10 Resources for Time Management and Productivity
Being productive and managing our time can be difficult. Knowing what tools you can use to manage this in the most effective way possible is vital to executing a strategy that will sustain you throughout your days, weeks, and year as you plan.
Technology has long been in our lives, and the younger you are, the more involved you are with it. I remember the first iPhone, and while that may horrify some people with how small it was, how new it was, and how ancient it was, to me, it was the best thing since sliced bread. I stood in line for hours to get that phone and had one until recently when I switched brands.
That said, my phone and computer have been the two best options for keeping me on track (besides my handy planners) with time management and productivity. I wanted to share a few things that help me and help anyone else out as well.
Mobile Apps (iOS & Android)
If you’re into games or gaming, then you’re going to love this app. Not only does it take care of your to-do lists. But using it will play like a game where you do tasks and level up while unlocking features like armor, pets, and other neat things to keep you on task to achieve your goals.
2. Things3
Another task list app, this one is excellent for managing your tasks with a dynamic calendar to a comprehensive and detailed to-do list that will make managing your time a breeze.
3. Toggl
Toggl is a time tracking app that will help you with your schedule by keeping you on task, on time, and efficient with it. It tracks the time you spend on tasks, so you’re aware of how you’re spending that time and managing it better. It offers scheduling capabilities that will help with keeping on task and productivity goals.
4. Freedom
Distracted by social media and browsing the web? Do you realize how much time you spend doing this? Freedom will block off blocks of time that you designate so you can focus on the task at hand without those pesky distractions.
5. Forest
Another game-like app, Forest, has you grow trees (with the app open) while you’re focusing on tasks and not on your phone doing other things. When you close the app, your tree dies unless you finish your tasks and allow it to grow to full maturity. Using this app also has environmental benefits as it has partnered with Trees of the Future to plant actual trees!
PC Based (Mac & Windows)
This is one of my favorite web-based apps that is also available on mobile. You don’t have to be good at coding to use this, but it’s helpful to know how to use spreadsheets, or at least have a good idea of how spreadsheets work as this is similar in style for creating templates. I have anything from TV Watch lists, and Book Reading lists to a Planner I master plan everything from before transferring over to my physical planner. This is one of the most flexible productivity and time management apps that I’ve used for both work and personal use.
2. Spark
This app that is both browser and mobile-based helps you focus on what’s important with emails. Ranging from a built-in calendar, follow-up reminders, scheduling emails, and making your inbox a distraction-free zone helps manage your inbox and make you more efficient with your time.
3. Google Keep
Another web-based or mobile-based app, Google Keep, is great for jotting down notes to yourself, making task lists, writing out agendas, and many other things while being able to share with others. Not only do my husband and I share things all the time through this, such as grocery lists, but we use it for honey-do lists and other important tasks that keep the household going.
4. To-Do List
Many to-do list apps are on this list, but we all know that tasks are an important part of projects and goals that need to be completed to get them done. This app, both web and mobile-based, is comprehensive in its approach and focuses mainly on getting those pesky tasks out of your head and into their software for better management.
5. Click-Up
Much like Trello or Asana, this productivity tool is great for teams and individuals alike. They’re both web and mobile-based as well and boast that they’re the best at making sure you stay on task. I use this to make sure that I’m on time with blog posts, medium posts, and anything else that I have in mind to get done. Its reminders, kanban board system, and workspaces for each project make it a breeze to manage my time.
