Recommended Resources
These are the resources and tools I use each day to stay organized, and (try to) accomplish the priorities the Lord has placed before me. Let's live Ephesians 5:15-17 out together!
Planning & Productivity
Goal-Setting: Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt
This book lays out the annual goal-setting process I use each year. It's balanced, yet simple enough to do quickly. After setting goals, you can use the Full Focus Planner to help you live them out day-to-day. I've also developed a free template that walks you through the BYE planning process in a way that keeps God central. (While Hyatt is a believer, his planning process doesn't address this as his audience is fairly broad.)
Best Year Ever+ Template by Bryan Stoudt
I've developed a free template that walks you through the BYE planning process in a way that keeps God central. (While Hyatt is a believer, his planning process doesn't clearly integrate Christ because his audience is broad.) You can start any time; no need to wait for January 1st!
Full Focus Planner by Michael Hyatt
Of all the tools I use, this is the most important one for me. It helps me connect my bigger goals (what God is calling me to) with what I do on a weekly and daily basis. Jesus (truly) is everything, but practically this has helped me more than any other tool I use.
What's Best Next: How The Gospel Transforms The Way You Get Things Done by Matt Perman (book)
Great with laying a solid, biblical foundation for how Christians think differently about productivity, but also very, very practical in helping you apply it. Detailed and thorough.
Productivity & Focus: Free To Focus by Michael Hyatt
If you're like me, you probably feel pressure to work longer, and more efficiently. But that only goes so far, and I love the way this book helps you 'achieve more by doing less.' It's helped me simplify my work life, and give me more margin for everything else.
Task Management Software: Nozbe
This is where I keep track of my various projects, next steps, deadlines, etc. Great user-interface, and lots of features like categories, notifications, the ability to work with a team, and various integrations with other programs you probably use. Very reasonably-priced, recommended by Michael Hyatt. If you're just using it for yourself (or one other person), be sure to click on the 'personal' tab close to the top of the page.
Music Optimized For Productivity: Focus@Will
When I'm doing important work, I canNOT listen to music with words, or I get distracted. At the same time, it's such a pain to put together playlists on Spotify or other music apps. And somehow, even a lot of the instrumental music is still distracting! Focus@Will is an evidence-based, instrumental music app that has allowed me to have far more consistent, productive days.
Doing Work That Really Matters: Deep Work by Cal Newport (book)
Humanly-speaking, the key to following Christ at work each day - at least for knowledge workers - is the ability to carry out God's priorities for us each day while minimizing distractions. This book has helped with that more than anything else I've ever read.