The productivity paradox: Why I cut my tech stack in half

Discovering productivity apps initially promised to enhance workflow and organization, but an overabundance of tools often led to inefficiency and distraction. The realization of spending more time managing apps than on meaningful work prompted a thorough audit of the tech stack, cutting unnecessary tools by half and focusing on essential, high-value applications. The author emphasizes the cognitive load, context switching, and maintenance overhead that multiple apps introduce, arguing for a streamlined approach that prioritizes fewer, better tools. They share practical strategies such as categorizing tools into "must-have" and "nice-to-have," setting reminders before app renewals, and conducting regular audits to maintain an effective tech setup. The result was a significant reduction in SaaS expenses and a clearer mind, allowing for more deep work and genuine productivity. By focusing on a lean setup with tools that truly enhance workflow, such as Google Docs, Todoist, and Notion, the author achieved more focused and creative output. They also highlight the value of integrating existing tools through automation platforms like Zapier, which enhances functionality without adding complexity. This approach underscores the paradox that true productivity often comes from simplifying rather than optimizing for productivity.