In my journey to become more organized and goal driven, I just completed Chalene Johnson’s 30 Day Challenge to Master Organization and Achieve Your Goals.Β I was tasked with finding a to do list app that I could keep with me at all times (paper and pen just doesn’t do it for me most days, plus that would be just ONE MORE THING to carry around with me). First, let me just say, I have always been very proud of my Google Calendar – it contains when all my bills are due and how much they cost and are scheduled for each month ahead of time, all of my appointments, family and friend’s birthdays, reminders for dog’s rabies shots, etc. But I realized that really wasn’t the best place to keep my to-do list. I have tried keeping a list on paper and keeping lists in my phones in the built in note keeping app, but none of those were ever very awesome. Then I turned to the app store and searched for a good one. I installed Any.do and was pretty impressed. It allowed you to physically cross things off of lists (ahhhhh, so rewarding), keep different lists, make recurring items, separate by personal or work, etc. But in the end, it was only available on my phone and had ads – yuck. So then I went back to my roots of what I know and love and downloaded Google Keep. I AM IN LOVE!!! It reminds me of Evernote in that you can keep “ideas” and what not together in groups/notes AND you can access it from your phone or any computer that is logged into your gmail account. But is unique in that you can color coordinate the notes, give them labels (think folders), add a reminder, and makes lists. Just what I was looking for! The flow of both the app and website are very organic feeling and remind a lot of Pinterest, where the notes are stacked on top of each other in a flowing order. I find it very aesthetically pleasing. Here is what it looks like on my computer:
Of all the things that Chalene expressed in her challenge, keeping a list and putting EVERY single thing on it that you have to get done (so that you don’t have to keep it all in your brain and rely on your memory) is my favorite. I have always loved lists and being organized, but I feel like keeping a list, updating it every day – maybe even multiple times per day, and using it to guide my days is worth every second of it. It has already become a habit, and a habit that I believe is extremely important. Every successful person I know or know of is organized and gets tasks done. I have learned that these daily tasks compound on each other and are what set you up for reaching your goals (and beyond).
I feel like finding a system that works for you, no matter what it may be, is important to seeing your goals through and making you successful in whatever it is you want to do.Β I love everything Google, and so it makes sense that this has been my favorite system so far. If you are not already keeping a daily/weekly/someday to-do list, I highly encourage you to start now. I can already feel the momentum of the actions I have taken in the past few months that are propelling me forward still, and it is exciting.
I also think you ALL should do the 30 Day Challenge, so make sure to click the link above and sign up for free!!!!!
Also, I would love if you would comment and let me know if you want to know more about keeping lists and getting organized. Thank you!
Much love!