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18th Mar, 2024
The biggest recommendations for picking productivity tools is to research first. But how do you do effective tool picking research? We've got some timeless tips for you.
Combine tasks, calendar, meeting booking links & task consolidation into one.
Bring tasks from ClickUp, Notion, Gmail, Todoist & more in Akiflow for organizing in one.
In the vast ocean of productivity tools, there's plenty of choices and plenty of overwhelm.
Trust us, we've been reviewing them for well over 10+ years now and the biggest and most common issues is that people get distracted by shiny new apps when looking at tools and skip past all the potential benefits of a good framework and tool for the long-term.
Here's some of our best tips for when you're looking for tools and we call it RTO.
It's crucial to understand that the foundation of productivity isn't found in a tool, but in a solid system and process tailored to your needs. In this article, I'll guide you through the essential steps to finding not just any productivity app, but the perfect one for you.
The allure of "shiny tool syndrome" is real.
Many of us are tempted by the newest or most visually appealing productivity tool on the market. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of thorough research before making your choice.
From my over a decade of experience in finding and reviewing productivity apps, I've learned that doubling down on research time is a worthwhile investment.
Consider productivity tools as long-term investments, similar to buying a house. They require time, effort, and resources to transition from, so choosing wisely from the start is paramount. Look ahead and consider your life in the next 3-5 years.
Whether you're planning major life changes or aiming to grow in your current trajectory, your chosen tool should be a reliable companion through it all.For example, I transitioned from Wunderlist to Todoist knowing that post-university, I would benefit from enhanced collaborative features.
This forward-thinking approach has paid dividends in my productivity journey.
Beyond the features and design of a tool, it's essential to align with the values and vision of the company behind it. Companies like Doist, the creators of Todoist and Twist, exemplify how matching your personal values with those of a productivity tool can lead to a fulfilling long-term relationship.
Their commitment to asynchronous work and a less intense task management approach mirrors my own productivity philosophy.
Once your research has led you to a promising candidate, commit to a trial period.
This phase is about more than just skimming the surface; it's an opportunity to deeply integrate the tool into your daily routine and evaluate its impact on your productivity.
We recommend exploring the a trial of your application for 90-days to get a real world test.
Adopting a new productivity app isn't the final step; it's the beginning of an ongoing process of optimization.
As you become more familiar with the tool, you'll discover ways to tailor it to your evolving needs, making it an even more effective ally in your quest for efficiency.
A common pitfall in the search for the perfect productivity tool is neglecting the importance of a solid foundational framework.
Before hopping from one app to another, establish a robust system—whether it's GTD, Deep Work, or another methodology—that resonates with your working style. This framework will not only guide your choice of tool but also enhance its utility over time.In conclusion, the journey to finding the perfect productivity app is a thoughtful and deliberate process.
By emphasizing research, committing to a trial period, and optimizing your approach, you'll discover a tool that not only meets your current needs but also supports your growth and success in the years to come. Remember, the goal is not to find the newest or most feature-packed tool, but one that seamlessly integrates into and enhances your productivity system.
Combine tasks, calendar, meeting booking links & task consolidation into one.
Bring tasks from ClickUp, Notion, Gmail, Todoist & more in Akiflow for organizing in one.
From trending reads, trending tools and beyond
monday.com offers all-round project management popular with all-rounder use in teams.
Motion is an AI-focused to-do list app with calendar, meetings & auto-scheduling.
Reclaim AI is perfect for smart calendar app for teams to optimise schedules.
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