By Thanh0x in Productivity —

My Productivity Apps: Overcoming Tool Fatigue

I used to be obsessed with productivity hacks, but I found myself overwhelmed, spending more time tweaking my apps than doing my job. The breakthrough came when I stopped chasing perfection and started chasing utility. After years of trial and error, I’ve found the three tools that actually work for me—not against me.

Here is the stack I am currently using to manage my life, my health, and my focus.

1. Toggl: Time Tracking for ADHD & Health

Toggl is the most effective tool I’ve found to manage my ADHD. I constantly switch activities or get distracted by "shiny objects." When I get distracted, a quick glance at the clock helps me be mindful and navigate back to the task.

It’s also a lifesaver for my herniated disc. Because I often get "in the flow" and sit for 8 hours straight, I use Toggl to set boundaries. If an activity exceeds 40 minutes, it reminds me to take a break.

  • My Workflow: I use it for everything—from office meetings and interviews to "boring" tasks like showering or daily routines.
  • Apple Ecosystem: Since it syncs across my Mac, iPhone, and Apple Watch, I can start a timer anywhere.
  • Automation: I use a Shortcuts action on my iPhone's Action Button to start timers, and Raycast on my Mac to quickly log projects and descriptions.

2. Apple Calendar: Time Blocking

We all have 24 hours, but finding time for what matters is a matter of priority. If you don't block out the "must-do" activities (sleep, meals, commute), you’ll realize how little time is actually left.

I block out my entire day. When I was a junior dev, I’d spend my free night hours mindlessly surfing the web. Now, I protect my "sacred blocks" for high-priority items like AI learning, side projects, or hobbies like guitar and drawing. Unless it’s an emergency, that time is non-negotiable.

3. Notion: Task Management & Notes

I’ve used everything: Obsidian, TickTick, Things 3, Apple Notes. I initially avoided Notion because I tried to copy "fancy" YouTube templates that just complicated my life.

I switched back when I started collaborating with a friend, and I realized: simplicity wins. Notion is an "all-in-one" app, which means it’s average at everything, but that’s precisely why it works. It’s my single source of truth for:

  • Life goals
  • Task/Project management
  • Journaling & daily reflections
  • Photography albums

Final thought: Don't let your tools become a hobby. If it helps you get work done, keep it. If it doesn't, cut it.