3 Productivity Tools and a Digital Calendar Are All I Need

Cycling between them helps keep me focused

Airplane photo by Surdu on Unsplash, cropped and added to by Author

The productivity tools I keep on rotation are fun to use, low maintenance, and abandon-proof.

Why three tools? Why not just one?

Because each stimulates a distinct part of my brain, by showing my work through a different lens. A regular change of perspective keeps me fresh and innovative, instead of becoming stale and distracted.

I feel smiley (on the inside; I’m an introvert) and relaxed and optimistic when picking these tools up. That’s why they’re still on the list where others — so many others! — have fallen by the wayside.

No, I’m not talking about specific apps, though two of my tools need them and of course I have my favourites.

The three productivity tools that complement my digital calendar are —

1. A paper notebook
2. A handwritten interactive PDF planner
3. A plain text planner

Each tool has its own flavour, its own embellishments on a vanilla core, and is with me wherever I go. When plans need to be made, one tool usually calls my name more strongly than the rest. If I’m a bit out of sorts, my paper notebook is usually the best choice.