Deliberate Living Made Simpler.

One Charger To Rule Them All

It really seems like chargers are finally starting to standardize. It’s reminded me of the video tape format wars in the 80s where VHS was up against betamax. Chargers have taken a lot longer to standardize, though.

I used to carry a pack of chargers with me when I traveled: usb-a for my Kindle, Apple for my phone/iPad and usb-c for the Android users I live with. Even with a multi-ended charger, it still was bulky and inconvenient

As my devices have aged and get upgraded, I find that the charger is a significant factor in considering what I buy. Almost all of my devices are usb-c: phone, earbuds, iPad and Kindle. This means I can carry one brick and one charging cord wherever I go. And it has made traveling, even to the local coffee shop for a working session, so much easier.

Key takeaway: Standardizing chargers makes things much simpler.

Tool Spotlight: Freedom

Freedom is an app and website blocking software. It is customizable as to what it blocks, giving users a way to customize sets.

Unlike app blockers that rely on time and date to limit your access, Freedom allows you to set up various blocklists based on your scenario. For instance, if you wanted to focus on clearing your email box, you could allow that app/site and block everything else. If you wanted to do distraction-free writing, you could allow those apps/sites and block things that didn’t apply.

Freedom has the ability to block large numbers of sites by category, as well as specific websites. It also can block apps by category or by name. The block lists are shared across devices, as are the sessions.

Sessions can be created ad-hoc, or scheduled.

Best used for: Blocking distractions based on scheduled sessions.

Works on: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS. Integrates with most browsers

Pricing: A limited version of the app is available for free. You can also subscribe monthly (8.99), yearly (3.99/month) or forever (currently 99.50 once)

Explore Freedom!

I am an enthusiastic forever user of Freedom as well as a brand affiliate. If you purchase a subscription I will receive a small commission without any cost to you.

Quick Productivity Tips

Make A Playlist: Do you work better with a little bit of sound? Today your mission is to make a playlist that will inspire you to concentrate and get things done.
Make A Sanctuary Space: If you have the ability, set aside a corner of your home to make it into a sanctuary. You can keep your sanctuary box there, or set it up permanently. Let this place be a place where you can unwind.
Block a Troll: If you have a problem with someone being consistently inappropriate with email, set up a blocker. This can be done using filters/rules, or in many email programs, you can set up a blacklist for email.

From My Experience: The Bag Contents Bin

I routinely use several bags in my daily life. I have a medium-sized tote bag, a sling purse, my rehearsal bag and my work backpack. Transferring between these bags used to mean forgetting something important (like keys or wallet). Or even worse, not being able to find keys or wallet because they were stuck in a bag I hadn’t thought about looking in.

Then I read about the “purse drawer”. The woman who wrote the article (and I can’t find again so unfortunately will remain uncredited) had a drawer that she emptied her purse into every time she came home. This facilitated switching purses quickly and easily.

I’ve adapted this to meet my own needs. I have a plastic shoebox-sized box inside a closet. When I get home, I dump the shared contents of my bag in there: wallet; keys; small zippered pouch with meds and bandaids; lip balm; pen; Tide pen; tissues; mask; and hand sanitizer.

When I need to leave the house, I put what I need from the bin into the bag I am taking. If it is rehearsal, wallet and keys. If it is work, wallet, keys and Tide pen. If it is my sling, everything in the box.

This one switch has saved me so much time as I search for something I need to leave (keys) as well as make sure I’m not carrying around things I don’t need.

Other Articles This Month:

How To Perform A Distraction Audit

I learned about distraction audits at a Momentum planning call. By systematically clearing computer clutter, organizing my workspace, and addressing physical needs like hydration and comfort, I dramatically improved my focus and productivity. Now it's a regular part of my workflow.

Read article

My 10 Email Rules

I handle hundreds of daily emails efficiently through 10 simple email rules that help keep my inbox empty and my mind clear. My system includes structured filing, scheduled check-ins, and smart communication practices that transform email from a stressor into a manageable tool.

Read article

Using Task Stations To Make Life Easier

I create dedicated task stations for different tasks - from gift wrapping to crafts to bill paying - by keeping all necessary supplies together in one spot. This simple organization method reduces friction and makes tasks easier to start and complete.

Read article