There is a quote from Bill Gates that I think about often:
“The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.”
What I think is important in this quote is that we have gotten to the point of thinking that technology produces the results we want. That software, that app, that device – that’s what will allow me to lose weight, manage my finances, meditate more, etc.
Technology is only a tool. You still need an underlying process, method, or system for producing the results you want. And you need to decide to follow it first. Then, when you add the technology, it’ll make getting the results better or quicker or easier. But it won’t make the results.
Thus, before buying a new piece of technology, ask yourself: What are the principles for producing the results I want? How would I produce these results without the technology?
Dedicate yourself to doing the work before using the technology. Even if you just have to use pen or paper. Then, once it starts working for you, find a way to fit the technology in to help you in automating the process.
Technology is not your savior; you are.