Intentional Living: My Favorite Productivity Tools
Welcome to My Productivity Toolkit!
Feeling productive doesn’t have to be a struggle. Life often throws countless tasks and responsibilities our way, making it easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck in a constant rush. But what if you had tools and rituals that help you focus, recharge, and stay intentional every step of the way? That’s where my favorite productivity buddies come in. Over the years, I’ve discovered and refined these resources that support my daily, weekly, and even yearly planning. Whether it’s jumpstarting your morning or setting meaningful long-term goals, I’m excited to share what works for me – and might just work for you, too!
For Daily Productivity:
Productivity Planner
When it comes to starting each day with clarity, the Productivity Planner by Intelligent Change is my go-to tool. It’s not just a regular planner – it’s a daily guide that helps me stay focused and intentional. One of the standout features is its simplicity combined with meaningful prompts.
In the morning, the productivity planner encourages you to:
- Briefly mention what you are grateful for. A practice that shifts your mindset toward positivity before the day begins.
- Choose an intention for the day. This gives you a clear focus and helps you avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Prioritize your tasks by importance. No more endless to-do lists – just the tasks that truly matter.
In the evening, it helps you reflect on:
- The highlight of your day. A lovely way to end your day on a high note.
- What you learned and what you want to remember. These reflections foster growth and mindfulness.
- Additional habit and mood tracking. If desired, you can also rate your day – a simple yet effective way to identify patterns and improve.
What makes this planner a winner for me is its brevity. It doesn’t overwhelm you with excessive writing or tasks. Short and sweet – perfect for someone like me who values effectiveness over extravagance. If I feel like journaling a little more on that day, I just use the Notes space to lay out my thoughts.
I honestly can’t think of a single thing I’d add or remove from it. So, if you’re seeking a practical productivity tool to help you be more organized and efficient, this planner should be on your radar!
For Weekly Productivity:
Productivity Planner – Weekly Focus
The Intelligent Change Productivity Planner isn’t just a daily tool – it’s designed with weekly reflections in mind. Every week, it prompts you to pause and evaluate:
- Weekly Wins – Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Recognizing achievements boosts motivation.
- Tasks Not Completed – Identifying unfinished tasks allows you to strategize better for the future.
- Lessons Learned – Reflecting on challenges and growth points creates space for continuous improvement.
Once the reflection is done, it guides you to plan the week ahead:
- Set Weekly Intentions – What do you want to achieve? Having this clarity brings purpose to your week.
- Plan Tasks – Breaking goals into actionable tasks makes them achievable.
If purchasing a planner isn’t your thing, I have an alternative for you! My ebook, “Intentional Living: Create a Life You Truly Love!” includes a Weekly Check-in form that is similar to this process. It’s a tool you can use digitally as it has fillable templates, or, if you prefer, you can print it out each week. Regardless of how you fill it, it is a reusable tool designed to help you review your week thoughtfully and set mindful intentions for the days to come.
For Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly Productivity:
My Ebook – Intentional Living: Create a Life You Truly Love!
For bigger-picture planning, my ebook “Create a Life You Truly Love!” from the Intentional Living series of guides is my ultimate resource. It includes:
- Monthly Check-in Forms – These are designed to track your progress and keep your goals aligned with your vision. Whether it’s personal growth, career milestones, or health improvements, monthly check-ins help ensure you stay on course.
- Quarterly Progress Checklists – I take the opportunity to reflect deeply every quarter. The “Progress Checklist” is a BONUS 2 printable included when you purchase my “Create a Life You Truly Love!” guide. This checklist helps me recognize trends, address obstacles, and recalibrate my focus.
- Year-End Review – I actually use the same “Progress Checklist” to review my year too. This reflection helps me celebrate accomplishments, learn from challenges, and set inspired goals for the upcoming year.
My Favorite Productivity Book:
Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdal
Productivity doesn’t have to feel like a chore, and Ali Abdal proves this in “Feel-Good Productivity”. This book provides actionable insights on balancing productivity with well-being. Unlike traditional “hustle culture” methods, Ali emphasizes:
- Building systems that fit your life and energy levels.
- Finding joy in the process of productivity rather than just the outcome.
- The importance of rest and recovery in maintaining long-term success.
With relatable examples and approachable advice, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to achieve more without sacrificing happiness.
The Best Ever Schedule Planner:
Diary App: To-Do List & Voice Recorder
Sometimes, the best productivity tool is one that keeps everything in one place. The Diary App, with its to-do list, notes, and voice recorder, is my secret weapon for busy days. Here’s why I love it:
- Simplified Scheduling – Easily create daily or weekly schedules.
- Voice Notes on the Go – Got busy hands? No problem! Record tasks and ideas whenever they strike!
- Audio Editing – I am not using this feature that much, but apparently, you can organize recordings for clarity and action.
This app is intuitive and flexible, making it ideal for juggling tasks and ideas efficiently.
For Yearly Reflection and Motivation for the Next Year:
Good Stuff Jar
Every Sunday night, I take a moment to reflect on the week. I jot down my biggest win and the moments I’m most grateful for, then pop the note into my Good Stuff Jar. At the end of the year, I empty the jar and read through these memories. It’s such a heartwarming way to:
- Celebrate progress.
- Acknowledge growth.
- Relive moments of joy, both big and small.
This ritual is simple, yet it brings a profound sense of gratitude and accomplishment.
And, of course, The Things I Cannot Live Without!
Bottle of Water
Hydration is non-negotiable for me. Dehydration impacts focus, mood, and productivity, so keeping water handy is an easy yet effective way to stay sharp throughout the day.
The reason I like this water bottle is that it is a double-walled metal thermos flask water bottle. This means warm water can stay warmer in the cold days, and cold water can stay cooler in the hot days. I also like the size of it – 680 ml (24 oz) – not too big not too small, it fits in my bags and it is leakproof. Before, I used to have insulated bottles with lids… I do not always have both arms available, so having this bottle with straw is a game-changer for me! It also has a handle, so this bottle is just like my shadow during the day. It follows me everywhere in travel or gym. It just never goes out of my sight =) And the colors available are gorgeous. Check it out for yourself:
Favorite Coffee
Coffee is my morning ritual and afternoon pick-me-up. I swear by Tchibo’s Caffè Crema Mild (Whole Bean). It keeps me energized and focused without being too intense. I love this coffee in particular because it is just right! Not too strong and roasted and not too weak, just right for it being still tasty and strong enough to do its magic.
Coffee Machine
And I couldn’t NOT mention my coffee machine! I can tell you this openly – I’m not the person who grinds beans by hand or measures every detail. My fully automatic coffee machine, the Latticia® OT by Melitta, handles everything with the push of a button. It’s a lifesaver that lets me enjoy a quality cup of coffee while staying on track with my tasks!
And Some Snacks, of course:
Almonds
Almonds are my go-to snack for a quick energy boost. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E every afternoon, they help keep me full and satisfied throughout the day. Plus, they’re great for brain health, which helps me stay focused on whatever I’m working on.
Walnuts
I also can’t resist a handful of walnuts – they’re like a little brain food booster. With their high omega-3 content, walnuts promote cognitive function, support heart health, and keep me feeling energized. They’re perfect to accompany almonds and chocolate. Ups… Yes! I said it! Chocolate!
Dark Chocolate
I looooove Lindt EXCELLENCE 100% Cocoa – Dark Chocolate with nuts and coffee! For when I have cravings for sweet treats but would like a healthier option, dark chocolate is my choice. It’s rich in antioxidants and can give me a little mood lift with just a couple of squares. Plus, the right kind of dark chocolate (like any from 80%-100%) has health benefits, like improving heart health and boosting brain function – a win-win!
Vitamins for Productivity
Our brains need the right fuel to stay sharp and focused. Here are my favorite brain-boosting vitamins:
- Vitamin D – Known for improving mood and mental clarity, especially when sunlight is scarce.
- Vitamin B12 – A vital nutrient for energy production and cognitive function.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil. It’s great for memory and focus.
- Magnesium – Helps combat stress and improves concentration, making it perfect for those high-pressure days.
Adding these to your daily routine can make a noticeable difference in your overall productivity.
Final Thoughts:
Whether it’s a thoughtfully designed productivity planner, a step-by-step guide, or an inspiring read, having the right productivity tools can transform your daily life. These buddies of mine help me stay organized, intentional, and joyful. Here’s to finding the tools that work best for you!