Ever since i read getting things done by David Allen, I started experimenting with time management and productivity. I’ve read many books, ebooks and courses and I’ve bought software and apps. And I’ve written about productivity tips for ordinary people and the writing apps I am using.
For the past week, I’ve been testing an app called 30/30 by Binary Hammer. I am using 30/30 on my iPhone and iPad to combine tasks and time to get things done.
The first thing I noticed was the brilliant design. The colors and the icons are awesome. The second thing I noticed was how easy it was to use it. Write the name of the task, set the time you’ll use, set the color and chose the icon. You can rearrange all the tasks with drag and drop, with one finger.
30/30 helps me focus on one task at a time. I add different times to different tasks, I keep doing the tasks until I hear a sound. I have been using the pomodoro technique for a while, but I discovered that 25 minutes is too long for some tasks and too short for other tasks. When I use 30/30 I feel more in control.
But.
I still use Things to manage all my tasks and projects. I add the daily tasks to 30/30 after I’ve added them to Things. So, 30/30 is a way for me to manage my time and focus on my important tasks.
I find that I add tasks that I’ll be doing for several days or weeks to 30/30, like writing the novel. At the moment, I’m writing on my novel for 90 minutes a day, every single day. 30/30 helps me keep all the tasks, and I have to remove old tasks or add new ones.
So far, I believe using 30/30 has increased my productivity and it has helped me focus on doing one task at a time.
Twitter: wonderoftech
Hi Jens, That’s great you have found an app that works for you. With all you have going on, you really need to stay organized and you do a great job of it.
I’m not good at being constrained by time. If I am inspired I want to finish it to the end. But I probably get much less done than you do, so I can’t take as much on. I do marvel at how many things you juggle efficiently. Maybe you could offer paid endorsements of apps that help you get things done. Star novelist/marketer/blogger/dad/entrepreneur Jens Berget uses XYZ app to get his work done while he lives in a tent in the woods without Internet or electricity. Amazing!
Twitter: berget
Hey Carolyn,
The app is working great at the moment, and I have been using it every single day since I downloaded it. I love finding free amazing apps
I didn’t use to think much about time either, but now that I am doing so many things every single day, I need to keep myself focused and I need to set a time limit to each task. I don’t have a problem with it, as long as I feel that I’m in control.
Thank you so much for your kind words
Twitter: wonderoftech
Actually, I could probably use that app right this minute as I’m trying to catch up after being away on vacation. I could spend the day responding to comments on my blog, but Real Life is calling too!
Twitter: berget
I certainly know how you feel. That’s what I’ve felt after living in a tent for 5 weeks
Jens, I should read that book now that I’ve heard about it from more than one person I respect. The idea of timing tasks is pretty alien — I juggle work sort of organically. But it’s never too late for an old dog to learn a new trick.
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Twitter: berget
I wish that I could juggle work like you. I need a list of what to do, and I need to set a timer, if I don’t, I’ll keep working on one task forever
I hope you’ll read fuzzy, let me know if you do, I’d love some feedback
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Twitter: blognetworking
Seems like a great app. Do they have an android version (I looked, but didn’t see one).
I have been working with my laptop to increase my productivity (like a personal blog challenge). And I am using several different tools (Zen writer – awesome writing tool with music and background, F.lux – changes the color of the screen according to sun, Focus booster – timer, I use it with 25 min work and 5 min breaks, but you can change it as you like and finally, Rescue Time – keeps track of all things I do, how much time I spent per activity).
Do you have any suggestions for a great tool (for Windows), Jens for managing productivity? I have being trying several different ones, to see which ones work best.
Twitter: berget
Hi Jeevan,
I don’t think that they do have an android version. I haven’t seen any information about it.
I have never tried Zen writer, that sounds like a tool I need to test. I love testing new writing tools, and at the moment I’m using IA Writer and WriteRoom (and Word and Pages and Scrivener). And I need to take a closer look at the other apps you mention as well
So, you’re using the pomodoro technique? How’s that working out for you. I used to use it, but to me 25 minutes can be a little long for some tasks, and too short for some. That’s why I have been using 30/30 to adjust the time I need for each task.
I haven’t been using Windows for 6-7 years, so I actually don’t know about any good productivity tools for it
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Twitter: blognetworking
Oh, you use Mac, write? I just found out that they don’t have a mac version of Zenwriter (but, it is a great tool, you should try it, if you get a chance).
Yeah, I am using it, I find it too short for most tasks (so, I use the 5 min break to get things and take a break after it). But, in the Focus booster, you can change the timer (I need to go change mine to 30 mins with 5 min breaks).
Another thing that surprised me is that I spend 8-10 mins per blog post (reading, commenting, sharing). Never thought I spend that much time on it. But, I think it is worth it.
Twitter: berget
I have set the timer to spend 30 minutes commenting and sharing blog posts, and if I have the time, I’ll set another 30 minutes later on the day. I wish I had more time
Right now, I’m writing all my blog posts and articles using Day One (a journal, I love the way it works and it syncs with all my devices).
Twitter: ITSergioFelix
Hey Jens,
Seems like a very good app man and that’s interesting what you say about the Pomodoro technique for having 25 minute blocks too long for certain tasks and too short for others.
I also consider that myself.
So far I have been very happy with post-it notes but of course, this is not viable for people that require to carry their business wherever they go.
I think that with your knowledge already on iPad and iPhone apps, you could probably write a report on “Great apps for Mac-based marketers”.
Just an idea.
Sergio
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Twitter: berget
Hey Sergio,
I have been using post-it notes as well, but it got messy on my desk and I needed to use something that would help me manage not only my tasks but the time I use on the various tasks. 30/30 is a brilliant app if you combine it with a task manager.
Interesting idea about the report, I’m going to think about it
Thanks.
Twitter: quickblogtips
Hi Jens
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Twitter: berget
Hey Ben,
I love free apps, and especially the ones that are brilliant
Just download it and start using it, that’s what I did. Don’t wait
Hi Jens,
This is amazing application. I am really glad to always visit your page, because I have learned so much about the things that I never expected that is actually possible to be found. This is another thing new to me.
Twitter: berget
Thanks a lot for the feedback
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Great tip! Gonna try it for a few weeks and see what happens. Do you know if this exists for android users aswell?
Twitter: berget
I am not sure, but I don’t think it’s available for Android.