Being your own boss is not an easy task – you need to keep track of your schedule, manage different projects and tasks. Plus actually, get your work done. Thankfully, you are not all alone in managing this. There are a number of productivity apps to help you stick to your routine and organize your workload!
No more missing deadlines and stressing about all looking for that one Word file you know you saved a week ago. All these tech-wonders are meant to make your life a little easier and help you be more productive at work. Whether you are a freelancer or a true gig-economy warrior, managing a few different gigs at the same time, time management and organization is key. Remember – the less time you waste, the more time you can spend working and making money!
So, are you ready to get to work?
1. Google Calendar
Starting with the most obvious. More than likely, you already use a Google Account for your emails. However, were you aware that you can synchronize your emails and invites with your calendar and receive notifications? Google also has some of the best smartphone apps out there to keep you mobile. In addition to setting appointments with others, you can use it to block off time slots for work or set reminders for your deadlines.
2. Flat Tomato
The app promises to be a beautifully designed timer for people who want to avoid distractions and get more done! It’s also a tool for those who use or want to start using the “Pomodoro Technique” – a time management system where you break down work into 25-minute intervals, with mind breaks in between. Flat Tomato allows you to time your work sessions and even integrate your to-do list or projects to track time on each task individually.
3. Todoist
Todoist is a simple to-do-list app that will definitely become your best friend. This app allows you to keep track of everything in one place. in can be integrated with Gmail to add tasks directly from emails or share your lists with coworkers. It is available in both a free version and a premium version with reminders, comments
4. 1password
Since you will be using a lot of different platforms and digital tools, you will probably have trouble remembering your login details for all of them. This is where 1password comes in to save the day – the software keeps track of all the passwords you’ve created for each site you visit. You don’t need to worry about writing your passwords down somewhere or trying to recall them when logging in. 1password will keep all that information safe and remind you of your login details when needed.
5. Google Keep
Google Keep is a modern and eco-friendly alternative to post-it notes. It’s a tool that you can use to create small reminders and notes that you can actually stick to your screen – as you would with an actual post-it note. Great for creating reminders and writing down ideas on the go! You can also install the Google Keep extension for your browser that allows you to save interesting articles for a topic you’re researching or anything that you find online and want to save for later. Also great for when you stumble upon an interesting blog post while working – pin it for later so you don’t get distracted and enjoy your reading once you’re finished with work!
6. Timezone
If you are enjoying the adventurous life of a digital nomad, Chances are, you’re working remotely with colleagues all over the world. In fact, it can become hard to track where everyone is. Do you want to have a quick video call with your colleague but you’re not sure whether they’re at lunch or asleep? Timezone will make it easy for you to track what timezone your colleagues are. No need to Google “what time is it in Manila” anymore!
7. Dropbox
Dropbox is a virtual workplace where you can essentially store and easily access all your files. The platform brings your files together, in one central place. They’re easy to find and safely synced across all your devices—so you can access them anytime, anywhere. No more wasting the day tracking down work. It also makes it easier to collaborate with others on various projects and presentations – everyone can quickly access the same files without the need of sending them via email, you know, the old-school way. All the creatives out there will love Dropbox Paper – a platform to brainstorm and collect inspirations that can be anything from photos to sounds and code.
8. Any.do
Any.do is the go-to platform for organizing your work-life. It enables you to Keep your tasks, lists and reminders in one place, always in-sync across all your devices. You can plan your day, week, month, and life. You will never forget a thing with time and location-based reminders! The app even offers an AI-powered virtual assistant to help you with your tasks. Any.do Assistant uses AI to automatically review your jobs, and mark the ones it can do for you. With your approval, you’ll be connected to a combination of smart robots and diligent humans who can help you accomplish that task.
Take your productivity to the next level!
9. Headspace
Headspace is a meditation app that will keep your head clear and help you relax at the end of a busy day. It is proven that meditation can promote subtle improvements in focus, attention and the ability to ignore distractions. You can choose from hundreds of themed sessions on everything from stress to sleep and bite-sized meditations for busy schedules. And don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before – Headspace will be your personal meditation guide, at your fingertips!
