The Real Reason You Feel Overwhelmed by Technology—And How to Fix It

There I was knee-deep in a new tool setup—toggling between my blog platform, my new email platform, helps docs, a YouTube video, and 15 tabs open—and suddenly I realized I didn’t even know what I was trying to do anymore.

I just wanted to connect them so the form from the email platform would open in a popup window. I ended up in an endless maze of integrations, APIs, and “pro plans.”

It was complicated—and I’m an expert in communication, automation, and collaboration technology platforms. I’ve been doing this sort of thing for over 2 decades and I still found myself lost in it all. So lost that I had forgotten what my end goal was. Every step had me distracted with new features that were super cool, code snippets to customize something, and ideas for something I could do later.

But all those features, were they right for me? Sure, they seemed fun, techy, and made some pretty impressive sites but is that what I was trying to do? Is that even me? Am I willing to spend hours learning a new app so I can do things that may not even send the message I’m trying to send or match my personality?

Have you ever found yourself in these shoes?

It’s not you—it’s the way you’ve been taught to think about technology

Most of us think success means finding the right tools. So you watch YouTube videos, read reviews, ask friends, follow what someone else in the industry is doing, and inevitably end up with a dozen half-used subscriptions and a headache.

Here’s the truth:

There isn’t one perfect tool. There’s only the tool that’s right for you.

Technology isn’t supposed to make you feel stupid, frustrated, or disorganized. It’s supposed to fit into the way you work—your personality, your habits, your workflow. It exists to help you be more productive and efficient, not lost and suck up your time.

I learned that lesson the hard way.

After over two decades helping teams and individuals use technology more effectively, I’ve seen it all—small teams not collaborating well and solo entrepreneurs doing everything manually because “it’s just easier.”

And I get it. Even with all that experience helping people use technology the right way, I hit a wall. I’d been layering new tools on top of my systems for months, thinking each one would finally be the last. Then one day I realized I had spent more time managing my tools than doing the thing I was meant to do. The same problem I had been helping people solve my entire career. I had gotten sucked in without even realizing it.

That’s when I stopped asking, “Which tool should I use?” and started asking myself “How do I want to work?”

That question changed everything.

Technology should fit you—not the other way around.

When you design your tech stack around your goals, comfort level, and natural workflow, it becomes invisible. It fades into the background while your creativity, ideas, and business take center stage.

Maybe you like simplicity and visuals—then you need tools with drag-and-drop interfaces and automation that just happen behind the scenes.

Or maybe you’re data-driven—you’ll thrive with customizable dashboards and detailed workflows.

It’s all about finding what works for you, not what someone else says is the “the best.”

Three Smart Steps to Simplify Your Tech

If you’re feeling buried in tools, integrations, and subscriptions, take a step back and try this:

1. Step back before you add anything new
   Before you sign up for another platform, ask: What problem am I actually trying to solve?
   You might realize you already have a tool that can handle it—you just haven’t set it up fully yet.
   Bonus tip: List every tool you currently use. Seeing them all in one place can be eye-opening.
   
2. Match your tools to your work style
   Are you a visual thinker? A checklist person? Someone who needs automation because details slip through the cracks?
   The “best” tool is the one that supports how your brain works. When you match your tools to your natural tendencies, your systems finally make sense.
   
3. Automate one thing this week
   Pick one small task that feels repetitive—like sending a welcome email or collecting form submissions—and automate it.
   Even a simple win can remind you that technology can make life easier (and free up time for the work you actually love).

Want to dig into email platforms?

If you’re starting with your marketing or email, I’ve got something that’ll help.

Take the “Which Email Platform Is Right for You?” Quiz

It’ quick, practical, and designed to match you with a platform that fits your style and personality—no tech jargon, no overwhelm.

You’ll walk away with clarity and knowing yourself and your goals better.

The real fix for tech overwhelm isn’t more tools—it’s smarter ones that work for you.