Best note taking app: the Notes app

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There's always a new app that promises to make you more productive. When it comes to note taking and writing in general, I think I've tried dozens of them over the years. No more, I'm done wasting time.

My favorite app, by far, is the default Notes app on iOS / Mac OS. It's basic, and I love that. It does what's supposed to do, and no more. It synchronizes across all my devices, so I can script a video on my computer, draw something in that same note on my iPad, and add new ideas from my phone during my walks.

It's also free.

Productivity isn't about finding a new app / trick / life hack. It's about using what we already have, right in front of us.

Results are often delayed

The problem:

our actions produce results, but they are often delayed

Most of the time, we don't get instant feedback about our work so we are left with doubt: is this really working?

Sometimes, things get worse before they get better, even if we are already on the right path. It's during this first phase, when things aren't looking good, that most people give up.

That's why we need a system to stick to, a plan to follow even if results take a while to show up. They will, eventually.

Will the new iPad change my mind?

Apple announced a new iPad yesterday, but it's the full mouse support and new keyboard with built-in trackpad that is catching everyone's attention. It's got mine as well, and I look forward to reading the first reviews.

As you know, I've wanted to make the iPad my main and only computing device for quite a while, but I keep going back to the laptop as the ultimate tool for productivity.

I'd love to see all the great things about the iPad (size, weight, battery life, touch screen, cellular support) on a device running MacOS. iOS just doesn't cut it.

Why is Apple trying so hard to make it work? For me, the reason is clear: the App Store. When Apple sells you a Macbook Air, for example, they don't expect to get much more money from you after that. Maybe some iCloud storage, but that's it. Meanwhile, iPhone users in the US spent an average of $79 on apps in 2018, and revenue from mobile apps will be around $581 billions this year.

I remain skeptical about the future of the iPad as a productivity device, but I really hope Apple can prove me wrong.

A day in the life (of a photographer), part II

Second part of the mini-series "A day in the life". I show you what I do on a slow day.

Perseverance

What makes a photographer great is not their camera gear or their skills.

Photography is about the long game, it's about perseverance.

When everyone else sees nothing, they find something. In times when others shy away, they perform their best.

Determination is invincible.

Every shot has to count

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I used to believe that every frame should count. A higher ratio of "keepers" would definitely mean I was a good photographer.

I was dead wrong. No, not every shot has to count.

Photography should be more about experimenting than about being certain, more about playing and less about thinking.

Start your day accomplishing something

I recently read the book Make your bed by William H. McRaven. It's a just ok read, but the subtitle intrigued me:

"little things that can change your life"

The basic idea is that even the smallest things you do early on can trigger a chain reaction that will determine the rest of your day.

It resonated with me. This might sound familiar to you as well:

A lazy and unproductive day starts the night before, going to bed a bit later than usual. I'll get up a bit later and will be a bit more tired. Less time and less energy mean fewer things getting done. It's around noon when I realize I haven't done much, and usually give up my whole day by then. "It's already too late and I'm tired, I better leave this for tomorrow".

A productive day, on the other hand, starts by going to bed at a decent time, getting up early, and trying to accomplish something before the sun is out. Writing, going for a walk / run, or getting out to photograph are essential in my morning routine.

The day won't seem so overwhelming when it's still 8 or 9 in the morning and you've already accomplished something, even if they are small things.

And yes, I make my bed too.