<center>https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/09/08/productivedb6b5.jpg</center>

# Intro

Ever since I got started working from home, I've became obsessed with the idea of finding ways to increase my productivity. I've tried so many systems that I would probably write for a full year just typing reviews on every single one of them. 

Nevertheless, things have stabilized and I've honed in a few key tools that works for me. **Now, here I am sharing the fruits of my research and experience**.

Make sure to read the other articles in the series if you are curious about more "lifehack":
- [YNAB - The Budgeting Software That Changed My Financial Life](https://steemit.com/review/@cryptoctopus/ynab-the-budgeting-software-that-changed-my-financial-life)
- [Staying and Getting Strong - My Review of Stronglifts 5x5 program](https://steemit.com/review/@cryptoctopus/home-business-essentials-staying-and-getting-strong-my-review-of-stronglifts-5x5-program)
- [Sitting is the New Smoking? My Experience with Standing Desks](https://steemit.com/lifehack/@cryptoctopus/sitting-is-the-new-smoking-my-experience-with-standing-desks-home-business-essentials)
- [“Neuroscience Based” Music App Boost Your Focus by 400%?](https://steemit.com/lifehack/@cryptoctopus/can-this-neuroscience-based-music-app-boost-your-focus-by-400-home-business-essentials)

# About Productivity - Mind Over Tools

The first lessons I had to learn is that **the tools are only as good as the person who's using it**. You can have all the bells and whistles but if you don't have the right mental software to operate them then every tool will frustrate you. So before blaming the tool wonder if you've got the right philosophy to operate them. :-)

This is why I believe the first thing someone need to do is read a book like [Getting Things Done](http://gettingthingsdone.com/) or the [Deep Work](https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692) first and foremost. Having the right philosophy will set you up for success **if your goal is to increase output**.

Few key insights such as *Your mind is for having IDEAS, not holding them.™*, *Focus on most important task first* and *Inbox Zero* can really go a long way as you go about using productivity tools.

# My Favorite To Do List App and My Ritual for Using it

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I've tried every concept imaginable, going from the simple paper in a basket to very elaborate systems such as [simpleology](https://www.simpleology.com/). In the end, I've settled with a very simple yet very versatile tool called [Todoist](https://todoist.com/).

### The Ritual

1 - After my coffee and some stretches, I get in front of my computer and **dump everything that goes through my mind inside the to do inbox.** I let my mind go wild and I don't stop until I feel completely emptied out. I go through my business slack channel and my email inbox. 

https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/09/08/155911.gif

2 - I then, I **prioritize and decide WHEN those things should get done** and schedule them accordingly. 

3 - Third step is to categorize them so that my inbox is empty such as "Personal", "Work", "Steemit", etc.

4 - Finally, I go to the "Today" list and don't go to bed before it's completely empty.

# Why Todoist? - Speed and Karma

I've decided to use Todoist for a few reasons. First one, when I have an idea, I have to get it quickly into my inbox before it escapes me. With the app, wherever I am, I can capture that idea and quickly schedule and categorize it. The flow is natural and works great for me.

Secondly, I really enjoy their gamified "Karma Points" system.

<center>https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/09/08/karmac4457.png</center>

I like to have goals and to have markers that I have been using the app to it's full capacity. It's just an extra that I really enjoy having :-)

# Conclusion

Getting things done is quite easy if you have the right philosophy and mindset. The tools are only there to be "less in the way" of our workflow and sometime stimulate us to increase our input. 

What is your favorite to do list app? Do you use one? Why are you using the one that you are using right now? I'm really curious to know about what other "productivity geeks" think about...there is just so much options out there that "maybe" there is a new revolution in the productivity world that I am not aware of yet.