We’re told that it’s important to use the right tool for every job. It’s more efficient and we’ll get better outcomes.

But what about the overhead?

It takes time to learn each tool, keep up with the updates, and move information from one tool to another. And what about the visual clutter?

When we continually add tools and equipment, methods and workflows, we risk winding up with Fibber McGee’s closet. And let’s face it, we won’t use most of those tools or methods long term, or we’ll use them so sparingly it’s not worth keeping them around.

What if instead of seeking the best tool for every job we pared things down to just a few? What if instead of a quest for the perfect system we substitute something simpler and good enough?

It’s a different mindset. Minimalism, I suppose. But it appeals to me on both esthetic and practical levels. I also like a good challenge.

One thing I’m doing right now is cutting the number of tags I use in my task management system. Fewer tags require fewer decisions, less maintenance, and a cleaner look and “feel”.

All of this might mean some compromises. For example, fewer tags might mean it takes longer to find things.

Is the tradeoff worth it?

I’m doing my best to find out.

A simple way to get more traffic and more referrals