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There was a time in my life when people asked me how I managed to keep everything together from planning to completing and get it all done. From my day job to my photography side business, to my four kids in sports to managing the household – yes I did do it all.
Now that I’m doing a bit less as my kids are getting older and I stopped taking photography clients even I’m baffled as to how I got through some of those years!
Though my current responsibilities and goals moving forward have changed somewhat, I feel even busier sometimes as I set my sights on new goals.
Thankfully the same tools I have used for many years have not let me down yet. Some of the tools I just started using this year and I’m excited about!
Ready to get your sh*t together? Below are the Top 5 Tools I use
Google Calendar (iOS / Android) – Yes, yes I know. Everyone already knows about this. But I have to mention it because it is key to me keeping my sh*t together.
Everyone in my family has a separate Google account, and we all have access to each other’s calendars. This is extremely helpful especially since my daughter in college puts her classes and basketball schedule on hers. It makes it so much easier for planning.
gTask Pro (iOS / Android) – I have tried several “To Do” list type Apps and this was the one that I finally stayed with forever.
You can separate tasks by Groups/categories, which can be colored. I have mine separated by Habits, Top 3, Online, Household, Errands, Projects.
You can create tasks with sub tasks (and subtasks under the first subtask). You can set tasks to repeat, alert (or not) and it can also sync with your google calendar if you want it to. It is a one time $5.99 purchase.
Checklist+ (iOS) – Ok, why would I need two check list apps you ask? Because even with the categories in gTask Pro, I was getting overwhelmed and distracted when I saw blogging stuff and home stuff together.
So I decided to use one app for my home life and one for my Blog.
I had a really hard time finding another app that I liked enough to actually use but this one did fit the bill for my blogging lists. It has many of the same features as gTasks. Groups/Categories that can be colored, tasks with subtasks, set to repeat, etc.
It does sync to iCloud data and I keep the list on both my phone and iPad. This is a great place not only for my blogging “To Do’s” but I have a list for ideas that randomly pop into my head too.
Structured (iOS) – I have a love/hate relationship with this app. I love that it keeps me on track by reminding me when I should be starting and ending each activity every day. I hate when it reminds me that I’ve failed to do what I should have.
For us Type A folks out there though – this is a good one. It allows you to “structure” your days and stay on track to complete your goals.
For parts of your routine that are repeated daily/weekly/monthly you can add it to structured on a repeated schedule.
It allows you to see how much of your day is being used with for example a morning routine, breakfast, work, lunch, work, errands, etc. And as long as you add a wake up/bed time it tells you how much time you have left to schedule for productive things.
You know, instead of watching True Crime TV or something. Not that I do that.
The best part? It syncs with Google Calendar (the calendars I tell it to) so I don’t need to add scheduled items to two apps and it sends you reminders to keep you on track.
You can also edit and delete as necessary. I have added my work schedule, a blogging schedule and an exercise schedule so far – go me!
Simple Mind Pro (iOS / Android) – I’ve told you a lot about how I keep going, but what about pre-planning and brainstorming? For that the best app I’ve found is Mind Maps.
I love the different formats of maps it allows you to create. So far I have used it for creating my website, starting my content calendar, and goal setting for 2023 and forward. It is perfect for either solo or group brainstorming. Yes this app requires a one time purchase, but it is well worth it in my opinion.
And A New Addition for This Year
One major way I mixed things up this year was by getting a 2023 Yearly Wall Calendar.
I was getting so overwhelmed trying to keep track of everything digitally and wanted a way to see my entire year at a glance. For brainstorming, pre-planning, or even just a reminder of the fun things I have coming my way as I slug my way through a work day.
There are many choices out there, but I wanted one that was a size that would fit well in my she shed and look cute so I went with this one. It is colorful and a perfect 24”x36”. My only complaint is that it came folded in an envelope instead of rolled in a tube, which is why you see the creases. But for what I am using it for it is still perfect for me.
It has a dry erase surface, so I bought these Dry Erase Markers. And to really make things stand out on the calendar I also ordered these Adorable Planner Stickers that will show things like Dentist Appointments, Vacations, “Do Not Disturb”, Night Out, Night In and more.
I know I will never stay 100% on top of things. Is there anyone who does? But here’s to all of us achieving at least a few of our goals this year.
If you have some favorite ways you keep your sh*t together that I haven’t mentioned here, please let me know in the comments!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Tressie Davis is a blogger and photographer located in Chelsea, MI.