For those of us in the world of technology, or dependent on it for your jobs, our tools are our lifeline. They help us code, organize and manage our daily tasks. Over time, it is easy for our toolsets to become cluttered, unnecessary or even heavily bloated so that they no longer serve their purpose.

Every year, I take some time to refresh my system build and workflows to ensure that my setup is optimized to streamline work and reduce friction.

The Importance of Reviewing your Tools

Conducting an annual review of your tools is more than just a routine task, it’s a crucial practice for maintaining an efficient and productive workflow. As technology evolves and our needs shift, it’s vital to reassess the tools we use. Unused or outdated tools can create unnecessary friction, slow down our work, and even lead to frustration.

In my recent review, I examined all the tools and configurations I use. The goal was to eliminate redundancies, streamline workflows, and ensure that every tool and configuration serves a clear purpose. This process is not just about cleaning up but also about aligning our tools with our current needs and goals.

Changing Linux Distributions

I have been using Debian based distributions for a few years and whilst I have been very happy with them, I had been evaluating Arch Linux for a while and a few months ago, I decided to switch and make this my daily driver and have been very happy. This isn’t about boasting “I Use Arch, BTW”; the main reason is its minimal installation approach, where you install only the packages you need. It’s a rolling release with the latest packages and the AUR (Arch User Repository).

Transition from I3WM to QTile

I have been very satisfied with I3 and am still a strong supporter of it. However, I found a few areas where it was lacking, which led me to move to QTile. The primary reason for this transition if my proficiency in Python. Since QTile is Python based, I can customize it to meet my specific requirements more effectively.

VIM Configuration

I have been using VIM for many years and my configurations have ranged from very basic to overly complex. I decided to use kickstart.nvim a small, single file and well documented configuration. By spending a few hours configuring this, I know have a VIM setup that works exactly how I want, with the necessary plugins, mappings and settings that are aligned with my workflow.

Key Takeaways

  1. Regular Reviews Are Crucial: An annual review of your tools ensures that you’re not carrying unnecessary baggage. It helps you stay current with technology and align your tools with your evolving needs.

  2. Eliminate Redundancies: Remove tools and configurations that are no longer useful. This reduces clutter and helps streamline your workflow.

  3. Embrace Change: Don’t be afraid to switch tools or reconfigure your setup if it means improving efficiency. The transition might require some effort, but the benefits often outweigh the initial investment.

  4. Customize for Efficiency: Tailor your tools and configurations to fit your specific needs. Customization can lead to significant improvements in productivity and satisfaction.

While this may seem unnecessary to some, I have found that by regularly reviewing the tools that I use and refining my workflow as needed allows me to maintain a frictionless environment that enables me to be as effective as possible.