This is the story of a guy and his process. His process? Well, while there isn’t much of one, it’s really hard for things to become part of the process. As a little break from Revyver week, he’s wondering how you’re able to.
While I’m spending my first night in Park City, Utah, I had a thought at the front of my mind. Since I’ve been doing quite well with posting, why stop? :) Don’t worry, this’ll be short. You’ll be doing the talking this time!
Bryan’s got problems. Don’t say anything.
To start, I’ll just say it’s deathly hard to get anything to assimilate into my daily life. Web applications, software, anything. At best, I’ll use a program or about 2 weeks and then all of a sudden forget about it. Let’s take Twitter for instance, the only reason I’ve been able to keep up with it is because of the social utility involved. Alright, bad example.
Oh here’s one. iCal. I love it, but I can’t seem to remember to use it whenever I have a date to take note of. I’ve tried on multiple occasions to just keep the it open while I work and I always find a way to command-Q it. Another example. See how “Site of the Moment” is missing? Even though it was right there, I was never able to keep up with it.
So, here’s the question.
How hard is it for you to incorporate new programs, services or processes into your daily life? How long did it take? If something eventually falls out of favor, why and how long does it take?
Maybe I can understand my own “problem,” by seeing your reasoning. :)
I’m the same.
I don’t mind trying stuff, but unless it makes things in my life easier without requiring much effort on my part then I’m not interested.
For example, there are many getting things done programs out there and calendar applications and stuff, but I have to login, I have to navigate to my page, I have to create a new event with details of what I want. — My alternative. A notebook. Open page, quick scribble, done. Plus I don’t need to be near a computer when I’m travelling to see my itinerary or whatever.
You say well use your iPhone or Blackberry. I don’t have one. I don’t particularly want one. Why? I think we often rely too much on technology, carrying around a phone, pda, laptop, whatever, when a better alternative (for me at least) is a small notebook with included pencil. It’s lighter, doesn’t run out of batteries, and doesn’t rely on good signal strength.
When I’m infront of my computer, I use it for whatever I need to get done, and don’t usually distract myself with updates to Twitter, Facebook, Pownce, etc.
But that’s just me. I’m not saying that way of doing things is right for everyone. It’s just right for me.
Recently there was an article about “How to Live With Just 100 Things”. Looking around I don’t think I have more than 100 things anyway, and haven’t for a long time.
Bottom line… If it doesn’t improve your life experience, then say “No” to it, whatever it is. Do you really want to look back on your life when you’re about to die and say for example, “I spent 2 weeks of my time twittering about how funny this cat was that’s eating a cookie”?
Anyway I suspect this comment is now longer than the original post. Just ignore me, I’m off to tell everyone how funny this cat is outside my window.
I’m with Dave - I don’t own my own cell phone anymore (and rarely use the one that was given to me from my employer). But a small notebook has become the most indispensable part of my day.
Because if I don’t write it down, then it didn’t (or won’t) happen. Period. That trumps even typing something, because there’s something about the physical act of hand writing a note that helps it “stick” better. I try and make lists of things that I don’t want to forget, and it helps tremendously. I’ve been trying to force myself to use Things.app more often, but I still go back to paper as a more effective solution.
As far as apps like Twitter - well, if it were still just a web-only app, without any API or third-party apps (like Snitter and Twitterific), then I probably wouldn’t use it either. I launch Snitter in the morning when I launch Adium, and it just floats there in the background for me.
In the end though, I think it has to do with the volatile recipe that is:
Creativity + Imagination + ADD + OCD
Funny that you asked, Bryan. I’m going through the process of adding to my life. It’s going to the gym. Although it’s not as much fun as Twitter (not by half — although when Twitter is down, then it about evens out), I’ve been able to keep it up for the past week and a half.
Why? Well, lucky for me, my wife is also doing the same thing. The key here is that we motivate each other. When I’m feeling lazy, Rachel will kick my ass and get me to go, and vice versa. Because we both know that unless we’re both making the effort and keeping the other accountable, neither of us would be able to form a good habit.
So, try to go for that. If you’re trying to add something to your daily routine or what-have-you, try to get somebody looped in as well. Being accountable to somebody is a huge part of being able to change.
I think I go for what “feels” right. If I don’t use iCal (even though I like it), then fine. Whatever applications stick - great. Whatever don’t - fine. I’d prefer to look at a lack of using software or routines I “should” use as a problem.
Ok, case in point. The workout routine. Yes, if we don’t stay fit that is a problem for sure. Next, the sites of the moment area - I don’t look at that as a problem because your passion wasn’t there. Where is your passion? Video games? Maybe once you find that passion, it wont be hard to stay in the routine with it.
As for the workout routine, the only way I’ve been able to do well in that regard is to 1) Hate the condition my body is in so much it will make a difference. 2) Make workouts robotically scheduled and hold that schedule.
yea, i know exactly what your talking about.
I have the same problem, especially with get-things-done apps, and scheduling how i do things. i’d love to give you some advice on what to use, but i dont have a great system myself. im thinkg about using a small notebook, like dave and anton mentioned, but I’m really anal when it comes to storing my information, and I can’t afford an iPod Touch right now(saving for a new Nikon D80), not to mention there really aren’t any programs to do that for the touch, yet.
i’d be interested in maybe seeing a write up on here about what you decide, or the results of your tests with different methods.
Safari is the only application that I use consistently. Apps like photoshop and aperture are launched when needed.
That’s not to say I don’t have a crap load of apps on my Mac, haha.
I’m more or less the same. It’s nearly impossible to keep my social platforms updated like they should be. I’ve never been able to make use of a calendar of any sort, even though I’ve tried multiple times. Twitter, on the other hand is one of those things that I go at in little bursts. One day I’ll update like crazy, and the next week or so I’ll completely neglect it.
The one thing I’ve manage to actually continually use is my to-do list, via Doomi. My workload is huge, so it’s really the only thing keeping me on track. And it’s desktop based, which gives me a feeling of added interactivity, as opposed to using a web based version. I think opening it straight from the desktop gives me a sense of remembrance. Having to open something in a browser is just another step. I’ve already launched Firefox, and now I have to open a new tab and head over to twitter, etc. I’d prefer to just have my social utilities readily available on my desktop. It’s one less step to reaching what I need to do, as opposed to the web version. It’s all a matter of what I NEED to do, as compared to what I WANT to do.
One seems like a chore, while the other seems like a reward. I’d rather get the chore over with before I take the reward.
iCal’s interface just isn’t that good.
Subversion is the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to add to my work flow. Every year I try. Every year I fail.
anton - Regarding the “writing it down thing”, just so you know… that’s been scientifically proven time and again. The act of handwriting information in your native tongue is one of the best mnemonic tools that exists. It’s why people in Uni find themselves writing notes even when they carry a laptop with them, and why a huge majority of the existing bureaucratic systems, even in heavily technological regions, is still based on good ol’ wood pulp.
matt pennig - Ditto about the gym. For me, it’s not a schedule, but my father - his health is failing, and that’s about the only thing that makes him feel better - he used to be a bodybuilder, so if not physically, then at least emotionally (it must prove to him on some level that he’s not as weak as he feels).
true - Try git. If Subversion doesn’t make sense, maybe you’ve got that rare odd mind like mine that just groks git so much more.
As for things that I can’t work into my lifeflow - GTD. I don’t “Get Things Done” very well, so to speak, so a system would be nice - but every time I try, and every time I fail. I guess this applies for all productivity boosters, really - not just iCal, but calendars in general… todo lists… reminders, notes, stickies, you name it, I’ve tried it.
Dude.. i dunno what your trip is .. but whatever you’re blogging here is so non-nonsensical and at the same time so truthful … Are you on Acid ?
When learning something new it only takes me about a week, then things become like a riding a bicycle and become natural.