So, it’s been a while since my last blog post. I guess I could use some of that discipline I wrote about previously Motivation vs Discipline, but here I am, back with a new post! Today, I’m finally sharing my experience with calendars and the one I rely on.

A while ago, I talked about the importance of using a calendar to organize life—planning and scheduling tasks with the intent to follow through. Back then, I was hoping to find a magical app that would somehow just do it all for me, as if it had a mind of its own. Turns out, there’s no app that works without your input. There are great calendar apps out there, ranging from super basic to highly complex, but they all require the same thing: You need to have a clear plan of what you’re using it for. Once you configure the app according to your needs, it can work wonders. Some apps just come with more bells and whistles, but ultimately, it boils down to the same basic principle: You need a plan.

In my case, I needed a calendar app with zero friction—one where I could add tasks and events quickly without a hassle. It also had to be bug-free, so no buggy apps with too many gimmicks. Since I’m deep in the Apple ecosystem, the app also needed to perform seamlessly across Apple devices, particularly my MacBook, which I use the most. After trying out various apps, I landed on the simplest solution: Apple Calendar. I know, it’s not the most exciting answer, but it’s the one that works best for me (sorry, Windows and Android users!).

Here’s why I chose Apple Calendar:

Ease of Use

Let’s start with the dealbreaker for me: ease of use. If an app isn’t intuitive, I won’t stick with it. Now, I’m not afraid of figuring out complex systems. In fact, I love tinkering with complex apps just to see how they’re built. But when it comes to day-to-day functionality, I need something simple.

When I’m out at work, or even hanging out with friends, and I need to quickly schedule an event or task, I need a calendar that lets me do that in the least amount of time. I’ve got ADHD, so if it takes more than three clicks, I might lose my train of thought entirely and forget what I was doing. That’s why I’ve set up the calendar widget on my home screen, which not only gives me a snapshot of upcoming events but also lets me quickly add something new. It’s a one-click, type, save, and done scenario—which works perfectly for my needs.

Easy Event Input

One feature I love on the MacBook version of Apple Calendar is the ability to input events using natural language. You can literally type out a sentence like, “Tomorrow 8 to 9 AM, have breakfast with my friend at Starbucks,” and boom, the event is created for the right time with the correct title. It’s like the app just “gets it.”

I do wish this feature extended to the iPhone as well, but as of now, it’s only available on the MacBook. Hopefully, it makes its way to other devices soon. It’s small features like this that make a big difference in usability, and this one is especially useful when I’m in the middle of something and need to jot down a task quickly.

Seamless Syncing Across Devices

Syncing across devices is where a lot of calendar apps fail. I’ve used apps where I’d input an event on my MacBook, walk away from my desk, and need to reference it on my phone—only to find the event missing. There’s nothing worse than fumbling around trying to refresh your phone, hoping it syncs properly.

This is one area where Apple Calendar shines. Whether I’m working on my MacBook, iPhone, or iPad, the app syncs instantly. No refreshing, no waiting—everything just shows up across all devices. It’s that seamless integration that keeps me using it. I don’t have to think about whether or not my data is there; it just is. It’s Apple; it works.

Built for the Apple Ecosystem

Because I’m deep in the Apple ecosystem, having an app that works fluidly across all my devices is crucial. I’ve used apps that work okay on one device but struggle on another. With Apple Calendar, I can schedule something on my MacBook, get reminders on my Apple Watch, and even ask Siri to add something to my calendar on the go. It’s all integrated in a way that feels effortless, which is what I need in my day-to-day life. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable, and that’s what matters most to me.

Conclusion: Consistency is Key

While Apple Calendar has been my go-to, I know there are plenty of other great calendar apps out there. If you’re using an app that works well for you, that’s fantastic! At the end of the day, the most important factor isn’t which app you use but how consistently you use it. You could have the most feature-rich app out there, but if you’re not regularly inputting events and sticking to your schedule, it won’t make a difference.

The real key is discipline. No app will magically make you more productive unless you actively use it. Consistency—daily, intentional use of whatever tool you choose—will make all the difference. Remember the quote from Jim Watkins: “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” It’s not about having the most powerful app, but about being persistent and consistent with it.

So, whether you’re using Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, or any other app, just make sure you’re using it in a way that helps you be more efficient with your time.

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