It has been a while since I wrote about my productivity tools. The last time I wrote about them was in 2010. Things have changed since then, so I think it’s a good time to write about them again.
One major change I have made since 2010 is that now I use Mac while at that time I used Windows. Accordingly, some of the apps below are only available on the Mac. I’m sure there is a Windows equivalent for each though.
I also use other apps in addition to the ones below, but these are the apps that I consider essential.
Without further ado, here are my essential productivity tools (in no particular order):
Google Calendar (cross platform)
I use Google Calendar to organize my schedule and keep track of appointments. I also use it as a reminder for doing things in the future. For instance, I use it to remind me to send donations and pay some bills. I like the fact that it’s synchronized between my computer and cell phone.
Microsoft OneNote (cross platform)
I use OneNote for detailed notes and planning. When I’m working on a project, for instance, I write everything related to it in OneNote: things to do, research notes, and other stuff.
My favorite feature in OneNote is expanding/collapsing an outline. This allows me to hide irrelevant parts of a note so that I can focus on the part that’s relevant to me at that time.
HabitMaster (iOS)
HabitMaster is the app I use for building my habits. I use it to build daily, weekly, and monthly habits. I spend my days mostly based on the checklists in this app. I built this app myself.
Short Notes (iOS)
Short Notes is the app I use for recording and organizing my ideas. Unlike OneNote, I use it to record short ideas, usually in the form of a few sentences. It’s also an app that I built myself.