“How did switching to a particular iOS productivity app help you overcome a specific challenge? What was the problem and how did the app provide a solution?”
Here is what 5 thought leaders had to say.
Things 3 App Transforms Workflow for Focused Execution
A while back, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of context-switching I was doing as we scaled Zapiy.com. Between Slack messages, meeting notes, client updates, and strategic planning tasks, I was constantly jumping between tools, tabs, and thoughts—and it was killing my focus. I wasn’t disorganized, but I wasn’t executing at the level I needed to, either.
That’s when I started using **Things 3** on iOS. I’d tested plenty of task managers before, but this one hit differently. What solved the problem wasn’t just features—it was the way Things 3 respected cognitive simplicity. I could quickly offload mental clutter into structured but flexible projects, set intuitive deadlines, and link tasks to specific time blocks without the pressure of a bloated interface.
The real breakthrough came when I started using it as my **”second brain”** during deep work sessions. Rather than toggling between tools or trying to hold everything in my head, I used Things to break down complex goals—like launching a new feature or onboarding a client—into clearly prioritized daily tasks. The iOS app made it frictionless to update on the go, sync between devices, and keep the flow going whether I was at my desk or in line for coffee.
What I noticed was a measurable difference in execution: fewer dropped balls, faster delivery times, and a calmer approach to prioritization. The app didn’t just help me organize—it helped me *reclaim bandwidth* that was previously lost to decision fatigue and digital clutter.
The lesson for me was this: it’s not about finding the flashiest productivity app, it’s about finding one that works the way your mind works. For me, Things 3 wasn’t just a task manager—it was a quiet assistant that let me lead better, think clearer, and build Zapiy with more intentionality.
Notion Centralizes Projects to Eliminate Task Chaos
Staying organized while managing multiple projects at once was becoming overwhelming, especially with constant tasks slipping through the cracks. I switched to Notion to streamline everything into one platform, combining my task list, calendar, and notes all in one place. The problem was keeping track of deadlines, priorities, and progress across different projects. I was using separate tools, and it was hard to see the big picture.
The solution came with Notion’s customizable workspace. It allowed me to create a central dashboard where I could:
1. Track projects with clear deadlines.
2. Break tasks into smaller, actionable steps.
3. Set up reminders and due dates.
4. Keep all relevant notes organized in one spot.
This shift simplified my workflow, reduced stress, and made it easier to stay on top of everything, ultimately helping me stay organized and meet deadlines. The visual layout kept me focused on priorities.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Things 3 Turns Task Chaos into Productivity Gold
I hit a wall juggling meetings, client updates, and internal team tasks. Things slipped through the cracks, follow-ups delayed, priorities blurred. Then I tried Things 3.
At first, I thought, “Great, another to-do app.” But this one clicked. The drag-and-drop day planner? Gold. I could map out my week in minutes. It didn’t just organize tasks, it helped me think clearer.
One unexpected perk? The “Today” and “Upcoming” views. They kept my brain from hopping between tabs like a caffeinated squirrel.
Biggest win? Delegation. I’d tag tasks for my team, set deadlines, and finally stop repeating, “Did you send that report?”
Was it magic? No. But it felt like it. That tiny productivity boost each day added up, like compound interest for my brain.
If you’re drowning in Post-its and Slack pings, give it a shot. It might just save your sanity, one checkbox at a time.
Mike Khorev, SEO Consultant, Mike Khorev
iOS App Ends SEO Task Chaos with Streamlined System
Switching to a focused iOS productivity app solved a big headache for me: managing countless SEO tasks and deadlines. Before, I juggled multiple to-do lists scattered across apps and sticky notes. It was like herding cats, frustrating and chaotic. The new app streamlined everything by combining task management with calendar syncing. Suddenly, I could see all deadlines in one place, set reminders, and track progress easily. This change boosted my efficiency and cut down stress. It’s like having a personal assistant who never sleeps. The app’s simplicity helped me stay on top without drowning in details. If you’ve ever felt buried under a mountain of work, this kind of tool can be a lifesaver. It keeps your focus sharp and your day organized, so you can spend more time winning at SEO and less time digging for lost notes.
Nick Mikhalenkov, SEO Manager, Nine Peaks Media
Notion Unifies Fragmented Workflow for IT Professional
As an IT person balancing twenty different projects and meetings at the same time, my biggest burden was managing multiple to-do management options, and communicating through disconnected channels. I used multiple applications so I had different to-do lists, a calendar with many moving parts, and project tracking that seemed to disappear before my eyes, but I could not find a way to keep everything in sync through a seamless engagement layer. I wasted a lot of time switching back and forth between these apps, and caused myself to miss deadlines and lose clarity, especially when I needed to collaborate with other teams.
The catalyst for my productivity could best be described as an extreme change in thinking, that is the Notion app.
Notion allowed me to think about all of my things to do, notes, project timelines, and meeting agendas, all in one place. But what took it all over the top was automation and customizability. I was able to configure an entire workspace where all of my tasks all related to one another. The tasks related to pages for the project, which were related to meeting notes, all related to the deadlines. Instead of going back and forth between apps, I had one page to look at everything in context.
The true solution came from Notion’s dynamic database and template functionality. I was able to create templates for project types and for steps of the workflow so that I always had a consistent process for the same recurring tasks. For example, when a new project started, I simply plugged the project into my template, and everything was ready to go; from priority options, to the due dates.
Notion allowed me to see a complete picture of my workstream, including my tasks, deadlines and notes, all together. Most importantly, I was able to get back on top of my projects. It really is an app that conforms to your working habits; it was exactly what I needed to get everything in order and stop fumbling around between apps.
Sergio Oliveira, Director of Development, DesignRush