I’ve written previously about information overload and about some of the systems I try and implement to keep on top of my work. One of my favourite tools is (and has been for some time), a productivity tool called Evernote. Loads of people have heard of Evernote, but aren’t quite sure what to do with it. I like to think of it as my personal database, customised to the way I store and work with information.
You might have the app on your phone, maybe on your desktop too, but rarely open it up because you’re not sure where to start. When I first installed Evernote, I sort of felt the same way, but after a while found loads of great features that caused me to see Evernote as an integral part of my system.
Here are 8 reasons why I love Evernote;
1. Constant access.
Easily the best feature of Evernote! I have the app installed on my PCs and tablet, but also on my phone, meaning that I can access the information I need anytime I need it.
2. It makes travelling easier.
Anyone that knows me, knows that it can be a bit of a struggle to get me to remember things. It’s not that I’m not listening, or that I don’t care, but for some reason, information occasionally slips my mind. Whenever I travel, I create a new notebook in Evernote with the title of my trip, add in ticket details, event info and a quick ‘to-do’ list.
3. It helps organise my work.
As well as my 9-5 office job, I run this blog and a couple of side hustles to help bring in some extra money. Whenever I send or receive an important email I bcc my Evernote address to help keep that information close to hand.
4. Pictures.
Sometimes, I see something interesting whilst I’m out, or have a receipt I want to double check later. Evernote has a fantastic feature which lets me take snaps of documents, tickets, bottles of wine or anything else which captures my fancy and store it in a notebook for later viewing.
5. Aid-de-memoirs.
Evernote is also a convenient replacement for all those sticky notes I used to stick and lose. I’d find them crumpled up in a pocket, jammed in my wallet – I even found one inside a sock once! Now, I just have my ‘active’ notebook where I keep the stray bits of information which I know I need, but not every day.
6. Lists and collections.
This is one of the most popular ways to use Evernote. Being big on productivity, I like to make lists of things; ales I liked, books I want to read, music I want to find, films to watch etc. I always have lists of these things, some of which get crossed off as I find them, and others I keep for future reference.
7. Web clipper.
I read a lot. When I find an interesting article, picture or infographic, I use the free web clipper feature to ‘cut out’ the thing I’m interested in and store it in a notebook.
8. Drawings
A few months ago, I took up sketching. I’ve never been brilliant at art, but I find it relaxing and am quite proud of some of my work. When I finish a piece I’m particularly pleased with, I take a quick snap and store it in a digital notebook. I can then look at it at any time, as well as grow my collection and show it to friends without the need to bring the physical drawing.
Think of Evernote as a way to draw together all the ‘bits and bobs’ lurking around your life. It’s fast, effective and convenient to streamline all the information in your life and free up mental power to focus on what’s important to you.