Using an AI Notetaker

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Productivity tools are evolving quickly these days. I used to take all my notes on pen and paper — but as the technology has changed, I’ve tried lots of other ways to manage information. I’ve even taught a whole class on LinkedIn Learning to boost your note-taking skills.

One tool I’m loving these days is Fathom, an AI-powered note-taking tool. Fathom promises to make note-taking not just easier but smarter… and I have to say, they deliver.

Fathom is a note-taking tool designed to help you capture and organize information quickly and easily. It lets you record meetings, lectures, webinars, or even casual conversations!

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I also use it to send voice memos to myself — these are easily and accurately turned into text. Fathom’s AI transcribes in real-time, turning speech into well-organized (and readable!) notes. It’s great if you want to capture an idea on-the-go and look back at it later. As an author, this is something I use all the time. 

I’ve used other AI note taking tools and I love that Fathom has lots of other helpful functions built in besides just transcription. It can summarize text, highlight key points, and even suggest action items for you.

This is so useful when I’m meeting with clients because I can focus on engaging in the conversation itself — and I also get detailed notes so nothing slips through the cracks. 

Fathom has a ton of helpful features that make it a great option if you’re a first-timer at AI notetaking:

It creates real-time transcription.

Whether you’re in a meeting, attending a lecture, or having a conversation, Fathom uses speech recognition technology to transcribe the conversation as it happens. And get this — Fathom can distinguish between different voices! That means each person’s words are transcribed accurately. I love using it for meetings and I’ve found that it can really be helpful for boosting collaboration and teamwork.

It excels at summarizing.

After the conversation is over, Fathom goes a step further by summarizing the key takeaways from the meeting or lecture. Yep — no more sifting through pages of notes to find something.

It creates actionable insights for you.

Fathom also helps you identify action items and tasks from transcripts. Yep — it’ll write you a to-do list!

You can use it along with other tools.

Fathom can be integrated with Google Docs, Notion, and Evernote. I really appreciate this because it means you can fit Fathom into your productivity routine alongside other tools you’re already using.

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Here’s why I use Fathom:

It saves time.

Manual note-taking is super time-consuming! Fathom takes the burden off you so you can focus on engaging in the conversation instead of worrying about jotting down every detail.

It’s more accurate than I am.

Human note-taking is prone to errors. Yep — sometimes we just write down the wrong information. AI is really accurate in this area. Fathom doesn’t miss a thing! 

It helps me stay organized. 

Fathom organizes my notes in a way that makes sense. I can tag notes, categorize them, and search them. It’s so much easier than piles of handwritten notes that can get lost. With an AI notetaker, everything is in one place and you can easily transfer to your other digital productivity tools. 

AI-powered note-taking tools like Fathom can feel like a whole new world when it comes to productivity. I highly suggest giving it a try!

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Boosting Productivity and Better Ways to Multitask

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I used to multitask all the time, and it totally undermined my productivity. So I became completely anti-multitasking — until I realized that in some situations, multitasking is actually the key to reducing stress and getting more done. 

I shared some of my top tips for multitasking more effectively and intentionally on PIX11 News in New York City (you can check out the video here).

Want to join me and reclaim multitasking? Here’s how:

1) Not every task is created equal. 

Reading and talking on the phone, texting and driving — those tasks don’t play well together. 

Why? Each pair uses the same part of your brain. Reading and talking both require language comprehension. Texting and driving both use motor control and attention to detail.

You can’t complete two tasks that activate the same parts of your brain. We’re just not wired that way!

2) Put the right tasks together. 

Instead, pair tasks that use different parts of your brain. Doing this can boost productivity by keeping you engaged.

We actually do this naturally — that’s why so many people doodle in meetings. Drawing helps keep you focused! You’re using two different skill areas that complement one another. 

3) Repetitive tasks are ideal for multitasking.

The best times for intentional multitasking are when you’re doing repetitive tasks.

Gardening, for example, is a great time to listen to language lessons. You’re using your hands for gardening and your brain to learn the language, so there’s no competition between tasks. And the repetition means you can get into a flow state, which is great for productivity. Cooking while listening to a podcast and organizing files while listening to an audiobook work just as well for the same reasons. 

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4) Walking goes well with big decisions. 

If you do it in the right situations, multitasking can boost productivity. And the same is true for making decisions. Putting low-intensity physical activity such as walking with a decision-making moment can help you stay focused on what you need to think about.

Moving your body into new spaces can help you get perspective and feel energized. This is a great trick when you have a decision coming up — multitask walking with mulling it over. You might be surprised how well it works!

Multitasking has a bad reputation — but in some situations, it can actually boost your productivity!

For more tips, you can check out my full segment on PIX11 News in New York City.

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? CLICK HERE to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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Tips for Slowing Down Summer

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It’s easy to feel like summer is slipping by, but being intentional, mindful, and proactive about how you spend your time can help slow it down.

I hopped on PIX11 News in New York City to chat about my strategies — you can check out the full video here.

1) Spend time outdoors.

Connecting with the natural world is one of the best ways to slow down and enjoy the season. Take a walk in the evening if the day is too hot. Go to the beach for a day. You can even pick a topic to help you lean in — maybe it’s plant identification or bird watching. 

I love the Merlin Bird ID app! If you’re into hikes you can check out the AllTrails app — it’s really useful and lets you filter so you can find a doable hike, no matter your experience level. 

 Or just grab a book and a cold beverage and head to your local park. 

2) Unplug.

Cutting down on your screen time can help you focus on the present moment. As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy. Seeing someone else’s vacation won’t help you enjoy yours. 

The more time you spend scrolling social media, the less aware you are of what’s actually happening in your life, right now. 

Set a time limit for yourself or even pick a day when you’re going to log off. It makes a big difference in your perception of the world when you’re only looking at what’s right in front of you.

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3) Prioritize hobbies.

Now is the time to pick up a new hobby or get back into something you used to love. Think back to what made you happy as a kid. Was your nose always buried in a book? Did you bring your paint set outside to make watercolors? Or were you a water bug? 

Trying new things is especially helpful when it comes to savoring the season. Learn a new card game or take a class that you wouldn’t have time for in another season. I’ve been obsessed with learning all about Tarot Cards. You’ll be glad you took the time now to dig into a new hobby. 

4) Make time for family and friends.

Summer is time for connecting. Don’t push off that girls’ trip or family reunion. Now is the time. I’ve been hearing great things about the app Troupe — it’s an all-in-one group trip planning app that lets you collaborate with friends and family to pick dates, find hotels, and choose activities. Also check out all my tips here for planning a less stressful trip. 

When you do get together, you can even combine my other tips — head outside with your loved ones, try a new activity together, and leave your phone in your bag. 

For more tips, you can check out my PIX11 News interview.

How are you going to savor the summer?

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Helping “Future You”

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Thinking ahead is a cornerstone of productivity, right? This concept comes up a lot in relation to work and staying on top of your tasks. But it can be equally powerful when it comes to your personal life.

Yep, I want you to spend more time looking out for “future you.” There are so many ways that prior planning can save you time and stress in the future.

And anything that takes stress out of your life is a win in my book! Burnout is a real thing and if we plan ahead we can reduce it greatly. Here are some concrete ideas for ways that taking action now to help “future you” be less stressed and more efficient: 

Vacation:

  • Block days off in advance on your calendar so you actually take the vacation. If you end up making other plans, use those days as mental health days. 
  • Call ahead to your hotel to have them add in any specific things that will make you more comfortable (empty mini fridge, humidifier, etc).
  • When you return from vacation, refill your toiletries and makeup immediately so you’re ready for your next trip. 
  • Schedule food delivery for the day you get back. That way, you don’t need to run right out to grab groceries.
  • Schedule a cleaning service or clean the house right before you leave so you’ll come back to a clean home. 

Health:

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Fun:

  • Log all birthdays, anniversaries and important dates as tasks on your list. If a gift is involved, put it onto the list for 1-2 weeks prior to that date.
  • Make reservations for hard-to-get into restaurants months in advance and then invite friends for an impromptu treat. 
  • Keep a running list of restaurants to try and books to read so you don’t have to research later.

Household:

  • Sign up for delivery/subscription services for products you use repeatedly in your household. This will vary depending on your needs — it could be dog food, supplements, wines, fresh flowers, or whatever you find yourself wishing could be magically restocked. 
  • Make a “second batch” when you’re cooking meals that freeze well, like chili or meatloaf. That way you’ll have something ready to go on busy nights!
  • Make a cooking schedule for the week ahead with linked recipes so you don’t need to stress over what to cook.
  • Set up a separate email address for retail accounts/anyone who will send you spam emails.

I chatted more about strategies to help “future you” on PIX11 News — you can check out my full segment here.

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Four Strategies to Prioritize Your Friendships

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It happens to everyone — we get so caught up in the daily grind that our social lives often take a back seat. But making time for friends is essential to a healthy and joyful life.  

Time with friends can contribute to a laundry list of health benefits. Friends improve your mood, lower the risk of depression and anxiety, and contribute to a longer, less stressful life. Collaborative friendships can even lead to a more productive day.

But adult life can make it so difficult to prioritize your friendships. Many factors, from family schedules to work commitments to geographical distance, put a wrench in sustaining these relationships. Time is a major factor — people just don’t seem to have enough of it!

However, that doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel and give up on your friends. Absolutely not! As a productivity expert, I know from experience that small changes and tweaks can have big impacts. And friendship is no exception. I appeared on PIX11 in New York City to talk about some unique ways to catch up with friends and invest in those relationships. 

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