We all know what it feels like to be tied down by deadlines and due dates. Whether they’re big or small, our responsibilities determine our day before we even wake up. Although it is easy to allow our long to-do lists to overwhelm us and even consume us, there are resources that we can use to tackle our responsibilities before they tackle us. Sometimes, half of the task is creating a game plan.

If you were going to a new place that you’d never been to before, how would you get there? You most likely wouldn't just hop in the car and start driving. You would look at a map or use a GPS to help you navigate your journey. Similarly, our tasks and goals cannot be achieved by simply remembering what we can and starting the task when we have the time. 

So, how can we start effectively planning our days according to our responsibilities, while also leaving room for doing what we enjoy? The answer is right in front of us and most likely in our hands. The generic notes app that comes with most phones is great for remembering, but not so much for prioritizing. Instead, try these 3 free apps to help with organization and preparation for any and all of your tasks.

MinimaList allows you to create a to-do list, rearrange your tasks, and swipe right to “scratch them off” once they are completed. The “scratch-off” feature is especially great for those of us who enjoy the satisfaction that comes with marking something off of our to-do list. The MinimaList app has both daily and weekly reminders for each task and gives you the option to input the locations that coordinate with each task.

MinimaList is free to download, but I highly recommend making the in-app purchase if you find that you like the app after downloading it. The MinimaList Pro version allows you to make multiple lists, change color themes, choose from a variety of text fonts, and more.

Graphic via Productive Club

Both the free and pro version of MinimaList have the Pomodoro Technique embedded in the app, a tool used for time-management.

The Pomodoro Technique can be explained as: focusing on one task for a timed session, taking a quick break after the time is up, and switching to another task after the break is over.

This technique was designed to help people remain focused and give their undivided attention to one area for a short amount of time, so that they can avoid burnout and/or brain fog.

iStudiez Pro

iStudiez Pro is ideal for high school and college students who have to navigate through hundreds of assignments and due dates each semester. The app allows you to input all of your instructors’ contact information, office hours, and the courses that they each teach. You can also input each of your classes according to semester, class time, and class type.

The app is easy to use and has minimal buttons, so you’re always able to find exactly what you’re looking for. All of your assignments are on the “assignments” tab and can be organized by due date so that you’re sure to never miss a deadline. I especially love the feature that displays a summarized version of your calendar. The calendar shows what classes you have and the assignments due on each day. Even better, you can turn on individual notifications for each assignment if you need that extra, last-minute reminder to stay on track. Not to mention all of the color coding that can be done for each class and assignment. If you’re more of a pen-and-paper student or don’t usually organize your assignments according to their deadlines, I still recommend downloading the app. It’s much easier to have the app ready and in your pocket when you need it, than to frantically search for it in the app store in the future. You’re more likely to be disciplined about meeting deadlines if you have the tools needed to do so. This app is a must-have for students of all ages.

"A good system shortens the road to the goal.”

Orison Swett Marden

Notion

Notion is for the more advanced planner, but it can be simplified according to your individual needs. Notion is very similar to Microsoft Word, except in a smaller, mobile format. If you prefer to include additional side notes or reminders with your to-do lists, this app will be your best friend.

The app has simple add-ins for each page, some of which include numbered lists, quote boxes, and various headings. There are also unique data-based add-ins, including timelines, tables, calendars, etc. Download Notion for yourself to access even more creative add-ins that you’ll only find in this app. Although free, Notion has the capabilities and advanced features of a typical planning app, that would require a subscription for use. This app is a go-to for both simple and complex lists.

If you need a collaborative platform, Notion’s got your back. You can share your lists and pages by inviting people to view them, or you can export a completed list into an easily-viewable PDF. You may feel overwhelmed at first with all of Notion’s amazing options for enhancing each of your lists, but give it a try. Notion has helpful resources, tutorials within the app, and is continuously making updates and improvements.

If you download Notion and don’t love it, try the desktop format. You may find that Notion is easier to navigate on a bigger computer screen. Even if Notion isn’t for you, recommend it to a busy friend or coworker who might benefit from it.

Regardless of if you’re a long-time planner, or new to the world of organization, today is a great day to improve your skills and start prioritizing what matters most. Planning truly does save time and money. More than anything, it gives us more time to do the things we love most. You might be surprised by how much more you can get done when you take the extra time to be intentional about organizing your tasks.