Knowledge workers usually dedicate a lot of time looking for the “perfect app”.
The one that covers it all and, above all, forever.
I disagree about this “forever concept”.
Here’s why.
Each Time the Same App Is Used Less and Less Time
At least, it’s my case.
Examples:
- Evernote: I used it for 10 years.
- Omnifocus: I used it for 3 years.
- Notion: I used it for 1.5 years.
- Obsidian: I’ve been using it for 10 months. I don’t know when I’ll change it. Maybe pretty soon.
Reasons
New tools appear here, there, and everywhere.
Each one improves the previous ones.
At the same time, you evolve. Your needs change.
The world’s spinning faster and faster every day.
We’re all in that game.
Don’t panic
That’s why there’s no need for panic.
Serious tools always have good import/export features.
Day by day, developers know they can only keep customers if they fit their needs.
You cannot attract clients by creating a closed system. That belongs to the past.
Here are some of the most common claims related to software companies:
- Your data belongs to you.
- You can leave us at any moment.
- You can easily import and export your data.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time.
In my case, each time I’ve moved from one tool to the other, I’ve evolved.
At the same time, each time, I’ve moved faster.
Example:
- I moved from Evernote to Craft little by little along 2 weeks.
- I moved from Omnifocus to Notion in 2 weekends.
- I moved from Notion to Obsidian in 1 day.
Your Best Tool: Workflows
I’ve always said apps are secondary tools.
Your main tool is your workflows.
If they’re well defined and polished, you can easily move from one tool to another.
Takeaways
- Don’t stress out trying to look for the perfect tool that lasts forever.
- Just choose one and give it a try.
- Keep an eye on the market. If any resonates with you, give it a try.
- In the process, your PKM evolves. You evolve.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash.