I wrote a similar post some time ago, so it feels a bit like cheating. But I was just reflecting on how gamechanger these tools are - so I decided they are so good they deserve sharing again!

Please share if you have similar hugely valuable ones <3

You might find some of these basic. They are. But it took me a long time to get an AI notetaker even though I'd known of them for years. So here's a little nudge to try something that might prove useful!

Note: You can just pay for stuff. If it makes your life easier, do the estimation whether it is actually worth it to buy the service/tool, pay for cleaning/grocery deliveries, etc. Our time and mental capacity is often worth way more than the money we'd give for something.

 I've started thinking of a lot more things like investments and it has significantly changed how I spend money with big benefits.

Beeper - all messaging in one

Collects all your messaging apps in one. IN ONE!

This is the app I love and enjoy most over all else.

It is such a quality of life improvement, given I easily text with 5-10 people a day across platforms.

• Free to use
• Note: Bc it's a 3rd party the privacy/safety of end-to-end disappears since the data will be on Beepers servers. Just FYI.
• It can connect Messenger, Whatsapp, SMS, Telegram, Signal
  • Even Linkedin, Discord & Slack

AI notetaking

This is huge for me. Especially working with coaching clients. I dont take notes while talking with them bc I want to be present, and I'm not good at jotting down things systematically afterwards. This helps both me and them keep track of what's happened and what themes we are working with. And I can use AI to summarize & draw out things from across our sessions!

• Fathom seems really good. It's the only one I've tried and I like it Has great free plan (many others are limited min/month)
  • Took me 2 minutes to set up. Super easy & worth it

Time tracking software

This is pretty new to me, but I really love it. I find (surprised & unexpectedly) that it motivates me to work more because I like seeing the numbers go up :P

It's also helpful to help me estimate (& calibrate!) the amount of time I spend on different projects & tasks

• I use Toggl Track.
  • Simple & easy to use (reducing friction is essential for me)
  • Good free plan
  • You can make a big widget on your homescreen that you just tap to start tracking (ease & expediency matters a lot for me! Plus, seeing the big widget stand out reminds me to use it - & motivates me to get going)

Newsfeed Eradicator - not just another blocker!

So I don't understand why this works for me, but it does.

Instead of simply blocking my youtube, all I see is what's on the image below. 

Somehow this makes my brain feel accepting - where with other blockers, I feel denied/parented & simply want to unblock (Tristan Harris from CHT would say it's bc I get to roll the slot machine).

I can still use the websites - there's just no scrolling. That is most often what catches me.

It also blocks: Facebook, Reddit, Linkedin, Instagram, Twitter & a few more

NO PHONE - only browser extension :(

But speaking of appblockers - these specific functions are powerful

I haven't used these much myself but have spoken with others where it changed their lives.

One I know works well is Appblock. But there are many out there.

Location

You can set the blocking rules to be only outside/inside certain locations, fx your home (sometimes even specific rooms).

Give the unlock to someone else

I spoke with  a girl who gave the unlock to her boyfriend and now she just nearly doesn't procrastinate or get sucked into scrolling. I found it hard to believe, but it's actually true.

The shame of asking for stupid reasons is simply too much.

Yousician - Guitar Hero with a real guitar

[And paino/ukulele/bass - there are many similar programs out there. This is just the one I prefer/use]

This isn't a productivity thing, but it still holds substantial value for me

This actually gets me playing the guitar. I am in this annoying state where I am not quite good enough to change chords so fast I can play songs, so practicing is very tedious and unrewarding. I have wanted to learn to play for +3 years, and it is only with #RealLifeGuitarHero I have genuinely progressed.

It requires a paid subscription, but it's easily worth it if you want to learn.

Another option is to take lessons, which is a lot more pricey..

I hope any prove valuable to you; it would be nice to hear if they did.

Do you have any things that are immensely helpful for you? 

Share with us! We all need it :)