September has been a big month for Apple as they released not only their iPhone 6 models , but their new operating system, iOS 8. I’m enjoying the new features my iPhone now has to offer thanks to this update, and I’m sure you all are too! Whenever a software update comes out for my smart phone, tablet, or computer, I take some time to reorganize the device itself– whether it be folders, messages, content, and applications. It’s a great time to reorganize, clear out space (memory) and remove apps you don’t use often enough.
While there are plenty of apps I’ve downloaded and not been satisfied with, I have several that I used on a day to day basis that I can’t be without. Here are four different apps I use on a regular basis that I wanted to share with you to assist you as you look to increase your productivity, track time, and keep you on task in throughout the course of your busy, perhaps hectic life.
RescueTime: This application runs in the background on both your computer and mobile devices, tracking the time that you spend on various applications and websites. Additionally, it allows you to block websites that you find distracting and set up alerts when you’ve spent a certain amount of time on designated activities. At the end of the day, RescueTime will put together a report detailing how you spent your day. The plus here is that there is almost no effort on your part: just start it, set up any necessary alerts, and let it run. The downside is that you may need to do some additional analysis if you spend time on particular sites or programs for multiple projects.
Trello: Trello is a web-based task tracking tool that takes your to do list to the next level. Though the default setting gives you three lists (To Do, Doing, and Done), you can create lists for different projects or days of the week, making this application extremely easy to tailor to you. It is also simple to move tasks (known as cards) to different lists – even to those of other team members, a plus for delegating! Trello is especially useful for managers as they can review their staffs’ lists, see what’s been done at a glance and quickly adjust the order of tasks as priorities change.
Toggl: This is an extremely simple, yet powerful time tracking app. It pairs a task log with a stop watch, allowing you to add tasks, start the clock, and then stop it when you’re done. While this does give you an extra step between tasks, it does give you a bit more flexibility than RescueTime and details down to the minute how much time is spent on each task as YOU define it.
Evernote: Evernote is a cloud based note taking application that allows you to write and access notes via both a mobile and desktop application and on the web, meaning that you can have your to do list with you wherever you go. With this application, you can create categorized “notebooks” to organize each of your notes. Evernote also allows you to created bulleted and numbered lists, to highlight important tasks and even to attach reminders to specific notes. Our NYC Professional Organizer loves this application because it’s easy to use and customize for your own needs.
These tools are only as beneficial as you make them, so use them regularly to see if they’re the best fit for you. Not every app is for everyone, so play around with each of them and see if they fit in with your productivity and organization needs and preferences.
Looking for additional assistance in productivity, task management, or time management? Reach out to our NYC Professional Organizer. She’ll develop systems and time management tips customized for your needs and habits to help you work smarter!
What apps do you use on a regular basis? What are some applications you wish to share with the rest of your Project Eve Community that you can’t live without?
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