The Right Tool For The Job

I’ve been gradually thinning out the number of applications I have on my Mac and iPad, and my Android phone.

Some apps are a given, because they come with the device.

Others are there because I regularly use them every day on at least one of my devices.

A few games, but preferably those that I can pick up and put down easily. I will play longer games occasionally, but only when I have spare time to do so.

If it came from an App Store, and I’m not using it, it’s uninstalled. I can quickly add it back if my needs change.

Fewer multi-tools. They are invariably heavy and ponderous, and that tends to outweigh (pun intended) their utility over time. Not even if It’s What Everyone Uses. (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office.)

Learn the heck out of the tools that I do use. Practice, practice, practice until it’s instinctive.

(Related: learn how to make your device’s OS work for you, not the other way around.)

Clear the desktop / home screen. Spotlight or Start Menu search to open the app I need right now.

(Related: only auto-start the really necessary apps. And tell the others to cut down their nagging notifications!)

I will add that I’ve been both a digital hoarder and sucker for shiny new apps in the past. I’m getting better now.