January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January, stepping away from alcohol to enhance their health, productivity, and break the cycle of procrastination.
Similarly, your business wrestles with a "Dry January" equivalent—persistent, inefficient tech habits that everyone knows slow things down or pose risks, yet continue "because we're busy."
These overlooked tech missteps can cause serious trouble. Here are six damaging tech behaviors to ditch immediately, along with smarter alternatives to replace them.
1. Postponing Software Updates by Clicking "Remind Me Later"
That tempting button has wreaked more havoc than hackers themselves. Delaying updates leaves your systems vulnerable to attacks that exploit unfixed security flaws.
Remember the WannaCry ransomware disaster? It exploited a patched vulnerability that victims ignored, resulting in billions of dollars lost globally.
Stop delaying: Schedule updates during off-hours or automate them with your IT support to keep your systems secure without interruptions or surprises.
2. Using One Password Everywhere
Relying on a single favorite password across emails, banking, and accounts exposes you to massive risks from data breaches and credential stuffing attacks.
Change the game: Adopt a trusted password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Use one master password and let the tool generate strong, unique passwords for every account—quick to set up, unmatched in security.
3. Sharing Passwords Through Email or Messages
Texting or emailing passwords may solve short-term problems but leaves permanent records vulnerable if inboxes are ever hacked.
Think of it as mailing your house key to strangers.
Quit insecure sharing: Use password managers with secure sharing features that grant access without exposing the actual password. If you must share manually, divide the credentials across channels and change them immediately afterward.
4. Granting Admin Rights to Everyone for Convenience
Providing full admin access just to avoid permission hassles is a shortcut that puts your entire business at risk if accounts are compromised—especially from ransomware attacks.
Apply the Principle of Least Privilege: Limit access strictly to what each person needs. Spending a few extra minutes setting proper permissions far outweighs the potential damage from unauthorized access.
5. Letting Temporary Fixes Become Permanent Solutions
Workarounds created years ago may seem harmless but actually cause ongoing inefficiency and fragility that can collapse when circumstances change.
Take action: Catalog all stopgap fixes your team uses. Don't try to patch them yourself—partner with experts who can implement lasting, streamlined solutions to save time and reduce frustration.
6. Relying on a Complex Spreadsheet to Run Your Business
That massive Excel file with intricate formulas managed by only a few is a ticking time bomb: one mistake or departure threatens your entire operation.
Upgrade your systems: Document the processes your spreadsheet supports, then switch to specialized software like CRM, inventory, or scheduling tools. These offer backups, audit trails, user controls, and scalability to safeguard your business.
Why Breaking These Habits Is So Challenging
You already know these are risky, but busyness clouds judgment—bad habits stay hidden until disaster strikes.
- Consequences feel distant until sudden and severe.
- Proper methods seem slower than shortcuts at first glance.
- Widespread adoption normalizes harmful behaviors.
Dry January works because it forces awareness—the same principle applies to reshaping your tech habits.
How to Break These Habits Without Relying on Willpower
Success stems from changing your environment to make smart behaviors effortless. Examples include:
- Implementing company-wide password managers.
- Automating updates to eliminate postponement.
- Centralizing permission controls to prevent admin overreach.
- Replacing workarounds with robust, documented solutions.
- Migrating from spreadsheets to dedicated, reliable software.
Good IT partners don't just advise; they transform your systems so security and efficiency become the path of least resistance.
Ready to Quit the Hidden Tech Habits Dragging Down Your Business?
Schedule a Bad Habit Audit today.
In 15 minutes, we'll uncover your unique challenges and provide a clear roadmap to boost security, speed, and profitability—no jargon, no pressure.
Click here or give us a call at 503-765-1802 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call.
Some habits deserve to be dropped cold turkey—there's no better time than January to start.
