Twenty somethings face more technology and choice today than any other generation. This is great but it makes it harder to get organised. It’s March already, and the New Years resolutions have come and gone. New lycra has been shoved to back of the closet, tags intact, eyed wistfully with intermittent pangs of guilt. That month off drinking has gone sideways and a reason to celebrate with one more bottle of bubbles is a regular occurrence. You haven’t found the perfect moment to approach your boss for a long overdue raise. Most nights the dog stares at you mournfully and as you scroll through endless feeds of people whose lives look shinier than your own. You promise yourself you’ll start putting your life in order tomorrow.
These tips will help that long overdue day of organisation and productivity arrive. Using these apps and forming these habits will help you become a more functional human being and feel like you’re on the right path.
Prioritise with the help of apps
Sometimes you need an app to remind you what to do and keep track of your many obligations, whether they’re social, work or personal. As you’re on your phone most of the time anyway, apps are a timely and present way to remind yourself what to do. Remember the Milk is a free and very helpful app which is compatible with your mobile, computer, email accounts and everything you need. It can sync with all of your devices and apps to ensure that everything is organised. It helps you to manage your tasks easily and reminds you of them wherever you are.
Capture everything in one place
Evernote is a free productivity tool that allows you to capture all your ideas, thoughts, and images in many different ways. You can leave yourself reminders in voice, notes or images. You can even record your meetings, interviews, speeches, ideas, and add voice or text attachments and share your files with friends. You can also sync Remember The Milk with Evernote to really optimise your time. If you’re a procrastinator, a great way to just chill out for a minute and focus is Focus Booster which will remove anxiety. It’s a great app for those who are easily overwhelmed. Keeping everything in one place allows you to be organised with minimal effort and thought.
Keep your finances in check
Under thirties are often blamed for not focusing on the bottom line, but a recent survey showed an extra $1000 in their bank account was a top priority over more perceived wants and needs. The unrealistic cost of living in Australia’s cities also contributes to financial stress. These apps can make it feel life a financial coach is holding your hand.
20somethingfinance, Broke Girl Rich, and You Need A Budget are some great starter apps to help avoiding spiralling into debt and despair. Savings can actually become a reality. They all have helpful features to help you manage your finances and reduce your financial woes. You Need A Budget makes it super easy to track spending habits and form a plan. It can determine where dollars should go and keep tabs on spending. A plethora of choice means you can match your philosophy to the right management tool and the fear of the unknown can melt away. Rainy day. Tick!
Balance health and play
You can go out and buy a new car if you trash yours, but not a new body. So you’re young, invincible, can somehow disguise a hangover at work, but eventually if you push too hard the wheels are going to come off. You need that old buzz word balance.
Before you toss the meat and dairy and become a yogi, there are many other choices you can make that can help your productivity and wellbeing. GAIA is a new yoga app that streams every yoga genre and charges $20 for the first 3 months of unlimited streaming and $9.95 each month thereafter. If you love to hit the road running, Virtual Runner is fun and goal oriented. High definition video allows to to speed up and slow down your entire workout. No need for gym memberships that bore you to tears and break the bank.
Focus on you
Be kind to yourself. As Oscar Wilde once said; “Be yourself, because everyone else is taken”. Try to think less about how people perceive you. Put you precious time towards focusing on people that you vibe with and whose values are aligned with yours. Spend your time looking after yourself and tending to your skills. Stoke your creative interests or get involved in a sport. Do whatever makes you happy.
