How I’m Using Productivity Apps To Supercharge My Daily Routine in 2024

Discover a simple tool-kit to streamline your workflow and boost your productivity in 2024

Imagine waking up every morning in 2024 feeling motivated and organized, knowing you’re ready to take on whatever challenges the day brings.

With this mindset, you’ll be unstoppable and able to achieve your goals effortlessly.

That’s precisely what productivity apps can do for your daily routine.

In 2023, I discovered a whole new way of using these apps, from planning my daily priorities & tasks to tracking my progress and triggering multiple deep flow states throughout the day.

In this article, I will share the productivity apps that have revolutionized my routine, making me more efficient and productive.

So, if you’re tired of feeling chronically overwhelmed and scattered, join me as we explore the power of productivity apps and how they can transform your daily routine in 2024.

Recommended Apps

When it comes to productivity apps, there are countless options available. However, a few apps have truly stood out and significantly impacted my routine. Let me introduce you to my favorites:

1. stoic. — This app has become my go-to for setting my intentions for the day, recording my mood as the day continues, and reflecting on my day at the end. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, I can quickly reflect on my progress today and plan my priorities for tomorrow. The ability to automate this habit using iPhone’s shortcut automation has been a game-changer, allowing me to keep up the habit with minimal effort.
2. FocusPomo — FocusPomo is my secret weapon for managing my time effectively. This app utilizes the Pomodoro technique, a time management method that recommends breaking work into intervals, typically 25 minutes long, separated by short breaks. By leveraging this technique and understanding my most productive times of the day, I can optimize my time and harness the power of flow states.
3. iPhone “Downtime” — This built-in feature on my iPhone helps me monitor and limit my screen time, ensuring that I stay focused and avoid mindless scrolling. By setting boundaries and tracking my usage, I can stay on track with my goals and minimize distractions.
4. iPhone “Shortcut Automation” — With the iPhone’s Shortcut Automation feature, I have been able to automate my productivity habits and create personalized workflows. From automating my morning routine to setting up reflection reminders throughout the day, this feature has saved me time and streamlined my daily routine.

Starting the Day Right: Wake up & Flow

Starting the day on the right foot sets the tone for the rest of the day.

With the help of the iPhone’s Shortcut Automation and the FocusPomo app, I have developed a morning routine that ensures I prioritize my most impactful tasks and immediately jump into a flow state after waking up.

Every morning, I wake up to a personalized routine created using the iPhone’s Shortcut Automation. It starts with a gentle alarm and automatically sets a timer for 90 seconds. This timer is to motivate me to get to work on an important task immediately upon rising.

After the timer goes off, I open my FocusPomo app and begin my first two Pomodoro sessions for this activity. Right now, that morning session is spent writing this article.

I learned this technique of “Wake up and Flow” from Rian Doris’ following YouTube Video:

This morning routine helps me focus on what needs to be done and gives me a surge of dopamine and satisfaction first thing in the morning.

After completing my “Wake up & Flow” hour, I open the stoic app to dive deeper into planning the rest of my day. The app’s minimalistic interface allows me to list what I’m grateful for, choose what I focus on that day, and track how I feel and sleep the night before. I can quickly review my daily priorities and mood if needed.

Combining the iPhone’s Shortcut Automation, FocusPomo, and the stoic app has transformed how I start my day. I no longer feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. Instead, I feel empowered and in control, ready to conquer the day ahead.

Managing time with FocusPomo

Time management has always been a challenge for me.

However, with the help of FocusPomo and the Pomodoro technique, I have found a method that works wonders for my productivity. The Pomodoro technique involves breaking your work into intervals, typically 25 minutes long, separated by short 5-minute breaks. After four consecutive Pomodoro sessions, you’re suggested to take a more extended 10–15 minute break.

Understanding my productive windows of the day has also been crucial in optimizing my time. I can schedule my work by identifying the times of day when I’m most productive, creative, and alert.

I learned these zones from studying my Chronotype and scheduling my day around my biological circadian rhythm. If you want to know your Chronotype, check out my other article.

For example, I know I’m most creative in the early morning and more focused and alert in the late mornings.

So, I allocate my most important writing tasks during my “Wake up & Flow” session (between 7:30–8:30am) and then my more cognitively challenging tasks between my “Chronotype Zone” (between 10:00am and noon).

FocusPomo’s data visualization feature has been instrumental in helping me track my time. I can see how many Pomodoros I’ve completed in a given day, week, or month, how much time I’ve spent on each task, and how many breaks I’ve taken. This data allows me to analyze my productivity patterns and adjust as needed.

Thanks to FocusPomo and the Pomodoro technique, I have become more aware of my time and how I spend it. I no longer waste hours on unproductive tasks or feel overwhelmed by an endless to-do list. Instead, I work with intention and purpose, making the most of every moment.

Staying focused & Avoiding Distractions

Make no mistake: if you want to be productive, you must minimize all distractions.

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get sidetracked by social media notifications, texts, emails, YouTube Videos, and other interruptions. However, with the help of my iPhone’s “Downtime” feature, I have minimized distractions and boosted my concentration when I needed it most.

The “Downtime” feature allows me to set specific periods when certain apps and notifications are restricted during the day. During these times, I can focus solely on my work without the constant temptation to check the time-sucking distraction apps on my phone.

I have my “Downtime” set every weekday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. This has been a game-changer in staying focused and avoiding unnecessary distractions.

In tandem with the “Downtime” feature, I also utilize the FocusPomo app’s built-in timer. This timer takes up my entire screen, creating a distraction-free environment. With these tools in place, I can immerse myself in my work and achieve a state of Flow where my productivity is at its peak.

I have noticed a significant improvement in my ability to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently by minimizing distractions.

I no longer find myself getting lost in a rabbit hole of social media or falling victim to the constant overwhelming ping of incoming emails. Instead, I am fully present and engaged in my work, achieving more in less time, knowing there is a specific time when I can and can not indulge in my distractions.

Tracking progress and reflecting on the day

Tracking progress and reflecting on the day is vital to a productive routine.

With the help of stoic’s evening reflection features, I can end my day positively and set myself up for success the next day.

At the end of each day, I turn to the stoic app for reflection. The app prompts me with thoughtful questions that encourage introspection and gratitude. I take a few moments to reflect on my emotions, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. This practice allows me to end the day on a positive note and shift my focus to the next day’s goals.

I have become more self-aware and mindful of my progress by incorporating these reflection practices into my routine. I no longer dwell on mistakes or setbacks but instead use them as opportunities for growth. This mindset shift has profoundly impacted my overall well-being and productivity.

Conclusion

Productivity apps have truly transformed my daily routine in 2023.

From starting the day right with my iPhone’s Shortcut Automation and the “Wake Up & Flow” technique to planning my day with the stoic app, managing my time with FocusPomo, and using my iPhone’s “Downtime” to stay focused against distractions, these apps have revolutionized the way I work and live.

Tracking progress and reflecting on the day using FocusPomo and the stoic app’s reflection features have allowed me to celebrate my achievements, learn from my mistakes, and continuously grow as an individual.

I recommend exploring these productivity apps to transform your routine and become more efficient and productive. Seize the power of technology and dominate your day. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make in your life.

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