by Happy Today!
Today I would like to introduce my favorite and top utilized application on my iPad pro. This app has revolutionized the way I conduct my business and everyday tasks. My work routine has become easier and my arms less fatigued thanks to the utilization of this $7.99 app.
About three years ago my family gifted me with an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil for Mother’s Day. Apparently, in their minds, I carried around “way too many binders that you always drop or we have to help you bring them into the house (car).” Direct quote from my daughter. If it was a decision between dropping my binders or dropping the squirming kid, the binders always lost the battle. This meant there were many days where everyone had to help me catch the flying loose sheets that were twirling in the wind.
At the time, my Win was still in the stage where he wanted to be carried everywhere and my job required the consistent review and implementation of various rules and regulations. It was my role to ensure we not only remained in compliance but also operationalize the expectations. Thus, I always had a variety of manuals and standards I carried from home to the office and then back again. On the days which found me away and traveling to other agencies, I would check in to the hotel, drop my bags in the room and then return downstairs to retrieve a box of binders with materials which needed to be reviewed before the next day.
Binders in front of me, binders in back of me, binders at home, binders at work, binders everywhere and anywhere I could sneak in a little reading time. The sad thing is – I loved my binders. In my mind, there was no other system that was better.
Then after being gifted with new technology, I was forced to watch numerous YouTube videos about my new iPad Pro, Apple Pencil and the various options for note taking apps. I downloaded Microsoft OneNote, played with Notability, drew pictures on Pages and finally wrote myself reminders. Nothing worked the way my binders did. They were my one thing that made my life easier.
Then I found reviews and demonstrations of the app – GoodNotes. Can I tell you my mind was blown and my life was simple? GoodNotes is like a kiss – they keep it simple stupid. That was me, stupid for waiting so long before I divided in. With this app, I am able to import and export any documents I choose as well as I have been able to stick my toe into digital planning and note-taking. Now I believe in the power of paper and pen so I will NOT give up any of by disc-bound notebooks, but I only need to carry around one.
I have created categories for each of my projects and save all notes and manuals associated with each project in that category folder. In addition, I have uploaded my custom project planning sheets as well as travel itineraries and continuing education handouts. With the pencil, it is easy to color code my notes, highlight reminders and email this information to anyone I desire. The app works with external cloud platforms like Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive and Box. Each of my grant application packets has a category along with notes taken during informational webinars and any subsequent documents associated. GoodNotes, where have you been all my life?
Access to these materials allows me to remain prepared for questions from my team and ensures I can review information during unexpected blocks of extra time in my schedule. What a wonderful feeling it is to have peace of mind and less luggage when I travel. I consider this app to be one of the best investments I made towards personal productivity. Now if I can just remember to keep my online and paper files as organized as the documents on GoodNotes, I would remove one of the causes of procrastination in my life.
Do you have an app which you have found to be vital to your productivity? Have you tried GoodNotes? Tell me about your experience in the comments.
Til next time,
“Please, no matter how we advance technologically, please don’t abandon the book. There is nothing in our material world more beautiful than the book.” – Patti Smith
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