Being productive and focused on the task at hand is something we all fail to do sometimes, no matter how hard we try. It’s easy to get distracted by other tasks, take a phone call that breaks our momentum, or spend a bit too long out on our lunch break when we have a project to finish.
There are many productivity apps to install that can help you manage your time, organize your tasks, and enhance your focus. Here are 10 of the best productivity apps that you should download right now.
1. Asana
A one-stop app that keeps you on top of tasks is Asana. It allows you to add all of your colleagues to one place, where you can add, finish and submit tasks and assign the work to one or multiple colleagues.
There is no need to mess around, going back and forth with emails or losing track of what you have to finish and by when. You can also comment and tag colleagues so they can see your task or message, ensuring nobody misses a thing.
2. LastPass
We live in a time where we all have multiple passwords and usernames for an even wider variety of websites, accounts, and subscriptions. LastPass is here to ensure you don’t forget any of these essential details.
The app allows you to store passwords and usernames for all the websites you use, and then locks them behind one master username and password that you would need to remember (Tip: Write it down somewhere safe.) You can also easily access your password vault, edit and delete usernames and passwords, and never have to worry about forgetting them again.
3. Evernote
Evernote is well-established as one of the best note-taking apps you can get. You can type out notes, save photos, PDFs, or whatever else you want. The notes are easily accessible, and you can search for whatever you’ve saved.
You can sync Evernote to your phone, tablet, or any other compatible device, and have all your notes available at all times. It’s simple, easy to use and manage, and as mentioned, it’s one of the best for a reason.
4. Habitica
Developing healthy and sustainable habits is one of the best things you can do to ensure you’re productive when you need to be, and take breaks when you need a refresher – ensuring you stay at the top of your game.
The app is simple – you input your daily goals and desired habits, and a small avatar is created that you can “level up” as you complete your tasks. Habit-forming practices don’t have to be tedious, and Habitica is proof of that.
5. Pocket
Pocket is a handy app for those who spend a lot of their time reading, researching, or saving images and links. In simple terms, it acts as storage for you to keep all those links, articles, and photos so that you can re-access them at a later stage.
You’re also able to save content from other sites such as Twitter or Facebook. The paid version gives you access to all the features Pocket offers, but the free version is also a great option if you just plan on using it now and then.
6. Buffer
The reliance on social media for advertising and spreading your brand’s name is higher than ever before. Buffer allows you to manage and schedule posts across all your social media accounts from one place.
You are also able to schedule varying times and dates, as well as which platform the post gets posted to. Maybe you want your new product post on Instagram today, but only on Twitter tomorrow; Buffer makes that easy without you constantly managing everything.
7. Microsoft Office & Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are very popular programs across all industries, and now they can be in your pocket at all times. You can download the Microsoft Suite to your smartphone or tablet and work on your documents no matter where you are.
You can also access Google’s versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, their cloud-based programs; Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Once again, you can access and work on your documents no matter where you are as long as you have an internet connection.
8. Just Press Record
Just Press Record is an easy, one-tap app that allows you to record meetings and conversations for note-taking. It has built-in transcription abilities that make note-taking even more manageable, especially when you have a lot to get through.
The app can also transcribe in multiple languages, and it can include punctuation using spoken commands. All records are dated and saved to the Cloud for effortless saving and access whenever you need them.
9. Toggle
While getting a task or project done is always the goal, how quickly you get it done is another story. Toggle is a time-tracking app that allows you to see how much time you spend on specific tasks.
While this sounds simple enough, it gives you insight into how much time you put into tasks, so that you can plan your schedule and workload accordingly, and bill clients appropriately.
10. Forest
While not a productivity app in the sense of getting work done, Forest helps you focus. Being distracted by your phone happens to all of us, but Forest forces you to leave your phone (or you won’t complete the task it sets you,) which is growing a tree.
That is all you have to do – open the app, plant a tree, and get back to work. If you don’t leave the app, the tree will grow; if you do, it dies. While it may seem gimmicky, it keeps you focused for longer on the task at hand, while giving you a sense of accomplishment for your little (or big) tree!