r/productivity

I don't know that I can truly describe the amount of time and effort I've put into this effort, but I've yet to surrender to the fact that there isn't some solution out there that I just haven't been able to identify.

At the highest level, I'm seeking a task manager application that integrates closely with notes, attachments, and linked items. I work primarily in a Mac environment, so MacOS/iOS compatibility is a must.

To elaborate a bit on the hangup I keep hitting, what I would like to do is easily create links/relationshis between my tasks/projects and other, existing items such as:
* Apple Calendar events
* Canvas-style notes
* Email messages/converstaion threads
* Other communications (verbal, texts, etc)
* Documents/links

I've established countless setups using various apps, but everyone has frustratingly fallen short on at least one component. The objective I'm looking to achieve is being able to select a task or project and have a single "bucket" of notes and linked resources related to it. It's not the "fill out this form" tasks that are problematic; it's the complex tasks like "Replace computers at location X", which at any point in time may require references to email conversations, shipment tracking, invoice/payment follow-ups, installation dates, etc. Ideally, in my example, I would be able to easily drag-and-drop items from their respective apps (mail client, sharepoint, calendar, MS Teams, messages, file manager, etc.) to the task to create a visual reference with a backlink to the source item.

Currently, I am using GoodTask, which layers on top of Apple reminders, as a task manager, and it is AWESOME is almost every regard except having any kind of robust notes/attachments for to-do items. As a workaround, I've created automation using Apple shortcuts that allows me to create both a new task (reminder) and an Apple note with a single click. The script automates the creation of a link to the created apple note within the task item, but not the inverse (linking TO the task FROM the note remains a manual process). While this is by far the closest I've come to the "unicorn" solution I'm seeking, its achilles heel is that Apple notes just absolutely sucks. Its only redeeming feature is the ability to easily link to most items with backlinks, but I'm finding that does not fully compensate for the restrictive, single-column format and very poor tagging functionality.

The "runner-up" solution that gave me some hope for a while was using Zengobi Curio as the related "info bucket" for tasks. Curio is an incredibly impressive product; it exceeded any expectations I had for a customized note taking/ canvas app (better than OneNote/Evernote/Obsidian in my opinion), but its killer flaw is that it operates exclusively within macOS (no mobile/web app or cross-platform option at all). Similarly, I've found alternative task managers (namely OmniFocus) that are fantastic and check all boxes other than the robust note/attachment/link features.

Thus far, each of these pseudo-solutions has ultimately led me back to scenarios in which I'm either spending an unreasonable amount of time/effort in creating item relations manually, or in which I'm locked into a format that limits my ability to view related items to when I'm using my Mac exclusively.

I'm wondering [hoping] that someone may be able to offer any suggestions of any app/platform out there that may be capable of what I'm looking for. While my exhaustive search does not leave me very optimistic that it exists, I welcome (and sincerely appreciate) any suggestions!

I imagine that there are a few other people like me in this subreddit who research things and make spreadsheets of that info?

Have you researched something recently and would you be willing to share what you learned?

I am really curious to know if there is more info that could be shared that is just sitting in spreadsheets.

For example, I spent a lot of time lining up caregivers for my father. I've shared the info so much that I now have a Google Doc I share with others who ask.

I love using 'life systems' and they help me stay on track for my goals a lot. Here's how things went:

- I used to bullet journal and that helped me keep my life on track

- In 2020, I found Notion and an amazing course on systems that helped me set up a Notion system and helped me hit a bunch of my goals

- At one point Notion started feeling too slow so I switched to Obsidian

- When I realized I was spending too much time just maintaining the system and remembering how my system works, I moved on to Capacities

- Was worried about sync issues and losing my data stored online on Capacities, and also got a Kindle Scribe so switched to that

- It seemed tedious to flip through pages on the Scribe so switched back to physical bullet journals

Now I worry that I don't have my data backed up online in case I lose my notebook. So as a result, I've completely stopped using the system.

I have a similar issue with journaling. Keep switching between these:

• Day One because reviews say it's the best but there's no web version
• Journey because it has a web version which is nice because I can use it on my work laptop without installing an app
• Physical notebooks because I like the feel of writing but then no digital backup
• Capacities because it is then stored with the rest of the context

If anyone can help suggest tips or a framework to make a decision, I'd be super grateful.

Some days I lose the first 20 minutes just choosing between tasks that all feel equally important. Curious if anyone has a quick rule for picking one and going, or if you just force yourself to start with whatever's closest.

Hello,

I'm a 18 year old male in his first semester of college and I'm struggling immensely to stay on top of coursework.

Firstly, whenever in a college lecture I am unable to pay attention and can not focus at all. I try focusing but whenever the teacher brings up a diffcult topic my mind just zones out. I keep zoning out in class, this was a problem during high school too.

Whenever I try studying, I've noticed that my procastination has gotten a thousand times worse. I feel a wave of anxiety + dread and it leaves me paralyzed. I rush to my phone and doomscroll. I never really studied in school ethier BUT I usually was able to cram the night before and do well. Its imposible for me to study now whats so ever. I've noticed that I've developed a severe phone addiction and its ruining me.

What can I do to be more productive in school, I dont want to fail but I've failed my first midterm and I'm willing to do anything to pass and suceed.

I’m just lying in bed paralyzed with fear and terrified that everything and anything I do is for nothing.

I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t know if it’s because my close friend and I are kind of in an argument or weird spot right now. I don’t know if it’s because I feel ashamed of being 21 and never been to college.

I do what I can and it never feels like it’s enough. Or like it’s leading anywhere. I look forward to the future and all I see if failure to become any one of substance. I know that right now is a crucial time for me to make a decision, to decide on a path to follow and focus on it but I’m so terrified of it all going horribly wrong. I’m worried that no matter what I do, if I try to choose happiness that I’ll end up broke anyway. I need to find a new job because the one I’m at is killing me and has been for a while. But I sit in front of my computer and just freeze. I can’t even update my resume without feeling guilty and sad and embarrassed.

I just watch other people online chase their dreams, doing things just for the fun of it. I watch girls from my high school actually live their lives while I’m stuck in my room sick to my stomach with anxiety.

The only things I’ve managed to do this month is sign up for skating classes, ballet lessons, and start oil paintings. That’s all I’ve done. And I feel like a failure for not being particularly decent at all of that. I haven’t put together a portfolio, I haven’t applied to other positions for a new job. I haven’t gone out with friends, I don’t even know if any of my past friends still like me.

I went to ballet class yesterday and felt good in the moment. It felt so nice to pretend like this could really be my life, that one day I could be dancing in front of real people, but I know it’s never going to be possible. I’m too old, too broke, too inexperienced. Same with skating. I just sometimes ask myself where any of the things I thought I enjoyed will take me one day. And I keep thinking that I’ll just end up disappointed and behind everyone else.

I’m supposed to apply to college this year and I’m just so stuck. I’m embarrassed and ashamed and frustrated. I hate myself, I hate my life, and I’m hate that all I do is sit and watch others be great.

I don’t know what I’m asking for. I just wish I knew someone felt the same way. I tried 4 times to play my favourite video game today and I just couldn’t. Even playing the sims makes me feel like a failure, living a life I wish I could have in a fake simulation. Watching how pixels get to be happier than I am. How they get to have apartments and be ballerinas, painters, actors, models, and more. How a made up character has the same aspirations as I do, but actually gets to live it. It makes me so sick.

I just wish someone understood me. I feel like a failure and I haven’t done anything yet. I don’t know what to do.

I’m newer to this community and saw someone post a really productive week schedule. Something like 7-8 up and ready 8-5 work 5-8 time with family 8-9 workout 9-10 window 10pm bedtime. People were commenting it’s a recipe for exhaustion. If this isn’t it - what does a healthy productive week look like?

Recently I have been brain fogged. I don't know if it's because I have started staying and learning to be alone. I don't wish to talk to people, I don't want to go out. Neither the urge to complete my pending work nor any fun activity. Merely bed rotting. Is it how life is? I don't want this.

How can I stop this? My sleep cycle is ruined. Staying awake till 3 and then waking up at 12. I don't want this!

I passed my Masters in 2023 and since then I have not prepared my research proposal for my doctoral project. I have an idea, I ruminate on it for a month, I move onto a shiny new thing. I had written a small article for an online journal, it got accepted and I was supposed to submit the corrected version in March and its October now. All my life has been this. Can anyone know how to actually start doing things AND KEEP ON DOING THEM? I feel cursed.

Thank you.

PS- I cannot afford therapy or doctor visits as I am unemployed