Ever get home from a hard day of work and realise you haven’t actually achieved that much? Maybe you went in with the best intentions, but something that was meant to take half an hour took three hours. Maybe you got distracted at some point, started working on something that wasn’t urgent and then didn’t quite complete a more important task. It’s easily done, but unfortunately being busy is not the same as productive. Essentially, productivity is about using the least amount of time to achieve your tasks. Are you using your time wisely? If not, or if you want to be more efficient, here are five of the best free apps that can boost your productivity, potentially helping you achieve more in less time.
1. Evernote
Why waste time transferring notes between different places? Notebooks, post-its, random scraps of paper – keep all of your notes in one place with Evernote. Evernote is a free note-taking app for text, voice recordings, images and web clips that syncs to multiple devices. It does not discriminate between iOS and Android. Evernote works on everything! All you need to do is create an account and have access to Wi-Fi to enable synchronisation. With connectivity to sister apps like Penultimate, Evernote’s uses are only limited by your imagination. Note-taking has never been more seamless!
Pros:
- Very easy to use – no tutorial required!
- Can import and export files easily.
- Basic package is free and does not limit the number of notes you can make.
Cons:
- Limited formatting/editing options within notes.
- If using Evernote on computer, you can only import audio, not directly record audio onto a note.
- Basic package only syncs across 2 devices and does not allow you to access notebooks offline.
2. Stay Focused
When your technology addiction is out of control, it’s time to bring out the big guns! If you have to, you can force yourself to do some work by blocking the apps that make you less productive. You know, the ones you can’t get off? I’m looking at you Instagram! Stay Focused is an android app that allows you to set time limits for certain apps on your phone, block apps at specific time intervals on specific days, or block access to apps until a selected time. You can even enable a “strict” mode if you’re feeling masochistic, with a number of options such as blocking access to settings so you can’t alter your time limits, punishing yourself by reactivating strict mode for 24 hours if you open one of the blocked apps, or even enabling strict mode until a set time. Stay Focused will also automatically record your usage history so that you can see how much time you spend on each app. For iPhone users, there is a similar app available called Freedom. Now that you know how to treat your addiction, never let your phone control you again!
Pros:
- It definitely makes you more productive!
- Relatively easy to set up and use.
- You can clear usage history and pause the app whenever you want.
Cons:
- Notifies you regularly when the app is active.
- Uses some ads.
- Limited maximum usage time.
3. Priority Tasks
If your productivity issue is a to-do list so long that you don’t know where to start, this is the app for you! Priority Task is an App store app that uses the Eisenhower Method to split your tasks up in order of importance, clearly showing you what’s a priority. Each date has its own page, split into four sections – urgent and important, urgent but not important, important but not urgent, and not urgent and not important. Priority Task can make you more productive by helping you to identify what you need to get done first, and encouraging you to spend more of your time on what’s important. No more prioritising your least important tasks! For those looking for a mobile version of Priority Tasks, you can get a similar app in the Play store, such as Ike or Tasks.
Pros:
- Excellent tool to help you prioritise tasks.
- Counts down your remaining tasks every time you achieve one.
- Free version has some limitations, but it’s workable.
Cons:
- Annoying pop-up ads!
- Can only add a limited number of tasks to each page.
- Full version is quite expensive and the app does not sync with other devices.
4. Todoist
There’s a reason that to-do lists work, but maybe a digital, more versatile version is more up your alley? Similar to Priority Tasks, Todoist allows you to record the tasks that you need to complete, but it’s like Evernote in that it syncs to all of your devices and can be used on any platform! Hurrah! Todoist is packed with extras such as the ability to create multiple “projects”, set goals and track your productivity by showing how much you achieved in a set amount of time. You can even share projects, assign tasks and collaborate with others for free. To encourage productivity (and accountability) during team projects or even just to avoid forgetting your shopping list, Todoist is a must! If you only download one to-do list style app, make it this one.
Pros:
- Record to-do lists for everything!
- Ability to assign tasks to others and collaborate.
- Can plan to-do lists in advance and set recurring habits and deadlines.
Cons:
- Cannot use labels on the free version.
- Unable to add extra information, like documents and images.
- Expensive to upgrade.
5. Memo Widget
Do you ever write a note in the notebook app on your phone, then forget all about it? I know I do! Memo Widget is basically the digital version of a post-it, so you won’t have to remember to look in your “notebook” to find important information. Memo Widget lets you add a note widget to your home screen so you can see your notes as soon as you unlock your phone. Just imagine how much more productive you’ll be when you don’t forget anything! Memo Widget was designed for Android, but if you use iOs, Quick Notes seems like a decent alternative. For Mac users, you can find the Stickies app already in your applications folder. Enjoy!
Pros:
- Option to make notes look just like post-its!
- You can create multiple notes in a range of sizes.
- Ability to share notes via Evernote, Facebook, email and SMS.
Cons:
- Only available to Android users.
- No option to add images.
- Cannot sync with other devices.
Bonus: Highland 2
Calling all writers in an unhealthy relationship with Procrastination! Highland 2 is a computer app that was developed by Big Fish screenwriter, John August and his company Quote-Unquote Apps for ultimate writing productivity. All writers know that time is their biggest asset, so this app makes time a priority! Highland 2 allows you to set timed writing sprints, set a word/page goal and generate an analysis report based on your goals and achievements. If these tools don’t improve your writing productivity, I don’t know what will! Additionally, Highland 2 creates documents that can be read in any text editor. Goodbye, formatting issues!
Pros:
- No ads!
- Hosts an editor (coding) and preview (printed) version of your work.
- Its time-orientated tools make it perfect for NaNoWriMo.
Cons:
- Need to upgrade to access templates other than “screenplay”.
- Free version has a “Made in Highland” watermark on preview pages.
- If you are willing to pay for a writing app and want combine research, plans, view previous drafts and more, Scrivener is probably a better option, particularly if you are writing a novel.
Now that you’re aware of the best productivity apps out there for computer and mobile, make a promise with yourself to take your productivity seriously and take action! Download the apps that are best suited to your needs and incorporate them into your daily routine. All of these are free, after all! What have you got to lose? At the end of the day, time is your most precious asset, so using it efficiently is in your own best interest. Boost your productivity with these free apps today!
Which of these apps most interest you? Let me know in the comments below. Missed some of my previous posts? Get notified every time a new one goes live – all you have to do is click Subscribe.
Until next time!
Grace x
