Sometimes, the smartest tech stack still doesn’t work… because it doesn’t work for you.
A couple months ago, I made what looked like a smart decision: I switched my entire tech setup to Google Workspace. Email, calendar, video meetings—all under one roof. The logic was solid: save some money, simplify my tools, and create more integration inside my CRM.
But here’s what I learned: what looks great on paper can feel completely off in practice.
Why I Made the Switch
I’d been using Fastmail for email and Zoom for meetings for years. It wasn’t flashy, but it worked—and it worked well.
But as I looked around at the business coaches and solopreneurs in my world, everyone seemed to be moving toward Google Workspace. And the features were enticing:
- Gmail’s priority inbox and AI tools like Gemini
- Google Calendar syncing directly with my CRM (HighLevel)
- Google Meet bundled in, replacing Zoom at no extra cost
- One ecosystem, one bill, a few dollars saved each year
So I ran the numbers and made the migration. As a Gmail user since the early beta days, I figured it would be a smooth transition.
The Friction I Didn’t Expect
What I didn’t see coming was how much subtle friction would show up—daily.
Technically, things worked… but they didn’t flow:
- Gmail’s priority inbox was hiding emails I needed, even though everything was marked to stay in the inbox
- Google Calendar didn’t play well with my iCloud setup, which matters because I share calendars with my wife and family
- Google Meet created constant audio feedback unless I wore AirPods (which I hate doing for meetings)
- There were SPF domain issues with my email that Google simply doesn’t care to address
- And, surprisingly, YouTube was restricted for 30 days because it was a new Workspace account—major interruption for my content flow (even when I was trying to view YouTube with a different account)
None of these issues were massive on their own. But like a pebble in your shoe, the irritation builds until you’re limping.
What My Body Was Trying to Tell Me
I’m a Manifesting Generator with emotional authority in Human Design. That means I don’t get clarity in the moment. I have to ride the emotional wave and feel into a decision over time, especially for the big ones.
Every time I opened Gmail or scheduled a meeting in Google Calendar, I felt it—tension in my body. It wasn’t just unfamiliarity. I’ve used Gmail for years. I’ve used Meet plenty of times.
This was different.
I kept telling myself, “You’ll get used to it.”
But I shouldn’t have to get used to misalignment.
I sat with it. I slept on it. I even talked it through with ChatGPT. And eventually, I realized the problem wasn’t the features… it was the fit.
The Moment I Switched Back
Once I made the decision to return to Fastmail and Zoom, everything shifted. The tension in my body released. Emails were visible. Meetings were smooth. I could make video calls without headphones again.
Everything just… worked.
And it reminded me:
Ease isn’t a luxury. It’s a sign of alignment.
Are Your Tools Working Against You?
You might be in a similar place—trying to make a tool work because it’s the “smart” choice. Because it’s what a coach or tech guru recommended. Because it’s what everyone else is doing.
But the real question is: how does it feel?
If it’s unfamiliar, sure, give yourself time to adjust. But if it’s causing constant friction—especially in your body—it might be a signal to pause and reevaluate.
You’re allowed to change your mind.
You’re allowed to switch back.
You’re allowed to choose what works for you.
What I Learned (And How I Help Others)
I work with coaches and solopreneurs all the time who are frustrated with their tech stack. And here’s what I always tell them:
If it works for you, keep using it.
If it doesn’t, let’s find what does.
That’s what I did for myself. And it’s what I help others do through my Tech & Automation Audit.
If you’re curious about whether your systems are aligned or just barely functional, I’d love to take a look.
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Final Thought
Smart doesn’t always mean aligned.
And aligned doesn’t always mean trendy.
At the end of the day, your business needs to feel good to run.
If something feels off in your systems, start listening.
Your clarity will come.