Tech Productivity Issue #98 (Be a Schedule Builder, Not To-do Maker)

Issue #98 (Be a Schedule Builder, Not To-do Maker) 12/28/20

For this newsletter, I won't be doing a full blown "best of" list, but I am doing the a "Top 60 Tools" countdown in my other newsletter Web Tools Weekly. This Thursday's issue will reveal the 30 most-clicked tools in the newsletter while the previous week featured those that ranked #60 to #31 on the list.

If you're curious about the most clicked items in this newsletter, I did a quick analysis and this year's top article and top clicked tool were:

How to Maximize Your Income as a Software Engineer
Working Den (Free Remote Working Tools)

I realize 2020 wasn't a great year for many people, but I hope you're doing your best to stay safe and be productive. The rest of this issue is the same as usual, with new tools and articles linked below. I'll see you next in 2021!

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

Tools & Apps

Totallib - A collaborative note-taking tool for researchers. Extract information from multiple sources and organize it all in one place.

Krisp - Mute background noise in any communication app. Mac and Windows, with support for virtually all video/audio conferencing apps.

Ninja Cookie - A browser extension that automatically removes cookie banners by rejecting the use of non-essential cookies.

Lavender - Browser extension. An AI-based email assistant that helps you write confident, effective, and thoughtful emails.

Colibri - If you're sick of multiple tabs, this alternative web browser gives you a fast, efficient, and uncluttered experience.

Articles & Resources

Simple Burnout Triage - Ben McCormick has a one-question triage process when he's concerned that he or one of his teammates is headed towards burnout.

Be a Schedule Builder, Not a To-Do List Maker - Is the to-do list a "faulty operating system"? Nir Eyal thinks so.

Why It's Easier to Manage 4 People Than It Is to Manage 1 Person - Based on the idea that there is an over-reliance in the relationship between a manager and a single employee.

Working on a Suicide Helpline Changed How I Talk to Everyone - Natalia Dashan has volunteered in this capacity for six months and it's had a profound and unexpected effect on her relationships.

To Grow and Thrive, Embrace Stress - Mike Sholars from the Dropbox team explains how stress can have positive benefits and can be turned into a valuable motivator and teacher.

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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