Why I Left Evernote + My New Productivity System [BEST OF]
Aug 15, 2024
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The speaker shares their frustrating departure from Evernote after a decade, triggered by updates that undermined essential features. They introduce a new productivity system that emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. Listeners are encouraged to explore innovative tools for improving everyday life, from plant-based nutrition to sleep enhancement. The discussion includes actionable steps for optimizing personal productivity, with a spotlight on the benefits of early rising for better organization and event management.
The decision to leave Evernote was driven by significant usability issues and a lack of essential features in recent updates.
Adopting a flexible productivity system that utilizes multiple specialized tools can enhance adaptability and resilience in managing workflows.
Deep dives
Reasons for Leaving Evernote
After over a decade of using Evernote, the decision to leave stemmed from significant changes in the application's functionality. The recent update introduced numerous critical features that were previously essential for productivity but have now been removed or altered, such as the absence of a preferences menu, local notes, and classic note links. The new version also exhibited reduced performance with issues like slow synchronization and persistent bugs, which severely disrupted the user experience. Given these concerns, it became clear that Evernote no longer catered to the needs of dedicated users, leading to a necessary shift toward alternative productivity tools.
Poor Update Experience
The update to Evernote was likened to a beta release, lacking essential features that users have come to depend upon. This drastic change not only affected existing functionalities but also led to corrupted formatting and an overall degradation of the app's usability. Users noted that the checkboxes were replaced with an 'X,' which conveyed a negative connotation rather than the positive reinforcement of completing tasks. Such baffling design decisions cast doubt on the direction of the company's innovation, making the app feel less reliable for dedicated users.
Shift in Company Vision
The change in leadership within Evernote over recent years has altered the company's focus, straying from its original vision and functionality that initially attracted loyal users. With consecutive executive departures, the new vision appears misaligned with the needs and expectations of the existing user base. The result has been a product that feels foreign to those who have depended on it for years, fostering discontent and frustration among long-time users. This lack of alignment between company direction and user needs ultimately contributed to the decision to seek out alternatives.
Lessons Learned and New Framework
Reflecting on the experience with Evernote has yielded several important lessons regarding technology and productivity. One key takeaway is the realization that heavy loyalty to a tech product can lead to vulnerability when companies pivot or fail to prioritize user needs. Furthermore, staying flexible and open to new tools is essential in an ever-changing tech landscape, as reliance on any single app can limit productivity. The new approach to productivity embraces a framework with multiple specialized tools, ensuring adaptability and resilience in maintaining effective workflows.