We live on an information super-highway. With a click of a mouse, or the flick of a switch, the world is at our fingertips. History has never seen a time, where information was so readily available and simultaneously, such a distraction. From film and television to internet and social media, the stimulus is around us all day long. There is so much to see, do, hear, taste and experience. Inspiration is everywhere.
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But what do we do with all those ideas coming at us 24-7? Thoughts are happening at every moment, but they often escape us just as fast as they come. We are constantly juggling and processing an enormous influx of information, much of which we do not retain.
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When I discovered Evernote, I finally found a place to house all my thoughts, ideas and inspirations in one place, without the risk of losing them to the wind. Evernote is like a catch-all, a private warehouse, where I can store virtually anything.
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Here’s why I use it to organize just about every aspect of my life:
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EVERYTHING IN ONE PLACE
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Evernote has quickly become my go to digital filing system for all my creative projects. From home, to client projects, personal goal lists, to daily scheduling and writing ideas, Evernote is really my BFF. I’ve trusted this little elephant to carry my best ideas, while brainstorming my worst. I’ve even whispered my little secrets to her in my new journal notebook, and kept track of everything from receipts to reference pics. I find new uses for it everyday, with the peace of mind that keeps every thought, idea and inspiration in one place.
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IT SYNCS ACROSS DEVICES
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Perhaps you are the kind of person who sits down in front of your computer, and spews intelligently formed words and thoughts without reservation. I, on the other hand, often find my most inspired ideas happen while exercising, resting, showering, and even grocery shopping. In those inconvenient moments, having a place to store my insights becomes critical. Evernote has saved me time and time again, because I can take notes on any device, even an iPhone. I can find or create a note for my thought, knowing it will be there on my laptop tomorrow when I sit down to work.
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IT’S EASY
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I have heard a few people say that they want to use Evernote, but it seems too complicated. Please believe me when I tell you, it’s not. The work is creating digital notebooks for anything that is important to you. Then it’s just a matter of filling those notebooks with notes. Notes can include anything from photos and lists, to web clippings or stream of consciousness. There are plenty of videos to show you how to use it, so don’t be scared.
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IT’S WELL DESIGNED
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With a background in design, aesthetics are important to me in all my ventures. How something looks has as much to do with how I use it as it’s functionality. Evernote’s clean, intuitive design, not only keeps me organized, but it’s easy on the eyes. I’m absolutely loving their no-distractions, note taking (beta). I’m writing in it now, and it’s clean interface is designed to cut the distractions, and keep the focus. I love it.
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SHARING IS A SNAP
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If you are a creative, and you are, at some point it will become important to share ideas with collaborators. Evernote is the perfect tool for collaborating. I use it to share goals, notes, ideas, and pretty much everything work related. It’s simple, straightforward and a critical part of my work.
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I PLAN MY DAY
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Sure there are a million scheduling programs, to-do list apps, and productivity platforms, but having quick access to an Evernote schedule makes day planning a breeze. It’s as simple as opening a note, making a list and checking things off. I’m still a big fan of handwritten schedules, but as I train myself to be more digitally inclined, the check-box works just like crossing things off a list.
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Still confused about the many applications of Evernote? Perhaps you have a better option? Comment below and let us know your thoughts or how it works for you.