Why I Tested Productivity Software and Walked Away

What Gets in the Way of Your Productivity?

October 14, 2025 | Episode 5202

Host: Scott Smith

Episode Description

Ever feel like you just want to get your work done so you can hit the beach?

Scott's broadcasting from sunny Daytona Beach with a reality check about productivity that'll make you rethink everything. Forget the fancy software and complicated systems. Most people are spending more time managing their productivity tools than actually being productive.

Here's the truth: productivity isn't what you think it is. And once you understand what's really getting in your way, you'll finally stop beating your head against the wall.

Featured Story

Scott was researching productivity software to help his clients when he stumbled into a rabbit hole of apps designed to manage schedules, habits, and tasks. These programs were so complex they'd reschedule your entire day if you missed one thing.

Plot twist: The young professionals using them were spending more time managing the software than actually getting things done.

That's when Scott said "hell no" and walked away. Growing up in the 70s with a landline and an 18-foot cord taught him something valuable. He keeps his phone in another room while working because he knows what happens if it's within reach.

The lesson? Don't fall into the marketing trap. Sometimes the old-school approach wins.

Important Points

Productivity is two words: Product and Activity. Is your activity actually creating the outcome you want?

Most people have no awareness of what's really hindering their goals. They know something's wrong but won't look under the hood.

The more you want in life is on the other side of doing less. Stop doing 50 steps when it only takes five.

Memorable Quotes

"Simple is the ultimate form of sophistication. Those people complicating things? They're not very sophisticated, are they?"

"You will beat your head against the wall until you get tired of doing it. And one day you'll say, that's it. I'm done."

"More is on the other side of less. The more you want is on the other side of doing less."

Scott's Three-Step Approach

Define your product. What outcome are you actually trying to create with your activity? If you're not getting it, change your actions.

Get brutally aware. Stop and ask what's really in your way or what you're doing instead of moving forward.

Know your philosophy. Why are you doing all this stuff? What's the reason you're getting out of bed? Don't know? Then why are you doing it?

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