7 Google Calendar Alternatives To Manage Your Time Like A Boss
Unlike crushing on Michael B. Jordan, Google Calendar isn't for everyone. There are plenty of people who rely on this time management app to guide every fraction of their lives, but there are just as many people who are looking for something else.
When it comes to managing my time (because we're not wasting any of it in 2020 right?), I've used Google Calendar for my own to-do list and digital personal assistant. But one of the cons I quickly discovered was that even though the idea of synching my Gmail with my calendar is nice in theory, it makes it even more difficult to have a work/life balance. It also became even more difficult to read what I actually had going on when I added what seemed like too many appointments and meetings (sis is trying to stay booked and busy).
Fortunately, there are plenty of Google Calendar alternatives that help us navigate our time just right.
1.Edo Agenda
To be honest, I had never heard of this app until I started my search for a legit time management app. I was pleasantly surprised! Not only does it have efficient color codes and a clean interface, but it's really user friendly. I feel like it was developed with freelancers like me in mind. So if you're trying to juggle and balance a ton of your life's responsibilities, this could be the app for you (there's a reason it's the self-proclaimed "all-in-one organizer").
2.Cozi
Many families rely on Cozi to help manage their time. Whether you're a single mom, or a woman who has to keep up with your own schedule, as well as your significant other's, your children's, your boss, and so on, Cozi will keep you sane. It also lets you share your schedule with others like babysitters and family members. The cool thing is all members have an assigned color, so it helps you monitor everything on everyone's plate.
3.24me
When keeping up with multiple calendars (i.e. family, work, friends, self-care) is the goal, 24me is the app to try. Instead of using multiple apps with various organization and time management functions, 24me can do it all. If you want to take your productivity even further, as your "smart personal assistant", 24me can sync with your bank account, electric company, and of course social media.
4.Microsoft Outlook Calendar
This is a go-to for many working women. It's arguably one of the most professional options as many companies use it to schedule meetings, inform employees about upcoming events, and even celebrate office birthdays. It also pairs perfectly with Outlook email addresses, so you don't have to use your personal Gmail, Yahoo!, etc. emails to sync. So you're completely offline when you walk out of the office.
5.TimeBlocks
For those who need a clear, visual view of their day, week, and month, TimeBlocks is the move. While it has the same capabilities as most of the other time management apps on this list (color coding), this one stands out because it includes stickers to serve as an even bigger visual reminder of your upcoming plans. From a birthday cake to a travel bag for a much-needed vacation, TimeBlocks has proven to be more than surface aesthetic.
6.Any.do
If you're looking for something simple without all the extra razzle dazzle, the award-winning app Any.do could be the app for you. Dubbed "the secret weapon of successful people", it's a win for those who just want to know the date, where they need to be, and what time. Of course, there are ways to add a little extra flair like choosing your own theme.
7.TimeTree
TimeTree is basically your own personal assistant at your fingertips. This app doesn't just have you create an event, select a time, place and color, and go on about your day -- it also has multiple calendar options like personal, relationship, work, family, friends and group. The friends' calendar is definitely a favorite as it includes ways to talk about upcoming plans and figuring out a date where everyone in the group is free. This is also a great app for those who want to share their own calendars and need to keep up with someone else's schedule.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
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Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images