Simplify to Thrive:

Hey Pathfinder,

I've been on quite the journey lately, and it’s been all about simplifying my life, especially when it comes to my workspace and tech setup. You know that moment when you look around and realize you’ve got just too much stuff? Yeah, that was me. I found myself surrounded by multiple computers, monitors, and other gadgets that were literally collecting dust. Don’t get me started on software. I was making things more complicated than they needed to be, which wasn’t helping me achieve my goals with Healing In Hindsight®.

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So, what did I do? I decided it was time to streamline and utilize what I already have. It's amazing how much we accumulate without even realizing it. For instance, I've had multiple Macs from jobs over the past few years, and they’d always need to be returned once I left a position. That left me bouncing back to my Mac Mini. I also realized that I had all these other tech gadgets, like my MacBook Air and a PC tower. Clearly, I didn’t need all of this to get my work done. It was time to get back to basics.

This hits right at the core of evolving and rebuilding the Healing In Hindsight® brand. The brand is all about growth, healing, and finding practical solutions to everyday challenges. The idea of simplifying my tech setup ties directly into that theme. It's about stripping away the excess, focusing on what really matters, and using what you have efficiently.

One personal insight from this whole process was how much I had been throwing money at the problem, thinking new gadgets or software would solve my issues. Spoiler alert—they didn’t. I had to take a step back and assess what I already owned that could be repurposed or better utilized. My Mac Mini, for instance, became my main content creation machine again, and I dedicated my PC tower to fun activities like gaming and streaming. I did feel weird about it. It’s the same setup I had (sharing monitors between 2 computers) back when I was living in my apartment. It’s a little tedious but I have found little ways to make it easier.

For instance I have a keyboard that can connect to 3 different devices. It’s easy to switch between which device I need to type on. I have it connected to my PC tower, Mac mini, and my iPad Pro. That alone has eased some of the frustrations that can come from having 2 computers to go back and forth with. I’m also looking into getting a mouse that does the same. It’s a minor investment vs. buying a KVM switch to add the convenience of a button to press to do the same thing. Not saying I won’t get one in the future but for now since I’m only sharing my main monitor, it’s pretty easy to have my PC accessible on my 2 side monitors while accessing my mac on my main one.

Challenge-wise, one of the biggest hurdles was figuring out how to adapt my audio gear for different setups. My Rodecaster Pro, for example, worked flawlessly with my Mac Mini but because I have a USB mic for my PC it was kinda over kill. I really only need it for when I’m recording podcast episodes. I want to record them while being comfortable sitting on my studio couch. My solution? Simplify and assign specific tasks to specific devices rather than trying to make one device do everything. I can easily setup the Rodecaster and my camera to record from the comforts of my couch instead of cluttering my desk even more.

💡 Taylor's Tips for simplifying your tech and software

Here are some actionable tips if you're looking to streamline your workspace:

1. Inventory Check: List out what you have. You might be surprised how much equipment is lying around.

2. Purpose Allocation: Assign specific devices or tools to particular tasks.

3. Simplify: Don’t be afraid to sell or give away things you don’t need.

4. Utilize Cloud Storage: Make file accessing easier across devices with cloud services. Or you can invest in an external hard drive and create partitions to work with each device.

5. Invest in Versatile Tools: Focus on tools and software that offer cross-platform compatibility. If you run into a snag like I did with my editor, go back to #2.

Balancing between using Final Cut Pro on my Mac and considering DaVinci Resolve for cross-compatibility was a hurdle. DaVinci Resolve stood out for its color grading, so I kept both, but focused mainly on what was already available and most effective for my daily work. That’s using Final Cut for all my long form editing needs.

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To wrap this up, I can’t emphasize enough how beneficial it’s been to simplify my tech setup. It aligns perfectly with Healing In Hindsight® by encouraging a more intentional, measured approach to both personal and professional challenges. I’m curious what tips and strategies you use to simplify your setup? Let me know!

And hey, if you’re looking to dive deeper into similar topics, why not subscribe to my YouTube channel? It helps me keep creating content that adds value to your life.

Is There Room For Me YouTube Channel

Until next time, stay awesome and remember—sometimes less really is more! Now if only I could apply that to clothes 🤔🤭

Taylor Daniele ✌🏽🖤