For the last few years, I have used an online task manager to keep track of all my projects, tasks, and other items to be done. But recently, I have made a switch that has helped tremendously.

Since 2011, I have used a task manager called Nozbe. Even though I have switched, it’s not because this was a bad product, or something I didn’t like. I have just found a few things that work better for me. Nozbe is a great product, and a great company. The only drawback in my experience is the expense. They are one of the more pricey task management systems out there.

A few months ago, I started using a new planner, which has become the most effective tool in that regard in my life. It has been a game changer. I’ll share more about it in a later post.

But, from that change, I also incorporated a hybrid task management system, with a fresh start in a new piece of software. I have made the switch to Todoist, and when paired with my planner, this has become a highly effective tool in my arsenal.

Todoist allows me to incorporate my task list into projects (Nozbe did as well, but Todoist seems easier to use). Those projects are the things that I need to get done to advance my work and my personal tasks and goals. I have set this up in almost every area of my life, from goals like growing in my skill as a guitarist, to weekly tasks, like sermon preparation, which contains several sub-tasks.

From there, each day as I review my daily plans, I transfer tasks to the planner. My planner goes with me everywhere, so I always have the ability to see my calendar, my goals, my weekly plans, and my daily tasks.

I have only been using this system for the past four or five months, but it has become a main part of my productivity and effectiveness in almost every area of my life. I am amazed at how quickly it has become a part of my routine, and how helpful it has been.

Todoist is super simple to use, and I have no trouble syncing it across all my devices. With several of its other features, like alarms and notifications, to pre-built templates for projects, labels, projects, and filters, and even more, I feel like it is a change that will benefit my life for a long time to come.

In my desire to be as effective as I can be in my life and ministry, I am always searching for good tools to help me out. My biggest struggle is in not wanting to change something I have become used to. That has been the case more than once. And frankly, this change is overdue. My tendency is to stay with something once it becomes routine.

But this switch has proven to me yet again that occasionally, a change is needed, not simply because something is wrong or broken, but because something better has come along. I am reminded that it’s not a bad thing to step out of my comfort zone and give something new a try. And in this case, a blend of tech and analog is just the change I needed.

Question: What do you use to manage your tasks and projects? Is it time to try something new to help you be more effective? You can leave a comment by clicking here.