Personal Productivity as University Students

 

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In chapter 3 of “Counterproductive”, Gregg talks about how enhancing productivity has become part of our personal lives, and no longer only a part of our jobs. The use of technology that allows us to record, remind, or even control us, enabling us to be more productive in our everyday lives. We don’t really think about it, but every time we record an event in our calendar, set an alarm, or use Siri, we are essentially enhancing our productivity in our everyday activities. 

An app that I use to enhance productivity is the Flora app, which basically allows you to set a timer, and during that time you are not allowed to use your phone. If you succeed in not using the phone in that set time, a tree will be planted in real life. I use this app to control myself to not use my phone when I’m studying or writing an essay, and the added benefit of having a tree planted also motivates me to stay productive. 

https://flora.appfinca.com/en/

In chapter 4, “Mindful Labour”, Gregg describes mindful labour as spiritual science that helps us become more productive because we can become mentally healthier through meditation. An app that I use every night before bed, Calm (although my free trial ran out, so I simply find their videos on YouTube), which basically are meditation audio files that you can try to listen to and follow along. 

https://www.calm.com


Question: What technology/app do you use to enhance your personal productivity? How does it increase your productivity? 


Comments

  1. Claire DavidsonMarch 3, 2022 at 3:01 PM

    Hi Tony,

    Great post! To answer your question, I use a few different applications that I feel help my personal productivity and increase productivity. The first being Google Tasks which is a virtual to-do list that I organize my daily tasks in and are able to check off as I finish them. I use this app everyday and it helps me to manage my school and personal tasks. A second productivity app that I rely on is the stickies app on macbook which are virtual post it notes that again allow me to organize my tasks based upon courses and to-dos. I think apps like this make it very convenient and easy for users to quickly type out an idea or task that they need to accomplish. These apps allow me to better organize my time and stay productive.

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  2. Sharmaine Ehi-AkatueMarch 21, 2022 at 10:53 AM

    Hi Tony,
    Great post and honestly I find this content from the reference readings very relatable because I also find myself using a lot of these productivity tools in my day to day life. In the past I have used an app called "iStudiez" on my phone which helps a lot with making to do list, noting deadlines, and even allows me to organize my work in order of priority to encourage me to get more important work done first. However as someone who really struggles with my attention span, focus, and deadlines I will say the app is not extremely useful because I find myself using the app for short periods, usually at the start of a new semester or school year, but then my attention span or forgetfulness kicks in and I end up not continuing it in the long run. I still do think that the app is helpful to some people, such as my good friend who recommended the app to me but she is someone who is already fairly organized and focused in real life, for someone like myself apps like these are often just a way to feel more productive but not really change much, that is just my own opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tyler McRaeMarch 23, 2022 at 9:29 PM

    Hi Tony,
    I mostly just use my Iphone and its pre-downloaded apps such as calender and alarm, the rest I find to be just a distraction for personal productivity. However, I would like to try the calm app eventually but I find that I would have to wakeup in order to make sure the phone and airpods would be charging and turn off the sound so again Im very hesitant to try anything outside alarm and calender. I try not to heavily rely on my phone as I want to practice remembering important events because I were to lose connection or have my Iphone damaged, my workflow and personal productivity would be lost with it. I try to have some sort of seperation and reliance on any kind of apps or personal productive technologies as I feel it ruins the whole concept of personal productivity.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jordan Glyn-WilliamsApril 18, 2022 at 2:46 PM

    Hi Tony,

    One app that I use to increase my productivity is Notion.so. It is a notes app that offers great templates and provides great clarity into my life. Being able to track notes and my goals/mood over time lets me see how I am most effective and what makes me the most happy. One down side of this app is you cannot program notifications to remind you to complete your daily journaling. Great post.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownApril 19, 2022 at 6:25 AM

    Hello,

    For productivity I create a digital desktop (with canva) that includes my calendar (filled with dates of assigned deadlines) and my weekly to do list (ie. clean my room, do laundry, study for ENTR200). I prefer this way versus using a paper planner, as I have it every time I use my laptop versus carrying a book around with me. This way I am always organized and up to date. -Julia

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