Google Plugins
I absolutely love Google and I have the sweet opportunity of working at an organization that runs everything through Google (Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive). Besides working well over several tech platforms, Google has some great plugins and extensions that can help you maximize your time.
Here are my top 3 Google tools:
- One of my biggest problems is getting distracted by "The Internets" when I am writing or working on a project on my computer. I'll read or hear something, my mind will wonder to a new subject, and then (25 minutes later) I realize I have 3 new tabs up and I am cross-researching articles on llamas, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and Twitter. Momentum Dashboard has helped me solve this problem. This extension replaces your "New Tab" page with a new page that includes the weather, some inspirational quotes, and your own To-Do list. It is a good reminder and accountability for me anytime I open up a new tab when I get distracted. It reminds me of my number one goal for the day and what I need to be working on. Check out this extension that helps you "eliminate distractions and beat procrastination with a reminder of your focus for the day on every new tab load."
- Another great Google extension for your "New Tab" page is Magoosh Vocabulary. Magoosh introduces you to a new word (with definition) every time you open up a new tab. The words come from a list of the 1,000 most important GRE words and provide you a small academic challenge every time you access the internet.
- Lastly, I have been playing with Boomerang for Gmail over the last several weeks to get a solid handle of this great tool. Often, I think of an email to send before I actually need to send it. (ex. "Oh, I should send a reminder about this meeting the day before it happens."...and then I forget to send said email.) This app gives you the ability to schedule messages to be sent at a later time. In their own words:"Write a message now, send it whenever, even if you're not online." And you can track messages to make sure you hear back from people you contact. It's a great tool to have to make the most of your time on email.
Those are my top 3 tools right now; what other apps or extensions do you use for your laptop or smartphone? What makes them so useful to you? Comment below and help me learn about other great internet tools!
