I absolutely love Evernote and it is probably my second most used program after my web browser itself. At the same time I hate it and try my best to stay away from Evernote as much as possible; it’s simply too convenient and amazing.
So how is Evernote ruining you? It’s too good at its job, it’s too reliable, and you probably look to your Evernote as a guardian angel over all of your precious dates, information, and reminders.
I’m not trying to convince you that there’s something wrong with security issues or anything. No, I’m warning you about something far worse. Once you dive too deep into Evernote usage you begin to rely on it more than using your actual memory.
I’ve noticed that the more I begin to look to Evernote immediately for reminders and lists of information, the more my memory begins to fail me when it tries to work on its own.
It’s making your brain feel underused and you just gave it an easy way to slack off. What habits can you develop so you balance a healthy dose of Evernote usage while still keeping your short-term and long-term memory strong?
Treat Evernote like Flashcards
When a student is studying using flashcards, it’s been proven that the actual learning and memorizing comes from writing onto the flashcards themselves because they’re processing the information in an entirely different way. It’s vastly different from just shuffling through the cards and reading them aloud; the latter isn’t nearly as memorable or effective.
Treat your Evernote the same way. When you’re writing down dates for your next scheduled meeting, don’t just tap away at the keyboard to get the information down. Consciously form the habit of memorizing what you’re typing and thinking about the date.
Every time you review the information, imagine it’s a flashcard again. Visually interpret the information and then run it through out loud. Once you begin to consciously perceive the information that is in there, it’s not just a reminder anymore, but instead it becomes a quick study tool. Soon, you won’t have to consult your Evernote all the time anymore because that information will now be in your head!
Use it Less Often
Okay, this one may seem incredibly obvious, but stop using it so much! Use your actual memory that you’re lucky enough to have. If you feel like you could memorize the information without jotting it down on Evernote then do so.
Think of it this way, every time you use Evernote, whether it’s on your phone app, desktop app, or browser, you have to wait a few seconds to load it up. Think of using your memory as cutting out load time and suddenly you feel you have more time to be productive.
Possible Security Issues
In the beginning I said I wasn’t talking about this. It’s true that I wasn’t when I was introducing my idea to you that Evernote may be ruining you.
I’m not saying Evernote is dangerous or has any security breach just waiting to happen, but understand the potential is always there. Never store your most vital information on there because you never know when tragedy will strike.
There’s tons of usage for Evernote, but writing down your social security number and all your credit card information is simply not one of them.
Remember I’m not trying to scare you away from Evernote because I really do love it. Take precautions when you realize how dependent you become on the program and you should be fine with some self-discipline.
Question: How reliant are you when it comes to task managing with Evernote?
Guest Contributor: Vincent Nguyen is the author of self-improvement blog Self Stairway. Teaching that self-improvement is done through constant self-reflection, Vincent often draws through anecdotal experience to tie into his life lessons. Currently an aspiring PR Specialist, he wants to aid those seeking the tools to live a better, conscious life. Feel free to follow Self Stairway on Twitter.
