My first dip into productivity were Youtube videos called: "Top 10 Productivity Apps", "10 Best Todo Apps" and similar titles. I wanted to learn about all tools of productivity. Especially the tools/habits/routines of famous people. One of the reasons why I enjoy the Tim Ferriss Show. I thought learning about the tools of successful people would make me successful. Which isn't true. Similar to an idea I wrote about in my post How to Decide on What Advice to Follow; while a tool may work for one person doesn't mean it will work for everyone. I realized what's important isn't the tool. It's the habits, systems and routines you establish for yourself. For more information on this check out my books notes on Atomic Habits by James Clear.
It's like when people want to get better at a skill they buy expensive equipment instead of doing the work . Buying an expensive guitar doesn't make you a great guitar player. It's hours of practice and honing your skills. Or when people want to become a content creator like on Youtube. They always ask people "what camera do you use?". Instead of actually making videos.
While finding the right tools isn't the most important part of learning a new skill. I do think there's value in these posts. It's a way for people to find tools to improve what they already have. First focus on the foundation (habits/skills/routines) then find the right tools. Tools can help but it's the skills and knowledge that will make someone from good to great. These posts are fun and can be useful.
Below are 7 websites/apps that I use the most. These tools deal with topics like: writing, productivity, and design. With no specific topic. I'll include a brief description of the tool along with how it's changed my life. In no particular order here are the apps.
You can either copy and paste whatever you're writing into the app or write in the app. The website highlights lengthy, complex sentences and common errors. It's designed to make your writing bold and clear.
I'm able to write clear and concise content. It focuses on making content readable. I would recommend this for content like a blog post, essay or article. Where readability is one of the most important factors. Not a good resource for someone interested in writing fiction.
Whenever you want to stay focused, plant a tree in the app. The tree will grow while you focus on your work. Leaving the app halfway will cause your tree to die. It acts as either a stopwatch (to time how long you focus) or a timer (to set a specific time to focus).
It's helped me stay focused on the task at hand. It motivates me to keep focusing because if I don't my tree "dies". I mainly use the stopwatch feature. It's easy for me to collect data on how much time I spend on certain activities.
It's a collaborative browser-based free design tool. It lets the user create mockups, wireframes, full demos and anything else. You can also collaborate with others. There's a paid version for teams and businesses.
I've been able to design (for free) all the graphics I need. Including website design mockups, my current resume, LinkedIn banner, and more. It takes a while to learn but once you do it's one of the best free tools to use for anyone interested in design.
It's an online learning and teaching website with over 200,000 courses. It includes online courses aimed at professionals and students. Topics include programming, marketing, data science and more.
Because of how affordable the courses are most are $15-$25 (wait for their many frequent sales) it's helped me learn Python. I am also learning Python for data science and plan on using this website to learn SQL.
Website/app that lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. Completely free.
I've been able to read more books by borrowing them. It's also helped save me money (since I don't have to buy the Kindle versions of books). I enjoy library books but I mostly read on my Kindle, this lets me do both.
Calendly is a way to easily book meetings and other appointments. No need to go back and forth with emails trying to figure out a time to meet. Create an account and send the person a link to schedule a time in your calendar. You can upload your own schedule (by integrating your calendar app) and set "meeting times".
After posting on LinkedIn inviting people to have a coffee chat (informal interview) with me I got an influx of messages. After the first three I got tired of going back and forth scheduling. I signed up for Calendly and it's been the easiest way for me and the other person to schedule a time. Especially when there's a time zone difference.
A free (basic features) project management and note-taking software. It's designed to help people coordinate all aspects of their lives. It's seen as a do-it-yourself productivity tool. Create and build whatever fits your needs.
My notion workspace (app) is pretty basic. I don't use it as my only productivity tool. But it's the best resource for holding databases. Like my reading list and a list of the content I've created. I'm able to view the data in various ways, add tags and organize it the way I want. I see it as a blend between spreadsheets (for the data but without formulas and functions) and a note-taking app (like Evernote, able to add notes for each data point).
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