gadgets will be a permanent tech support issue and you will stop using them.
  3. Remember Who Is In Charge – Do you rule your tech? Or does it rule you? Break that tech leash. Remember that your tech is there for you, not the other way around. You don’t have to jump everytime your device buzzes or vibrates.
  4. Replace Tech That Doesn’t Work – The other day I tweeted, “Printer, you have failed me for the last time…”  Why do we put up with this stuff? If you have a gadget that is not living up to its potential, then by all means get rid of it. And quick. I put up with a GPS for months that was not doing its job. You wouldn’t keep hammering with broken hammer…would you?
  5. Turn Off Unnecessary Interruptions – Again, your gadgets are there for you. Turn off the notifications, bells, pop-ups, etc. Do you really need to know that your sister just updated her Facebook status while you are in the middle of a business meeting?

Timesaver or Timewaster

Technology can be life changing. Look at the advances that have happened in just the past few years.

However, it can also cause problems and take up your time.

Take a hard look at the gadgets you are carrying. Maybe you need to shed or replace some of those timewasters.

Are they making your more productive? Or do they take up more time than they are worth?

Make sure your tech is saving time, rather than wasting it.

Do your gadgets save you time? What tech is wasting your time?

20 thoughts on “Tech or Toy? 5 Ways to Keep Your Gadgets Productive

  1. With gadgets, simplistic approach works better. If there is too much around, it doesn’t mean too much ease or comfort but it means too much distraction.

    Jane.

  2. Craig –

    I’m having a Déjà vu moment here! I had this exact conversation with a client yesterday. Sometimes less is more. Great post and I agree 100% with each item you have identified. Will be sharing/RT etc. I believe one of the biggest challenges is that tech lovers (and I’m a self-proclaimed geek and tech junkie) are always looking for the next greatest thing. Instead, you would be better served to identify what you need to accomplish and then identify the right tool for the job. You will save hours just by taking the simple step of identifying what you really require. You make this point well by talking about various hardware options in your statement “Do you really need a smartphone, tablet, camera, Kindle, laptop, and MP3 player in your bag?” I’ll add that this also goes for the various apps that you can plug into some of those hardware pieces. I have seen some clients that have an iPhone and an iPad and 5-8 different apps for to-dos. They have evernote and springpad and are sporadically using all of them. Not good. Pick an app that has the functionality that you need (if you are not sure, find someone that can help you figure it out) and then use it consistently. You will get significantly more productivity if you practice consistency than you would by changing your tools all of the time.

    To your success!

    Stephanie

    1. @StephCalahan Stephanie, thanks for the great thoughts!

      Agree that techies are much more susceptible to the “new shiny gadget” syndrome. It can be tough to resist.

      @Zen_Ken above also mentions the “too many app” issue. Maybe a good topic for a future discussion. 🙂

  3. Craig –

    I’m having a Déjà vu moment here! I had this exact conversation with a client yesterday. Sometimes less is more. Great post and I agree 100% with each item you have identified. Will be sharing/RT etc. I believe one of the biggest challenges is that tech lovers (and I’m a self-proclaimed geek and tech junkie) are always looking for the next greatest thing. Instead, you would be better served to identify what you need to accomplish and then identify the right tool for the job. You will save hours just by taking the simple step of identifying what you really require. You make this point well by talking about various hardware options in your statement “Do you really need a smartphone, tablet, camera, Kindle, laptop, and MP3 player in your bag?” I’ll add that this also goes for the various apps that you can plug into some of those hardware pieces. I have seen some clients that have an iPhone and an iPad and 5-8 different apps for to-dos. They have evernote and springpad and are sporadically using all of them. Not good. Pick an app that has the functionality that you need (if you are not sure, find someone that can help you figure it out) and then use it consistently. You will get significantly more productivity if you practice consistency than you would by changing your tools all of the time.

    To your success!

    Stephanie

  4. It’s not the gadgets so much as the apps that do me in. I’ve got Angry Birds on my phone. I can’t blame that app alone for my time suck, but it’s a great one. Plus, I find out from friends that I “need” apps like Tweetdeck, even though Twiiter comes with my phone. Doubling up wastes time and space.

    1. @SeaLinc2 Darn those Angry Birds. 🙂

      Agree with you on the duplicate apps. I regularly go through and purge unnecessary ones.

  5. It’s not the gadgets so much as the apps that do me in. I’ve got Angry Birds on my phone. I can’t blame that app alone for my time suck, but it’s a great one. Plus, I find out from friends that I “need” apps like Tweetdeck, even though Twiiter comes with my phone. Doubling up wastes time and space.

  6. I find myself using only specialized gadgets for better tasks and getting rid of others. I wear a watch for special occasions, since my phone is my chronometer. But I take my DSLR camera to take photographs if I’m prepared – my phone will do in a pinch. The right tool for the job. You don’t need a swiss army knife every time.

    App creep might be a good topic for a new post.

  7. I find myself using only specialized gadgets for better tasks and getting rid of others. I wear a watch for special occasions, since my phone is my chronometer. But I take my DSLR camera to take photographs if I’m prepared – my phone will do in a pinch. The right tool for the job. You don’t need a swiss army knife every time.

    App creep might be a good topic for a new post.

  8. @SeaLinc2 Darn those Angry Birds. 🙂

    Agree with you on the duplicate apps. I regularly go through and purge unnecessary ones.

  9. @StephCalahan Stephanie, thanks for the great thoughts!

    Agree that techies are much more susceptible to the “new shiny gadget” syndrome. It can be tough to resist.

    @Zen_Ken above also mentions the “too many app” issue. Maybe a good topic for a future discussion. 🙂

  10. Googling every unknown fact – guilty! Great post with practical ways to make technology a help and not a hindrance.

  11. I have seen some clients that have an iPhone and an iPad and 5-8 different apps for to-dos. They have evernote and springpad and are sporadically using all of them. Not good. Pick an app that has the functionality that you need (if you are not sure, find someone that can help you figure it out) and then use it consistently. For more information about technology click here

  12. Good ideas. Technology has its advantages but also major disadvantages (for kids and adults too). Sometimes we need to go back to “Little House on the Prairie” days. For more information.cybersecurity laptops

  13. Hi, I want to play with toys especially with the tech Deck products. This tech deck pack is awesome toy. The set is good for a kid to gain the skill required in building a skateboard.visit here

  14. Hi,
    Technology does help to assist in increasing productivity and efficiency. If you want to make money online, you can use casino sin deposito minimo which is the easiest way to make good money. I have been playing the game last couple of years.! If you need more information, you can read more . It is really interesting.lisa

Comments are closed.