Adulting Series: Apps I Use to Manage Adulthood

Adulthood can be hard, tiring and soul-straining, but I never mourned becoming an adult. One can do so many more things only when we embrace this challenging journey called ‘Adulting’. Adulting didn’t happen when we hit legal; it all began when we arrived in this beautiful world. When we were new to this world, most didn’t understand responsibilities, compromise, or emotions. However, as we aged, we developed skills and awareness that shaped us into competent adults. But here’s the question:

Why is adulting so hard for some of us if we have been ‘adulting’ since day 1? 

To put it out there, it is simply that the journey before adulthood didn’t quite prepare us for adulthood. Let’s think about one element that has been challenging for you. For me, it is finance. Today at the age of 27, insurance or even paying bills can be daunting for me; let us not go into investment, taxes or buying an HDB! In my eyes, finances equal alienation. Honestly, I do not even know where to begin with. If I recall and trace my adulting journey, the only skill I have mastered within finances is counting my income and expenses. While on the other hand, my partner, who started comprehending finances in his youth, today is a brokerage dealer so eloquent with accounts, finances, trades and investments. And here I was, ridiculously wondering why finances were tough! It is all because I have not done my part in developing financial skills. 

Nonetheless, adulting is a journey. It is never too late to learn and develop skills to counter incompetency. I agree that adulthood can be challenging, and I have some tools that cushion adulthood, giving me a breather and space. 

My ALL-TIME Favourite: Google Calendar.

For almost six years, I have not migrated away from Google Calendar. More so, I rely a lot on Google Family, specifically GMAIL and Google Meet. The nature of the digital calendar helps keep me in line with my deadlines, bills or appointments, regulates my level of anxiety and ensures that I have FUN! Fun isn’t about mindlessly scrolling through social media, but it is like Marie Kondo’s signature phrase says ‘sparks joy’. Reflect on your week; what are some of the activities that you have done that truly ‘spark joy’ for you? 

Fight Procrastination with SUNSAMA

If you don’t procrastinate, please share your secrets with us! No matter how disciplined I can be, procrastination still visits my headspace occasionally. Usually, it is a short stay, but it is often enough to break my working cycle. So, I need help! I have tried ASANA, Trello, and Wunderlist (now Microsoft To-do), and I finally found an app that truly fits me! This is not a sponsored post with SUNSAM (*Disclaimer*). What I enjoy about SUNSAMA is that I can integrate multiple mailboxes into the app and turn my mail into a task! I have put the review link here for those who are interested: https://youtu.be/fShgX7Na3zY 

Dumping My Thoughts and Inspiration into Notion. 

Frankly, I still don’t quite get the hype of using the notion, and it’s really #Notforme when it comes to project planning. I think they’re better tools out in the market to serve their purpose. I truly take Notion as a place to write notes, keep notes, dump ideas, create inspirational mood boards, brainstorm, and create content skeletons that can be toggled between phones and laptops. That’s Notion for me. Perhaps one day, when I discover more usage of Notion, I will be able to appreciate other elements provided by the platform.

Read FREE books on Libby.

The first thing I learned about adulthood is never to stop learning. Life is always ever-changing, and nobody is going to stay constant. If we do not upgrade ourselves, it is only time we get replaced. Getting books from Book Depository can be expensive, and if you do not support pirated books, it’s best you get them from our National Library. Libby is a platform that allows you to read National Library books! So start reading, expand your knowledge, and read books that add value to yourself. 

Penning down my income and expenses with Excel.

I got this excel template for managing my finances on TaoBao for $1. It is extensive, breaking down every possible expense for different purposes, including relationships, self-investment, debt studies, work, food and transport. I use it to watch my expenses for food and transportation. If you don’t know how to invest or grow your money through other means, following your finances is a good start in creating positive spending habits.

Of course, there are many other apps in the market that can also help to manage adulthood. These are just some of the few that I can’t live without, and believe it would be helpful for you too! Remember, adulthood is a marathon, not a sprint. Our journey may be different, but we are all in this together.