It's the first Tuesday in October, and that means it's time for a new topic. Last month, it occurred to me that we've spent much more time on how to do various data organization tasks than on why you might want to. Sure, the question has come up now and then, but it's worth digging into more. Knowing why helps you decide whether something truly deserves your time and energy.
Let's get to it!
Big Picture Week 1: Pain Points
I'd wager that everyone reading Tidy Bytes is here because something about your digital life irks you.
Maybe it's something you encounter daily as you use your devices.
Maybe it's a realization that only comes to mind every so often.
Maybe it's a constant but vague level of stress over something you perceive to be a problem.
Maybe you know how to fix it but don't have time, or maybe you have no idea how to fix it.
Maybe you know what a "perfect world" version of this situation would look like, or maybe you don't know where to start.
Regarding digital mess, each of us has different challenges, concerns, desires, goals, and abilities. Many problems are common--like having too much email or too many photos--but many are unique. Even for common issues, we all have different visions of what it would look like to solve those problems.
Our technology and the data we manipulate and store with it are tools that should ultimately add value to our lives. For this first week in Big Picture Month, take a few minutes to consider how your digital tools are not adding value. Or worse, how they are adding pain.
- What devices or apps cause frustration as you attempt to use them?
- What digital mess makes you throw your hands up in exasperation?
- What aspects of your smartphone or computer would you rather ignore than try to fix?
- What problems do you wish you could snap your fingers to eliminate magically?
We aren't trying to fix anything yet. Today, just consider what bothers you about your current digital situation. Write it down somewhere, or tell me about it. I'd love to know! I'll summarize all the info I get later this month for you as we explore this topic more.
If it feels like an exercise in negativity, don't worry. Identifying the source of your pain is one of the best ways to direct your time and attention toward solving the problem without wasting energy or doing work that feels good but doesn't help.
Happy data-taming!