When I decide to take something on, I always want to buy the accoutrement to match. New gym clothes, new gear, new kitchen appliances, new cookbooks, whatever tools I think will help me become what’s next.

And a lot of times it helps me turn over a new leaf, or get into a new habit, or break an hold one.

But sometimes, the stuff piles up. It sits in a corner almost mocking me. That window of possibility into a new version of me shifts further and further out of reach.

The fresh start fades. Or gets swallowed by the status quo.

That can be really similar with new tech especially if our lives and work are mostly online.

We want to signal to ourselves and our colleagues that we’re going to turn over a new leaf, so we pick a new tool, subscribe to a new SaaS product, buy a new device.

But the tech doesn’t do it.

Why?

There is a huge difference between the tools we have and our habits. The new running shoes aren't nearly as important as the habit of running.

If you find yourself stuck, and you reach for new tech to trigger change, consider a habit instead.

Instead of, wouldn’t it be cool if we could __  ;  try wouldn’t it be cool if we did  ____.

Think about where you’re stuck in your remote work.

What is a new habit you can commit trying to make things easier? Start with something in your control.

Try it for 30 days.

When you get to the end of your 30 days, did it work? Do you want other people to try it? Is there another habit you want to pick up?

Lasting change in habits – solo first, team second – will do more than tech ever could.