Recently, while watching a productivity video by Ali Abdaal, I was struck by how he categorised his stuff and made me aware of a thought that I had been carrying in the course of my work.
I realised that in whatever I was searching and doing, I was looking for one perfect, all-in-one solution to address everything. For example, in a to-do list, I was searching and deliberating for something with features that could meet my every note-taking, check box, aesthetic need.
Except that there wasn’t one.
Which made me aware that while there isn’t a single solution out there which could address my every need (which can be quite stringent I must admit), this may not be the mentality to carry.
Toolbox Approach
Instead, I could see a few products or solutions that are packaged under one broader framework that support me in areas that I need them. This is what I call a ‘toolbox’ approach.
Just like a toolbox, where there are screwdrivers with cross and hypen attachments, the tools that aid me in my personal development does not have to be just one option. Afterall, each of these will have its own strengths and weaknesses.
Why are we conditioned for just one function?
We might have been conditioned for this thought because it is what our consumer products have been increasingly programmed or designed to be.
Want to order food and pick up groceries and make payment at the same time? There’s the food delivery service that acts as a parcel delivery rider as well.
Looking for TV series and movies? Netflix solves the problem.
Need to pay your bills and look for insurance needs? Some bank would have it all in one app.
This mentality is great for convenience because it cognitively solves the hassles and challenges we have in our lives. And by all means, it does help in increasing productivity. But that should not restrict the thought of having multiple products to support our own development.
