- Resources
These are some of my favorite apps that I use all the time.
Please note – I am NOT an affiliate and do NOT receive commission for these. I just think they’re great services!
Productivity – I can’t imagine there’s a single person out there who doesn’t need at least some help with productivity! In addition to GoalKeeprs, I hope you may find some of these apps helpful.
Timestripe: a unique planner with flexible time frames that allows you to think strategically, have a clear vision, and focus.
I use it for: I am so in love with this app. It’s similar to Trello, but with many more features. I particularly like it for project management. I find planners can be so daily-focused that it’s hard to look at the bigger picture. Timestripe allows you to see what’s coming up for the day, week, month, and year, all while allowing you to have separate views for projects. Extra space allows for plenty of personal reflections, too.
Cons: Free users are limited to 3 boards, 10 goals, and 1 color. I loved it so much I upgraded.
ToDoist: a delightfully simple yet powerful task planner and to-do list app.
I use it for: I really needed a way to see my chores, activities, and meetings all in one spot – and to be able to cross them off the list. ToDoist does all that and more.
ToDoist is brilliant and easy to use. Things can be scheduled from your phone, tablet, or web browser. Plus, if things get cancelled or rescheduled, the two-way sync makes it a breeze. It was so useful it led me to a planner overhaul last year.
Lastly – it makes such a satisfying “Ding!” every time you complete a task. Who doesn’t love that?
Cons: I think this app is harder to use for projects or big-picture items. It can be done, but it’s not as easy as the task-based items.
Routinery: an app to create productive plans and routines that maintain good habits.
I use it for: The icons and images within the app make it so much easier than remembering your routine or reading a list of tasks to be done. It’s great for little tasks that you should but forget to do (like running the dishwasher).
The app can call out the task you’re supposed to be on, so it really can add the sense of pressure you may need to complete something on time.
It’s really great for starting or ending your work day.
Cons: Notifications can be overwhelming at times. There is no way to disable the streak feature, which adds a lot of pressure. And free users are limited to 3 routines total.
Self-Care – Self-care is hard, no doubt about it! That’s why I’m always on the lookout for apps that make it just a little bit easier to take care of myself.
Balance: personalized, customized, and guided meditations for beginners to experts.
I use it for: I like the personable coaches – they’re not robotic. There are meditations for every situation. And, unlike Headspace, they use the time for meditation, not long-winded lectures.
There’s no doubt that meditation is good for everyone. I haven’t quite gotten the hang of it, but I’m getting there!
Balance offers a year-long free trial as well.
Cons: I haven’t found a way to opt out of their ‘streak’ feature, which I think creates unnecessary pressure.
Finch: a self care pet app that helps you feel prepared and positive, one day at a time.
I use it for: I love the check-ins you can do with your pet. The app gives you all kinds of different ways to monitor yourself – your moods, your sleep, anything you want! I love the suggestions and reminders for ways to take care of myself.
The best feature is this: when you’re having a bad day, it will give you extra rewards for your activities. The only app I’ve seen do that!
This is quite possibly the cutest app EVER.
Cons: Based on how you give your pet energy to explore, I feel pressure to get all my tasks done in the morning. That’s great! – but it means I feel less motivation for my evening tasks.
Finch doesn’t ‘roll over’ your tasks – meaning, if you don’t get a task done, it doesn’t prompt you the next day to do that. I think this is a great feature, but don’t put something timely and important here, like, say, filing your taxes.
StepBet: health-focused games where you’ll be rewarded ($) for walking to meet your personalized step targets.
I use it for: I won’t lie, this app is HUGELY motivating. I exercise so much more when I use this app, even if it’s just going for a walk. It all counts! Comments in the app give it a nice community feel. It also encourages me to plan out my power days and rest days, making me in control of my exercise.
Cons: Sometimes making your step goal can be a little stressful.
Nutrition – I am a huge proponent of cooking! Not only is it great for you, but it can increase confidence, reduce depression, and unleash your creativity.
Paprika: an app that helps you organize your recipes, make meal plans, and create grocery lists.
I use it for: I love the simplicity of using Paprika. I can save my recipes from anywhere and take them with me wherever I go. Their in-app browser means I can easily download a recipe from ANY website. Plus, I don’t have to put up with ads!
Cons: Their price can be a little steep, and you must buy a license for each device you use. They have a Black Friday sale annually for 50% off! ($15 vs $30).
Bring: the simplest shopping list for sharing. Create and share shopping lists with your family, partner and flat mates
I use it for: Ever been in the bathroom and realized you need toilet paper? But by the time you get to your list, you’ve forgotten about it? I LOVE Bring because I don’t have to keep track of lists anymore. You can have separate lists for each store. It is ridiculously easy to share. I also LOVE the icons they use, because those are much easier to understand than a big ol’ list. You can use it on any device plus a web browser! Did I also mention it’s FREE?
Cons: The app occasionally offers meal ideas, but I haven’t seen a good recipe yet. I also wish it had an option for keeping track of errands that need to get done.