Why knowledge workers shouldn’t obsess over choosing an app for their long-term PKM | by Paco Cantero
This is a better approach to save time
Knowledge workers typically spend a lot of time looking for the “perfect app”.
The one that covers everything and, above all, forever.
I don’t agree with this “forever concept”.
Here’s why.
At least, that’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 use it for 10 months. I don’t know when I will change it. Maybe soon.
New tools are appearing here, there and everywhere.
Each improves on the previous ones.
At the same time, you evolve. Your needs change.
The world is spinning faster and faster every day.
We are all in this game.
That’s why there’s no need to panic.
Serious tools always have good import/export features.
Day after day, developers know that they can only keep customers if they meet their needs.
You cannot attract customers by creating a closed system. It belongs to the past.
Here are some of the most common complaints related to software vendors.
- Your data belongs to you.
- You can leave us at any time.
- You can easily import and export your data.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time.
In my case, each time I moved from one tool to another, I evolved.
At the same time, each time, I advanced faster.
Example:
- I switched from Evernote to Craft little by little 2 weeks.
- I switched from Omnifocus to Notion in 2 weekends.
- I went from Notion to Obsidian in One day.
I’ve always said that apps are secondary tools.
Your main tool is your workflows.
If they are well defined and polished, you can easily switch between tools.
Don’t worry about trying to find the perfect tool that lasts forever.
Choose one and try it out.
Keep an eye on the market. If any of them resonate with you, give them a try.
In the process, your PKM evolves. You evolve.
