Productivity is never an accident; it is always the result of deliberate action taken over time. In fact, there are many things we do every day that contribute to our level of success.
In my experience, people often think about what they want to accomplish, but rarely consider how to make those goals happen. This is where a good plan comes into play. A well-thought-out strategy helps us achieve our goals while avoiding common pitfalls along the way.
I recently came across some interesting statistics regarding productivity. They show that the average person spends nearly 2 hours per day doing things that don’t really matter. So why waste time on activities that aren’t adding value to your life?
Here are productivity tools you can use today to maximize your time and achieve more.
Note Taking & Documentation Tools
1. Notion
This is the best all-in-one app to help you with everything you need, from creating databases as a college student to managing your expenses or even building a fully customized task manager.
2. Pocket
Save articles, videos, blog posts, etc., that you come across on the internet. Later, read them offline or listen to them on the go.
3. Kindle
Kindle is an e-book reader that allows users to download books onto their devices wirelessly over Wi-Fi networks. With many features available to make the most out of every book you read: highlights, adding bookmarks, and notes in specific locations.
4. InstaPaper
One of the leading apps to gather articles from the web, making it easy with just a click of a button you can create a collection of interesting reads for later. All the articles can be organized according to your own preferences with notes and highlights for later use.
5. Readwise
Approaching the topic of gathering notes Readwise went a different direction, instead of help you collect articles and keep them stored somewhere so you may or may not read them. They allow you to connect to services such as Kindle for example, and they will send you a summary of multiple highlights you have made. This keeps the learning constant so you are always engaging with the content you deemed valuable.
6. Microsoft OneNote
It’s an easy-to-use notepad application that allows users to take notes, jot down ideas, and sketch out designs without having to worry about formatting. Users can also share their notes via email, social media platforms, and cloud storage services such as Dropbox.
7. Simplenote
A note-taking app that lets you take notes without having to waste any precious minutes searching through folders. You can also create lists and organize them into categories.
8. Box notes
It can be something simple as note taking or it can be used for more advanced sessions of brainstorming. Easy to share notes with your colleagues and increase the likelihood of collaborative work which is super important these days.
9. Dropbox paper
It’s an online collaborative writing tool for teams that allows them to create content together in a fun way. It has a light user experience that makes everything streamlined and easy to access, you don’t have to be a power user to get the most out of this note-taking software.
10. Google Keep
With Google Keep, you can write down anything from simple text messages to detailed lists, and then share them with others via email, SMS, Twitter, Facebook, etc. You can use it on any device including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, smartwatches, and Chromebooks. This makes writing on the go or when you are tight on time but must write something down a breeze.
11. Evernote
An app that allows you to capture notes, images, audio clips, web clippings, etc., anywhere. You can access your notes from any device and even sync them across multiple devices.
12. Google Docs
Google Docs is an online office suite that allows users to create and edit documents in various formats including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, and others.
13. Bit.ai
One of the biggest time wasters at work is the various communication tools we use to communicate with each other. We constantly switch back and forth between different applications and don’t seem to be making any real headway with the actual work.
Online Communication Tools
14. Zoom
Zoom is one of the most simple to use software for virtual meetings, even though many competitors are emerging it is still considered to be the best to talk to others online through video calls.
15. WebEX
Created by Cisco WebEx is a tool made for video conferences, online calls, and pretty much everything you might need to communicate with a large number of people.
16. Meet
The most simple out of all available options, you just get to their website and are immediately greeted with a button to start a meeting and that’s it. The fastest way to hop on a call with a friend or colleague.
17. Airmeet
Taking virtual meetings to the next level, Airmeet created a platform for virtual gatherings, events, and meetups by allowing the creation of several “Tables” for users to join and each table can be set to have a certain number of seats.
18. Slack
The ultimate workspace messaging system, with a ton of integrations and many valuable features to quickly communicate with other workers. Slack is a powerful tool to share important information quickly and efficiently with the relevant people in your office.
19. GoToMeeting
Gotomeeting is made to make you feel like you are at the office even when you aren’t, with features like online meetings and video conferencing you can always stay in the loop even when there’s a distance between you and your colleagues.
20. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft’s version of the virtual meeting software, with many features dedicated specifically for teams and workplaces to collaborate. Switch easily between group chats and video conferences.
21. Internxt
In a world with so many security breaches, many people started worrying about their information. That’s where Internxt came in, making it their mission to help you keep files and important documents private. You are able to back up and share files with a high level of security.
22. Pumble
Pumble is a free and really easy-to-use messaging app that allows you to communicate with your teammates in real time. Through DMs, channels (chats), threaded messages, audio and also video conversations. Collaborating on shared documents is also easy. You can easily access your messages through any device.
23. Skype
Skype has been one of the most popular software applications in the entire history of mankind. It’s just received a major overhaul with tons of new features to keep you connected.
Task Management Tools
24. Trello
This is a project management tool that lets you break down tasks into manageable pieces called “cards.” Each card contains one task that needs to be completed. Once a card is complete, move it to Done.
25. Asana
Asana is a collaboration tool that helps teams organize and prioritize their work. Whether it’s an urgent client request or a new employee onboarding, Asana provides the tools to get things done together. The free version of Asana includes all key features such as task management, file storage, notifications, and more.
26. nTask
nTask is a task management app and website that helps people get rid of the usual problem – forgetting about their tasks. That’s why we made it easier for you to stay on track by helping you remember your daily tasks, reminding you about important meetings or assignments, and helping you achieve your goals.
27. Clickup
ClickUp is the world’s simplest project management tool. From task lists to timelines and real-time collaboration, it does everything a PM tool should do but with a focus on making work easier for everyone involved. This is why ClickUp gets you more organized, keeps your team in sync and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.
28. Any.do
Any.do is a simple to-do list that helps you do more and stress less. What makes Any.do special? It’s smart and it adapts to your way of working, so you can get things done faster. With Any.do, the days with many tasks become the days you actually get them done – without forgetting anything! Just add your tasks and let Any.do do the rest – from reminding you about what needs to be done, to making sure you’re always up to date on everything that matters.
29. Todoist
It’s the app you’ve always wanted! Get Todoist and start organizing your life. It’s simple to create, organize, and share tasks with coworkers and friends. Use the powerful Project view to manage your work by project, or just focus on what’s due today with the Today view. Available for Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, Chrome, and web (Todoist.com), as well as desktop (Mac & Windows).
30. Nifty
Nifty is a super-fast, secure, and simple way to share your notes. Whether you want to quickly note down something while in a meeting or class, jot down an idea, or leave yourself a reminder, all you need to do is open the app and get started. No sign ups required!
31. Monday
The Monday app is a cloud-based task management solution that lets you organize, collaborate and get things done with your team. It was built to help teams handle complex projects across multiple departments and provides real-time insights into project status.
Focus & Organization Tools
32. LastPass
LastPass is an open source password manager that stores your passwords securely in the cloud so you can access them anywhere. With their chrome extension, your login credentials are auto-filled the moment you enter a website. This is a huge time saver.
33. RescueTime
You’ve probably been wondering how much of your day is actually wasted by emailing back and forth with colleagues, or scrolling through Facebook when you’re supposed to be working. Now you can finally stop wasting so much of your valuable life!
34 .Clockify
Clockify is a great tool for teams and freelancers who need to track projects and billable time. It is easy to set up and allows you to easily add users and organize your efforts. Using Clockify, you can accurately monitor your team’s hours spent on various tasks and projects, generate reports, communicate with clients, set your team’s hourly rates, view the team’s progress through charts and even invoice them directly.
35. Harvest
Harvest is a software that allows businesses and individuals to track time, generate professional looking invoices, communicate with clients, and update time/data on the weekly timesheet. With it’s online and mobile apps, Harvest is accessible anywhere you are.
36. TimeCamp
Manage your projects better with TimeCamp, the world’s most advanced time-tracking software. With features that help you and your team organize tasks, manage workloads and increase productivity, TimeCamp is a unique project management software. Whether it’s to get organized or show proof of work hours, our time tracking solution will save you time while increasing accuracy.
37. Serene
Serene is the all-in-one productivity tool for macOS. Serene was built to make deep-focus work easier to attain. Whether you’re writing a long-form blog article, finishing a project, or developing software, Serene will help you stay focused by combining several proven techniques.
38. Mailbird
It’s common knowledge that a clean inbox equals a clean and focused mind. For this reason, Mailbird was created, this software makes it simple to integrate multiple accounts in one simple interface. You can view each account separately or view them all together with the unified account view. Create folders and filters so everything is organized and not hard to track.
39. Switch Extension
Switch Extension is a browser extension that allows you to switch between tabs seamlessly. It gives you the power to decide which tab you are on. Switch Extension has three main features: 1. Quickly switch between recently viewed tabs (with a timer). 2. Switch to the tab of your choice by clicking on any URL in your browser. 3. Show count of unread emails or messages in a selected window when switching – so you can make sure you’re not missing anything.
40. Noizio
When you’re working on your computer, you might find it difficult to concentrate on your work. When this happens, open Noizio and choose from 30 relaxing sounds of nature like rain and ocean waves to help you stay focused. Clear your mind and tune out distractions with Noizio!
41. Self Control
Self Control is a simple app for Mac that does one thing, and does it well: It helps you avoid distractions by blocking your own access to websites, mail servers or anything else on the internet. Just set a period of time to block the website (it will be blocked for the entire time), click “Start” and you won’t be able to get any work done. You can also add custom URLs, so if you need to avoid something specific during that time period, just add it to the list and it’ll still be blocked.
42. Focus booster
FocusBooster is an extremely powerful time management tool that allows you to manage your time effectively. It uses the Pomodoro technique which interleaves short breaks between focused sessions. You can record each session in your timesheet for easy reference later.
43. Forest
forest is an app that helps you focus on your work, without any distractions. Each time you start a new task, plant a tree. If you leave the app before completing your task, the tree will be killed. This way, you are motivated to stay focused and increase your productivity.
44. Brain.fm
brain.fm uses music as the foundation for deep focus and relaxation, unlocking the power of music to influence cognitive states and provide a natural, alternative state of focus. The app features three custom-crafted and evolving soundtracks, scientifically engineered using neurologically tuned frequencies to enhance productivity, creativity and relaxation.
45. Sanebox
Sanebox automatically sorts your important emails and declutters the rest. It learns who is most important to you, then moves those messages to the top of your inbox while it filters the rest into always-empty folders you can ignore. Your email inbox becomes a place for only important conversations, making you more productive and happier.
46. Unroll.me
Unroll.me is the best way to clean up your inbox, get organized and save time by unsubscribing from unwanted emails. The service acts as a virtual roll-up that categorizes subscriptions in a way that is easy to manage. With just one click, you can clean up all those unwanted emails and be on your way to information nirvana.
47. Airmail
Airmail is a new mail experience for Mac and iPhone that prioritizes a clean interface, great performance and easy management of multiple email accounts. Integrations with popular apps such as Dropbox, Evernote or Google Drive allow you to access files directly from the mailbox without switching applications.
48. Shift
Shift is an online service that connects all of your email addresses and favorite web applications together in one place. You can switch between different Gmail, Outlook, and Office 365 mailboxes from within the application itself. Once you’re connected, you can customize your workspace so it’s just right to suit your needs.
49. Fleep
Fleep makes it easy to share files in email conversations.Simply attach the file, and the Fleep app will let you send a link to that file automatically. The other person just needs a simple click on that link to download the file directly into their device.
50. Chanty
Keep your team on the same page with a private and secure chat app. Chanty is the right tool for you if you want to collaborate efficiently in teams and have all information at hand. Never miss important messages or files again, always stay up-to-date with your team and use integrated Apps to boost productivity even more.
Time Tracking Tools
51. Toggl
Toggl is the simplest way to track time online and on the go. Get started in 30 seconds with integrations, mobile apps, and desktop widgets that automate your tracking. Stop wasting time looking at your computer or phone clock while you work and get full visibility into where you’re spending your time.
52. Desk Time
Desk Time is an intuitive software that keeps track of how much time you spend on your computer. It has many useful features like a built-in activity tracker, a smart timer, and screenshot capturing. Everything happens automatically so you will never lose track of the time again.
53. Paymo
If you’re looking for an app that helps you plan, schedule, manage tasks, track time, and invoice, then Paymo is the perfect solution. It brings together everything you need in one place so you can easily see your team’s performance.
54. Everhour
With a wide range of features, EverHour – an easy to use task management tool makes it incredibly easy to stay organized while keeping track of all your projects at all times.
55. Hubstaff
Hubstaff is an online service for managing employee hours and invoicing clients. It allows you to track their hours, manage the payroll, view detailed reports, and much more. You can even send invoices from within the system.
56. Time Doctor
If you’re looking for an easy way to track your team’s time, Time Doctor can be used remotely. It’s a complete time-tracking and management solution designed specifically for remote workers. This makes it a no-brainer to get accurate data about the time spent on different tasks.
57. Timely
Automating your task management makes capturing accurate records of how you spend your day as easy as possible. There’s nothing better than an automatic task manager that takes the toughest part of the hassle on himself.
Main Takeaway
If you’re working hard and not enjoying the work you’re doing, something needs to change. It is important to realize that there is a different way to manage your time and still be a successful person. There are many people who feel like they can’t take a vacation because they will lose clients or lose business. Instead, find a way to take your vacation and still be successful. If you have any questions about managing your time and finding a work-life balance, please contact us through our contact page. We will be happy to help you with your questions and concerns.
Thank you for reading, we are always excited when one of our posts is able to provide useful information on a topic like this!
