The productivity content space has problems…
🤔 Let’s start by outlining. I’m part of the problem.
I run a YouTube channel called Keep Productive, and post in a variety of places about “how to be more productive” — whether that is with tools, or with frameworks, I am a contributing factor.
With this post, I’m putting myself out of the job — aha — but these things do need to be addressed. I’m also always trying to look at the better way to portray content online, small step after small step.
Even in this article, I offer ✅ Advice: points… ironic!
🕵🏻♀️ So what’s the problem?
At the heart of it, the space is crowded. The last 3–5 years have introduce…
The latest and greatest predictions for the year ahead
This year for productivity has been super interesting, we’ve seen the release of Notion’s much anticipated API, new apps to help us work
Looking to the next year, what applications will be making that splash and impact in the productivity market.
🌿 These are my thoughts:
1. Magical
Each tool has a different take on the productivity space…
1. Clover
Recently released and still in beta, Clover looks like an interesting approach to note-taking combining three core elements. Note-taking (with note-linking), daily journal/planner and a creative mood board/mind-map tool.
This approach is perfect for creative individuals looking to merge the way they take notes with their visual demos — from wireframes to diagrams. Something we’re all keeping an eye on in 2022.
2. Topia
The reasons behind reducing my Notion content
About 12 months ago, I confirmed I had stopped using Notion.
Although I have a great respect for Notion and what they are doing, for my own personal use, I wasn’t gaining much more value than what Evernote provided me.
Despite YouTube comments suggesting Evernote was there holding me at ransom, I still to today, don’t use Notion for personal life planning.
Along with that announcement, slowed my Notion content — it seemed to happen all at the same time.
🪴 Why did I stop Notion content?
Essentially, Keep Productive helps people match to a specific tool.
Helps them match with the one that is best suited for them. This doesn’t mean just one application.
Notion content had become harder and harder to keep up with, the specifics…
Both of these productivity apps might not become household names
Roam Research and Obsidian in 2020 and 2021 have become really popular tools, as the new way to take notes.
I believe that, whilst fantastic as they are for note-taking, both of these tools will not become household names.
When I speak household names, I refer to the popularity that tools like OneNote, Evernote and Notion have received over the years.
📝 The Hobbyist Tools
Roam and Obsidian both include what’s called “bi-directional linking” a concept coined by the note-taking community which simply means to connect one note to another, and build a relationship.
For many everyday note-takers — light to medium use…
The largest additions to the Microsoft 365 experience
1. Fluid Components
- A new way to create “live” documents in Microsoft products
- Create them and then share them with a link for others to edit in real-time
- Real-time editing means you can share anywhere, and edit in one
- Perfect for teams in Microsoft Teams and Outlook
- Embeddable for editing without opening
2. Upgraded Outlook Boards
The best tools for spending less time distracted & more on task
Find yourself constantly distracted or maybe unable to truly focus on the task at hand. Whether it’s your next major essay or the deadline your boss has set, using the time slot to focus on the task at hand can be a lifesaver.
Choosing a handful or one focus app can help you to perform better during the workday and get that piece of work all done and dusted.
🪴 Skip this article? Watch the video below to save time
1. Forest
Productivity expert Mike Vardy exits for a new note-taker…
Yes, you heard it right…
Mike Vardy, long-time Evernote user and world renowned productivity expert is leaving Evernote for a new note-taking application.
In a recent YouTube video, Mike Vardy has shared his recent decision to drop Evernote, why and what he’ll be moving to — let’s recap everything below!
🐘 Why Leave Evernote?
Mike isn’t shy to using and sharing about Evernote — in the past he has been the biggest of advocates of the “most known” note-taking service on the market.
The reason quite simply for Mike leaving Evernote is the quality of the latest Evernote application. …
Will they leapfrog existing applications in the market in 2022
Evernote has had its fair share of hardships due to their lack of innovation across the last few years — with a lack of focus on product and more business strategy they’ve found themselves on the back foot in the productivity app market if you compare them to tools such as Roam, Obsidian and Notion.
Despite their struggles, Evernote are still in the game. But the real question?
Will Evernote be able to ever be a contender in the productivity market in the future. This is one of the life’s toughest questions…
My predictions below!
🐘 The respect for Evernote
This stack will cost you alone over $160+ per month
Just for fun, I decided to see how much a productivity stack with the most premium of productivity tools would cost you per month.
We all know that productivity applications cost us a bit, but we’ve found the premium tools that we believe would help you get most stuff done, if money was no object.
We’ve included in our 5 main tools:
- A to-do list application
- A calendar application
- A note-taking tool
- A personal project manager
- An email application
PS. This is more for fun… Typically people will invest in tools they want to invest, not necessarily on all these.
✅ 1. To-Do List App ($20 per month)
Francesco D'Alessio
👨🏻💻 Host of Keep Productive — talking about the future of productivity software here on Medium 👋🏻
