Here's Why I Don't Use Time-Tracking Tools | Learning

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It’s good practice to use time-tracking software. It helps you to face reality about how much time you spend doing specific tasks, and how much of your time is eaten up through procrastination. However, I’ve never got along with things like TimeTracking and Toggl. I don’t see it changing any time soon. In fact, I’ve got even more reasons not to. Highly efficient people may swear by it as a method to get things done, but there are several reasons why I’d prefer not to go there.

My first experience with this kind of thing was when I worked at an agency. They wanted to make sure they could price up their services properly, and the best way is to make sure their clients were getting their money’s worth from our output. I just couldn’t do it. There were many attempts, but it just didn’t gel with the type of work I was doing, and how I tackle my task lists.

These are all the reasons it just won’t happen for me now:

1. I Prefer Deadlines

Deadlines give me more than enough focus. If I know when I need something to be done by, it just doesn’t matter whatsoever how long I take to get there. Knowing that the clock is ticking, or that I’m going to have to face up to a time that far exceeds how long it should do to finish a task doesn’t really help. It’s a distraction and an extra pressure that doesn’t need to be there.

2. Task Lists Work So Much Better

Every Sunday, I update my work schedule with Trello. I double-check the week ahead, and then set the agenda for what I’m doing five weeks in advance. Again, does it matter that much if I’m not getting things done right now, when I’m organised and I have a deadline firmly set way ahead of time? If I’m using it as a means to hurry things along, particularly for creative things, time tracking isn’t the right path for me.

3. I Work from Home with Kids

Unless you have been here, you won’t understand. I currently have two children under two years old. They both need a lot of attention. When they’re distracted/in bed/with someone else, I can work. Otherwise, it’s a struggle to do much. Tasks have to be adjusted to fit what they’re up to, where they are in the house and how carefully I need to watch them. Logging all of that disorder just won’t work.

4. I Use a Lot of Devices

Right now I use a MacBook, iMac, a tablet, and two different phones for various work activities. I switch devices constantly, depending on where I am (in bed, the home, my office, the garden, the car, out, or wherever else). I probably use at least two devices for most of the tasks I do. Try keeping track of all that with any time tracking software.

5. I’m Not Going to Reflect

Truth be told, I’m just not going to look at how long it took to finish a task, make a note and then adjust my ways. I’ve been doing all of this for many years and I know how I am. While I’m open to change, not all change is productive. I feel like time-tracking is only for those that are looking for answers to their problems, and I know mine are elsewhere.

So That’s Where I’m At

For those that feel they have to keep themselves in check by using this kind of things, by all means, let yourself go. Just don’t hold your breath for me to join you. It’s really helpful to try it, to find out whether it suits the way you do thing, but don’t force yourself if you know it’s not your bag.