Do you use a calendar app? I use Google Calendars and link all my online calendars to the stock calendar of my phone. One nifty trick I learned to keep myself organized is to add all tasks, events, and travels as calendar entries. I add travel time to airports as calendar entries, and I even put errands like grocery shopping and laundry in. Ideally, I like calendars where I could see an overview of my week and then switch views to see a daily overview so I can check my phone every morning to get a summary of how my day looks like. This doesn’t mean things don’t slip through the cracks, I do forget to add entries in sometimes, but it reminds me of all the running tasks I need to do.
The calendar app that’s right for you will depend on your needs. Do you need a daily reminder or constant notification of upcoming tasks or events? Do you need a shared calendar that you can manage collaboratively with co-workers or even housemates? I don’t really set reminders or notifications(because that overwhelms me), but I do link all of my online calendars to the one on my phone. I also have a shared calendar that I mostly use to share my availability for work projects. Clients can look at it and see at a glance when they can book me in for a meeting. Even though all of my entries show up in one calendar app, each online calendar is color-coded so I know which event or task is associated with each account. It is streamlined but organized.
Calendar apps have two basic functions: to show you your schedule and to remind you of upcoming tasks and events. At its root, a calendar app should help you manage your time. Here are a few key points to look for when choosing a calendar app:
- Easy to use – must be intuitive and should not have a steep learning curve
- Well designed – should be designed with function in mind. Pleasing aesthetics is also a major plus.
- Customizable – should have features that are useful and relevant to you and should be adjustable to your need and style.
- Easy to share – giving other people access to your calendar can be a big help (i.e work projects or household management), make sure the calendar app you pick is collaborative and compatible with other devices.
Here are a few Calendar App suggestions that you might want to check out:
- Any.do (Android, iOS, Web) – for organizing superstars
- Apple Calendar (iOS, macOS, Web) – for Apple loyalists
- Cozi (Android, iOS, Web, Windows) – for household management
- Google Calendar (Android, iOS, Web) – for no-nonsense scheduling; free and all-purpose
- Microsoft Outlook Calendar (Android, iOS, macOS, Windows) – for business
- My Study Life (Android, iOS, Web) – for students and educators
- TimeTree (Android, iOS, Web) – for collaboration
What Calendar App do you use? How does it help you organize your schedule and manage your time? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Remember to stay humble and hustle hard.
Written by Jaie O. The Help