Top 15 Time Management
Apps and Tools
No one can dispute the countless benefits
technology has brought us. It’s undoubtedly allowed us to connect, perform,
improve and leverage our resources beyond what was once imaginable.
However, despite the wide variety of
different tools and devices to make life easier and more comfortable – how many
tools and apps are you currently using to optimize your time?
If you’re not taking advantage of one of
the hundreds of time management apps and tools out there, you’re
definitely missing a trick. But with so many apps to choose from, how do you
know which ones to use? Well, this will depend on your needs, but we’ve put
together a list of 20 of the very best apps that can help you with the most
common time management challenges.
Let’s dive straight into the list…
Are
you using your time wisely?
Rescue Time
If you have doubts that you’re using your
time sensibly, this app will send you weekly reports to indicate what things
are stealing your time. You may be shocked to discover how much time you’re
actually wasting.
Keep
on top of all your tasks (wherever they may be)
Remember The Milk
If you’re struggling to manage everything you
have to do, and you work with many different devices, then this is the app for
you. It’s a great free tool which is compatible with your mobile, computer,
Gmail, Outlook, etc. It helps you to manage your tasks easily, and reminds you of
them – wherever you are.
Need
extra motivation to complete tasks?
Focus booster
This app is based on the principles of
the Pomodoro Technique, and is aimed at individuals who procrastinate and
feel overwhelmed by tasks. It’s designed to enhance your focus and remove any
anxiety you might have with time pressures.
Keep
track of the amount of time spent on projects
This is a great alternative to time-sheets,
if you need to track how much time you spend on different projects. Effective
time management starts with being clear on exactly how much time you actually
spend on your projects and tasks, and then through analysis, working out how
you can manage them more effectively.
Struggling
to send large files?
Dropbox
There are many apps that allow you to
transfer content from your computer to other devices – but Dropbox is free
and easier to use than the others. With the Dropbox app, you can even
access and share important files on the go.
One
online home for all your notes
Evernote
Evernote is a free productivity tool that
allows you to capture all your ideas, thoughts and images in many different
ways (e.g., with voice, notes or images). You can even record your
meetings, interviews, speeches and ideas, create lists, add voice or text attachments,
and share your files with friends. You can also sync Remember The Milk with
Evernote to really optimize your time.
Use
mind mapping to focus on the tasks at hand
Mind42
Mind mapping is a great productivity technique,
and Mind42 is the best free mind mapping app currently available. It helps you
to become more organized by focusing your thoughts – thereby gaining clarity on
what needs to be done.
Back
up and sync your files effortlessly
SyncBackFree
This free software allows you to back up,
restore and synchronize your files easily. It not only saves you time now – but
also in the future. If you have never backed up your files before, you should
definitely take a look at this pivotal tool.
Manage
your to-do lists effectively
MyLifeOrganized (MLO)
Check this out if you find it difficult to
manage all your tasks, to work with your to-do lists, and to organize your goals.
This task management system helps you to target what you should be focusing on
to reach your objectives. It automatically generates to-do lists, with priority
actions for your immediate attention so that you can track your progress
methodically.
Are
you wasting time trying to remember your passwords?
Universal Password Manager
This app allows you to keep all your
passwords in one encrypted database, protected by one password. This saves you
time when you forget your passwords and need to retrieve them. It also allows
you to use various passwords so you don’t compromise on security.
Keep
your eye on the ball
Pocket
When you’re surfing the web, it’s easy to get
distracted by enticing and fascinating websites. Use this tool to save your
‘finds’ to access and read later on at a convenient time which will not impact
on your immediate work.
Does
your attention span need a boost?
Focus@Will
This amazing app combines neuroscience and
music to boost your productivity. According to the developers, it’s possible
to increase your attention span by up to 400%! Ideal for those who find it
difficult to focus while studying, working or reading.
Interact
in a smarter way with your computer
Launchy
This small and simple tool allows you
to launch your documents, project files, folders, and bookmarks with just
a few keystrokes. This makes life so much easier as you don’t need to go
through the start menu to access what you want.
Boost
your focus by growing a forest!
Forest
This unique and fun app helps you stay
focused and on-track. The concept is simple: whenever you want to focus, plant
a virtual tree. If you stay focused, the tree will grow. If you lose focus, the
tree will die. As the app’s name implies, you can grow multiple trees to create
a virtual forest!
Searching
for a highly-visual way of tracking your tasks?
Trello
This is a hugely popular app that you may
already be familiar with. It works by allowing you to create cards for tasks
that you need to complete. Each card moves across the Trello board (which is
typically broken into columns such as To Do, In Progress, and Completed) as
your start, work on and complete the associated task.
Digital
to-do lists offer much more than their paper equivalents
Wunderlist
Purchased by Microsoft in 2015, Wunderlist is
an easy to use, feature-packed to-do list app. From planning a holiday, to
sharing a shopping list with a partner, or managing multiple work projects,
Wunderlist will keep you on top of all your tasks.
Wouldn’t
it be great if your family had a shared calendar?
TimeTree
This app allows families or teams to share
multiple calendars and appointments. So, whether you’re planning a party, or
run a local sports team, Time Tree can keep everyone up-to-date with all
current and upcoming activities and events.
Easily
capture and order all your tasks and activities
Todoist
Todoist is close to being the ultimate
digital to-do list. It’s available via browsers and apps, and lets you schedule
all your tasks and activities. Each item can be flagged for priority as well as
given a due date. There is also a neat option to add notes to any of your
tasks.
The above list covers what we consider to be
the very best time management apps and tools. And the good news is – that many
of them are completely free of charge! So, what are you waiting for?
Select the ones that will be the most valuable to you – and begin boosting your
productivity now!
Kirstin O´Donovan
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/top-15-time-management-apps-and-tools.html
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