Episode Summary
In this episode of Bring Back Focus, I talk about how the very tools that promise to help us often end up holding us back.
I share how I went from managing five different productivity apps to deleting most of them. What started as an experiment turned into one of the simplest and most freeing changes I’ve made in years.
This episode is about how focus comes from clarity, not complexity, and how choosing less can help you do better work.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
Why our obsession with new tools keeps us distracted.
00:45 – The rush of trying something new
That temporary excitement before reality sets in.
01:20 – Too many apps, not enough work
How using multiple tools slowed things down instead of speeding them up.
02:25 – The turning point
The day I realized I was managing systems instead of doing work.
03:45 – The reset
Deleting 60 percent of my tools and testing a simpler setup.
04:50 – What happened next
Work felt lighter, calmer, and surprisingly faster.
05:35 – The real insight
More tools don’t mean more productivity. Clarity does.
06:25 – Challenge for the week
List every tool you use and see how many you can let go of without breaking anything.
07:00 – Closing reflection
Simplify to regain control of your focus.
Key Insights
Every new tool feels exciting but often adds more work.
The more tools you use, the more your attention gets divided.
Simplicity leads to speed and clarity.
Real control comes from focus, not from more features.
Fewer tools help you work more deeply and calmly.
Actionable Takeaways
1. Write Down Your Tools:
See everything you use to get work done.
2. Delete What You Don’t Need:
Keep only what truly supports your work.
3. Focus on One Workspace:
Have one place for creating and one for communication.
4. Turn Off Notifications:
Don’t let tools decide when you work.
5. Reflect Every Week:
Ask which tools made you better and which made you busier.
Favorite Quote
“Every new tool gives you a sense of control, but real control comes from clarity.
