Getting Things Done: Some of My Favorite Tools

On By Tim ValentinoIn General

All writers, researchers, educators, bloggers, and podcasters need to have good tools for the digital journey. (The “J” in my INTJ combo means that I really need to have some good tools in my belt—especially those of the organizing variety!) I’m exceedingly grateful that I do have a collection of wonderful resources to help me get things done. Below is a list some of my favorites.

The newest addition is an electronic adjustable standing desk for my home office. I love its flexibility and durability. Here’s a picture of it before I tucked the wires.

My only irritation with the setup is a literal irritation in my eyeballs. The amount of time I spend on Zoom these days (because of COVID-19) makes my eyes tired and bleary by the end of the day. So far, no headaches, but I do need to consult with my eye doctor about possible solutions. Can you tell I’ve “had it” here in this Zoom capture at my work office?

I need to stop wincing. It makes me look like I have wrinkles. 🙂 Anyway, here’s the list. Asterisks indicate my favorite productivity sites and apps. Feedly gets two asterisks because it’s beyond awesome. (No, they didn’t pay me to say that!)

Hardware

  • Apple MacBook Pro 16” (2019)
  • Apple MacBook Pro 15” (2015)
  • Apple Thunderbolt Display 27”
  • Apple Extended Bluetooth Keyboard
  • iPad Pro (2018) with Detachable Keyboard
  • HP OfficeJet 8740 Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax
  • iPhone 7

Home Workstation

  • L-Shaped Ikea Desk Area
  • Electronic Adjustable Standing Desk
  • Lume Light Cubes
  • Sony Bluetooth Headphones

Office Workstation

  • Large Desk & Credenza
  • Personal Library Shelves
  • Brother HL-3070CW Laser Printer
  • Internet-Wifi Hub

Software Suites

  • MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, 365)
  • Apple (Mail, Calendar, Contacts, Notes, Reminders, Messages, FaceTime, iCloud)

Software

  • Safari (Browser)
  • Chrome (Backup Browser)
  • Start.me (Start Page and Bookmark Library) *
  • Feedly (RSS Feed Reading and Tagging) * *
  • WordPress (Personal Website and Blogging) *
  • Pocket (Webpage Storage and Tagging) *
  • WavePad (Audio Editing)
  • Moneydance (Personal Finances)
  • Logos Bibe Software (Biblical-Theological Studies) *
  • Canvas (Educational Learning Platform)
  • Zoom (Teleconferencing)

Streaming

  • Netflix
  • Amazon Prime
  • Roku

Music, Radio, Podcasts

  • iTunes 
  • Spotify
  • iHeart Radio
  • Downcast
  • YouTube

Health & Fitness

  • FitBit Versa 2

What are some of your favorite tools? 

After the dissertation, the plan is to renovate the basement and turn it into a sizable home library, research center, and podcast studio.

Image Credit: challies.com.

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