The right tool for a job can make all the difference in the world. The tools in this list will not make you productive by themselves. They won’t fix your problem. The tools listed here are a few that I use to help make me more productive. I am sure that I could get everything done without them but it would be harder. These tools are low cost or free and I recommend you use them or similar ones to help with your productivity. They are listed here in no particular order:

 

Notebook and  Pen –

Old school, I know, but sometimes technology needs to be left alone. Taking notes in a meeting or brainstorming is best done without typing. I use a basic executive journal, like this one.

Calendar –

I live by a calendar mostly because I can feel confident I won’t miss my next appointment or meeting. I can focus on the task at hand knowing that my calendar will remind me not to overrun my time. On some days, that means printing a daily calendar and putting it on my desk for notes and additions without the lure of my electronic version (see the final tip below for more on that!).

Trello – (trello.com)

Trello is like a to-do list on steroids. It is a simple project management app that I sync to my phone and laptop. I create cards in 3 columns: To Do, Doing, and Done. Cards can have lists or notes and can be shared with other Trello users. When you add a comment to a card, it tracks who wrote it and when the comment was created.

Added Bonus: Lewis over at thefreelanceeffect.com has an awesome tutorial on how to use Trello. Use this if you want to get an in-depth review and help to get started. Find it here: https://thefreelanceeffect.com/trello-review/

Evernote – (https://evernote.com)

Evernote is my go-to tool for general note taking on the go, saving web clippings and screenshots, PDFs, shopping lists, and many other things. I currently use the free version, but I expect at some point I will want to upgrade to the premium version for the added functionality. The best part about Evernote is that it syncs with all my devices and works disconnected. If I am waiting on an appointment or stuck somewhere without internet I can start a blog post on my phone and then open it in my computer after I get back to connectivity.

Airplane Mode –

Airplane mode on my phone keeps me from getting distracted during working sessions. A 30 minutes session without calls, texts, emails and the temptation of the internet and social media can produce a lot of good stuff! I recommend going completely offline for a while, especially if the thought makes you uncomfortable!

What is your favorite tool for productivity?

Leave a comment below and let’s discuss!

Posted in Productivity and tagged , ,

4 Comments

  1. Reg on January 3, 2016 at 10:07 pm

    I really like the idea of using airplane mode more often for focus.

    Generally I’m a pen and paper guy but have a hard time staying organized/deciding what to keep/ deciding what is important

    Reply
    • Phil Klutts on January 4, 2016 at 6:15 am

      I sometimes don’t know what will be important down the road or not as well. The journal is great for me because it stays recorded chronologically. I can dogear pages to go back to or transfer notes to another place if needed.

      Reply
  2. Eric on January 4, 2016 at 11:33 am

    All good points. I researched Trello after reading your post and think I may have to give it try. It sometimes seems like I get more and more spread out with newer technology… I need something that will begin to combine different programs (mail, calendar, notes, etc…)

    Thanks for the post… I’ll check out your suggestions!!

    Reply
  3. Katie on January 4, 2016 at 9:27 pm

    I have not heard of Trello, I’ll have to do some looking into that.
    Paper and pen, those things make my heart happy. I have my favorites and this year am increasing the use of those things.
    Love Evernote for what little I use it for. Maybe I’ll expand my use of it.
    Thanks for the ideas.

    Reply

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