{Field Notes} Tech Stress & End of Year Reflection
Happy December!
Well, if you are reading this, I can honestly say … whew, we made it.
Of course, it wasn’t easy.
And so it’s a great time to do some reflection as a changemaker business or leader.
Here’s the prompts I’m working with over the next few weeks:
:: What good did I do in 2025?
:: What good do I want to do in 2026?
:: How was I the change I want to see in the world (or on my team) this past year?
:: How can I be the change I want to see in the world (or in my business) in the year ahead?
The change I want to see most right now … is everyday people thriving again like they once were. I started seeing the rise of extreme greed from Big Tech and Tech Bros in 2017.That greed has only gotten more dangerous and the gap between the haves and the have nots is growing deeper and wider.
Last year, I began to divest from big tech. Not just because of the corporate greed we are witnessing but also to streamline and reduce my own tech stress. Too many apps, too many passwords, too many codes being texted to my phone.
It’s all too much! I don’t want to be in tech limbo. I want to be doing good work in the world.
This year, I plan to continue that and to do that right now I am giving a smaller email company a chance by ending my decade + time with Kit and signing up with Buttondown.
Never heard of them?
That’s the point!
If we want to see our own missions advanced we have to find new and refreshing ways to do things differently. Leaving KIT is a huge move and I am not sure that Buttondown will be a great choice but it’s worth being curious about it.
Begin by doing a Tech Inventory in your own business or organization.
Tech Inventory
Conduct quarterly reviews of all apps/software/vendors.
Identify overlapping tools and consolidate where possible. (Many apps/providers are more robust than a single one-use application at this point.)
Downgrade to reduce costs or see if you can benefit from a free version if it’s available.
Implement a reminder system to review and assess new tech purchases.
Track ROI for each major tech expense to justify renewals. (Give feedback if you part ways!)
Now, I’d love to know how you answer the reflection prompts above! Hit reply and let me know and I’ll share one of my “what good I did this year” with you.
Shawn (she/her)
P.S. I’m now scheduling Q1 2027 Business Planning Intensives for the first two weeks of January. These are 2-hour sessions where we hop on a zoom and plan out your precise offer, sales and messaging strategy. Hit reply if you want to learn more or schedule or book a call to discuss! (space is limited to 5)