6 Ways Your Phone Can Make You More Productive

Using your phone to become more productive may seem counterintuitive at first, but with the right strategies and tools, it can actually be a very effective way to boost your productivity.

How do you use a phone to be more productive?

Set boundaries

It’s important to set limits on how much time you spend on your phone, especially if you find yourself constantly checking social media or getting distracted by notifications. Consider using apps like Freedom or Forest to help you limit your screen time and stay focused on your tasks.

Use apps and tools to stay organized

Countless productivity apps and tools are available for smartphones, including task managers, calendars, and note-taking apps. Find the ones that work best for you and use them to stay organized and on top of your to-do list.

Additionally, consider using apps/software on your desktop that flow through to your phones. For example, Google Docs can be used on a destop and also — reasonably well — on a phone or iPad.

Use your phone as a timer

Whether you’re working on a task that requires intense focus or just trying to get through a long list of errands, setting a timer can help you stay on track and avoid getting sidetracked. For example, there are multiple Pomodoro Technique apps — ( Francesco Cirillo’s book available here)

Take advantage of voice recognition

If you find it difficult to type on your phone or simply prefer to speak your thoughts, consider using a voice recognition app like Google Assistant to transcribe your notes or create tasks. Dictation can be significantly faster than typing and, with the right software, can even be done while driving (make sure you can start and stop the system using only your voice).

Stay connected with team members

If you work in a team or collaborate with others on projects, your phone can be a powerful tool for staying connected and getting things done. Use apps like Slack or Trello to communicate with your team and track progress on projects.

Use artificial intelligence like Siri

There are so many small tasks that can be achieved through Alexa, Siri or Google. Setting an alarm or timer, dictating notes, or sending a text are all achievable without picking up your phone.

Summary

By following these simple tips, you can use your phone to become more productive and get more done in less time. Just remember to set limits and use your phone as a tool, rather than letting it consume all of your time and attention.