Hey Besties💜
I once felt I was drowning in a sea of constant updates, shiny new tech, and never-ending “must-know” tools. It seemed like every other week, there was some new software, platform, or framework that promised to make life easier or make me more money—if only I could learn it fast enough. The anxiety was real!
If you're anything like me (or most people in tech), you've likely experienced that little voice in your head whispering, “Are you outdated?” So, let’s talk about it: how do we cope when everything feels outdated?
You don’t have to learn everything that comes out. The trick is to be strategic.
-The Content Design Chief
The Tech Treadmill Is Real!
I need you to know that change is the only constant in the Tech space. Something bigger, better, or faster comes along every few months, and we’re expected to keep up. If you’re in a tech career—whether as a developer, designer, or UX writer—you probably feel the pressure to stay ahead of the game.
But here’s the truth: nobody can know it all. Not even the tech gurus who seemingly live and breathe innovation.
"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master."
— Christian Lous Lange
So, how do we stop chasing every shiny new thing while still staying relevant?
-First let’s find out why this cycle is overwhelming—after all, how would we uproot it without taking it right out from the roots?
Why the Update Cycle Feels So Overwhelming
Let’s start by understanding why the constant need to update feels so heavy. The tech industry is built on innovation. Companies compete fiercely to launch new features, better products, and more efficient tools. And guess what? These updates often make their way into our daily work lives, sometimes faster than we can keep track of.
Here’s the reality: many of these tools evolve incrementally. But because we’re bombarded with release notes, articles, and social media posts about the “latest and greatest,” we trick ourselves into thinking we’re falling behind. It’s not just FOMO (fear of missing out)—it’s tech FOMO. — this was what I felt when Figma released the U13kit and I wasn’t enjoying it as a content designer!
Now, back to the issue!
When AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney first hit the scene, I felt behind from day one. Suddenly, every other UX writer seemed to be using AI to optimize workflows or write copy at lightning speed.
However, after trying in, I realized the fundamentals I already knew still applied. The new tools just gave me different ways to approach my work, not replace it entirely.
Embrace Selective Learning
Here’s my secret to keeping my sanity in the face of the endless tech treadmill: selective learning.
You don’t have to learn everything that comes out. The trick is to be strategic. Ask yourself:
Is this relevant to my work?
Will this help me be more efficient or productive?
Is this trend here to stay, or is it just a fad?
If the answer to any of those questions is a “no,” permit yourself to pass on it. Focus on the tools and updates that actually impact your day-to-day work or your long-term career goals.
For instance, when I realized that only a fraction of the AI trends would impact UX writing in meaningful ways, I saved myself from a spiral of unnecessary research.
Set Learning Boundaries
Learning is awesome, but it can also be overwhelming when we don’t set boundaries. When every headline screams, “10 New Features You Can’t Miss,” it’s easy to feel like we should be cramming more information into our already full brains.
Instead, try this:
Schedule learning time: Set aside specific times to explore new tech and tools. This way, you won’t feel like you’re always playing catch-up.
Use the 80/20 Rule: Focus 80% of your time on tools you know are valuable and 20% on exploring new trends. This keeps you grounded while still being open to learning.
Stay curious, not stressed: Remember, staying curious is a strength. But curiosity doesn’t mean you have to learn everything all at once.
The Myth of the "Tech Guru"
Let me debunk a myth for you: those people who seem to know every new technology or software the moment it comes out? They don’t. What they have is a system. They’ve mastered the art of focusing on what matters to their niche. Behind the scenes, they’re just as selective about what they explore and add to their stash.
The truth? Even tech experts are constantly learning—and forgetting—things. What sets them apart is their mindset. They accept that they can’t know everything, and they’re okay with that.
At the end of the day, coping with the constant update cycle is about balance. It’s about knowing when to explore innovation and when to say, “That’s not for me—yet.” It’s about staying grounded in your purpose while being open to learning selectively.
Clarity Over Everything
When it feels like you’re swimming in an ocean of updates, it helps to come back to your core. What’s your why in tech? Are you here to create better user experiences? To solve user problems through UX writing or design?
Knowing your “why” acts as an anchor when the flood of updates starts to overwhelm you. You can filter out the noise and focus on what’s actually going to move you forward.
Steal My One-Day Learning Routine
Once a month, I block off a "tech discovery day."
During this time, I explore one or two new tools that have been on my radar, without any pressure to master them. Sometimes, I discover a tool that fits into my workflow; other times, I realize a tool isn’t worth the hype, and that’s okay too. I don’t need to chase every tech update—just the ones that support my why.
AND YOU SHOULD STEAL THIS TOO! (yeah, I stole this from someone so let’s keep it a secret😂🤭)
Tech Will Keep Changing—And That’s Okay
Here’s the thing: the standards of tech are always going to change, and there will always be more updates, more tools, more trends. But the good news is that you don’t have to know everything. In fact, you can’t know it all—and that’s okay.
Staying focused on what matters to your work, career, and passion is more important. Keep your curiosity alive, but don’t let the noise of constant updates drown out your priorities.
At the end of the day, coping with the constant update cycle is about balance. It’s about knowing when to explore innovation and when to say, “That’s not for me—yet.” It’s about staying grounded in your purpose while being open to learning selectively.
So the next time you feel like you're falling behind, remember: you’re exactly where you need to be, and no one knows it all.
Stay curious, and don’t forget to give yourself a break—you’re doing great.
Until next time, keep learning at your own pace!
P.S. It’s my birthday today, a little “Happy Birthday” would make my day🤭
With Love💜,
The DigiTool Dump