Tech Productivity Issue #220 (Confusion is a Symptom of Learning)

Issue #220 (Confusion is a Symptom of Learning) 05/01/23

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I'm a regular Google Docs user, but I don't use many of the extra features. I mainly use docs as an easy way to save various snippets and links of things I'm including in my newsletters and elsewhere.

If you like to unlock many of the lesser-known features of Google Docs, this is a great Twitter thread from 2022 from Rob Lennon where he covers 11 Google Docs features you may not have heard of.

Check out the thread for all the tips, which includes animated GIFs for each tip. Here's a quick list of the features:

Pageless Mode
Emoji Reactions
Adding a Notion-like Dropdown
Using Building Blocks
Watermarks
Comparing Documents (Diffing)
Bookmarks
Show Outline
Dark Theme
Using @

Some of these you likely already knew, but I'm almost 100% certain at least a few will be new to everyone.

Now on to this week's hand-picked productivity links!

Tools & Apps

AI Cover Letter Generator — Instantly create a personalized and highly professional cover letters with the help of AI powered by GPT.

3CX — An app-free video conferencing service with presentation and remote assistance tools, document sharing, chat, polling, and unlimited users.

Create the “Atomic Habits” You Need for Success — 6000+ ambitious professionals trust Sunsama with their daily routines. With features such as Daily planning, Weekly objectives, and focus mode - the free trial is a no-brainer to test out. Plan your day in Sunsama (no card required). sponsor

Ultra-Attention — AI-based, Windows or Linux desktop software for freelancers and remote workers to help reduce distractions and maximize focus.

ChatPDF — Upload a PDF or a URL to any PDF and this website will give you a GPT prompt where you can 'chat' with the PDF, to help you learn and summarize the material quicker.

Dabble Me — A private journal that works by sending you an email to ask how your day went, which you can reply to and your entry is saved. You can also add entries via web, with customizations, rich text, and lots more.

Xnapper — A Mac app that lets you create beautiful screenshots easily that include gradients, borders, shadows, fancy backgrounds, etc.

Articles & Resources

Perplexed? Embrace it! Confusion is a Symptom of Learning — Based on some history and modern studies but this makes sense because the obvious precursor to learning anything is some level of confusion.

The Perks Workers Want Also Make Them More Productive — This well-referenced article mainly looks at setting work-from-home boundaries, four-day workweeks, and paid leave.

Expert Panel: Building Inclusive Hybrid Culture in 2023 — Building an inclusive hybrid workplace doesn't have to be hard. Wavy, a platform that makes remote event planning easy, is hosting a free panel on May 18, for people & culture leaders, and anyone interested in building community-forward hybrid working strategies at any company. sponsor

▶ 4 Proven Ways To Kick Your Procrastination Habit — In this 30-minute video, social psychologist Ayelet Fishbach offers insights on the science of motivation along with tips and cognitive tricks to help you reach goals while staying happy, healthy, and engaged.

Contracts You Should Never Sign — Lots of thought-provoking stuff here because many of the points brought up are common in a lot of contracts.

101 Productive Things to Do When You’re Bored — The points are categorized and it's not just a quick list, so there's lots to take in here if you're looking for down-time inspiration.

Managers, Stop Distracting Your Employees — Some advice for team leaders who might be a little skeptical of their workers' productivity since the start of the shift to remote work three years ago.

Suggestions?

Have a suggestion for a productivity-related tool, article, or other resource? Send me a direct message via X (@LouisLazaris) and I’ll consider including it in a future issue.

Stay productive!

Louis
techproductivity.co
@LouisLazaris

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