Wunderlist

I am a Wunderlist addict to the point that I even put on reminders to breathe into my task lists!  Anyway, 6wunderkinder did an amazing job at creating a task manager that syncs across Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android, Web, and paper (manual sync only on this last one; limited by ink and tree supplies).  This simple task manager offers a nice visual interface in which you can create multiple task lists, quickly create and add tasks, set due dates while adding the tasks, be non invasively alerted to upcoming and overdue tasks, and sync task lists with other users.  All of the syncing is done in the background.  Although Wunderlist is free, it’s still a quality product as you can see that 6wunderkinder has put their own love into creating a replacement to paper task lists.  Anyway, I use Wunderlist for planning on projects, maintaining a timeline, and collaborating on projects.  However, I will be dumping Wunderlist shortly when 6wunderkinder releases their new solution: Wunderkit, which will satisfy my needs to a greater extent..

43things

Social networking through goals may seem strange, but 43things has found a way to make your bucket list social.  It gives you a public solution to post your personal long-term goals and provide updates.  Not just that, but you can also send and receive cheers to encourage and help others with their goals.  Although it may not get your work done now, it does help provide encouragement to get your work done.  The only downside I see so far is a lack of iPad and Android apps.

Chains.cc

Chains.cc is based upon an idea that Jerry Seinfeld used to write comedy.  It’s still a small website, but it offers a very simple way of getting work done.  You create a daily task you want to start doing as a new chain.  Every day you do that task, you mark that day as complete.  After a while, you want to see how long you can get the chain to be without breaking it, thus providing encouragement to get it done and helping build a new habit.

Dropbox

“But this isn’t directly related to organizing my work!” you may say, but it will help you work more efficiently.  Dropbox is a folder that syncs.  That’s it.  You install it on your computers, drag a file into the folder on one, and it syncs to the others in just a moment or two.  No pushing sync or setting up connections; it just works.  You can also access your folder online at Dropbox.com to manage and access your files from anywhere while also setting up shared folders with others.  It takes only a minute or two to set up but will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

Google Calendar

Okay, time management is no secret.  The nice thing about Google Calendar is that it can be extended with plug-ins via Google Labs that can allow you to better plan out meetings with others.  It ties in well with GMail, can be synced with iCal and your cell phones, and has absolutely no reason that you shouldn’t be using it.

Post-it Notes

Nothing beats pen-and-paper.  It requires no batteries, is highly compatible with many output devices, saves data easily, lasts long, doesn’t crash, and this particular application includes a light adhesive!  Post-it Notes are great for increasing productivity in a very simple way.  Take your large project and divide it into individual tasks.  Write one task on each post-it note.  Now finally post those in a location that will annoy you and get in your way, thus giving you reason to complete that project so you can remove those blasted low-tech devices.  When I really get close to a deadline and need some encouragement, my MIDI controllers become covered in little yellow squares to annoy me.  And I will tell you, this is a very efficient system of increasing productivity while also learning to hate yellow squares.