Jott Your Way to Happiness

If you write down everything you're supposed to do, your mind will be free to concentrate on important work--creating meaning, adding value, memorizing critical facts, watching your kids play in the backyard.

The problem is that most of the time we find ourselves without that single, complete list and without a pen or a pencil. But we usually have a cell phone.

With Jott, a cell phone is all you need. 

What is Jott?

Jott is a voice transcription service that allows you to call or text any short (15 seconds) message to your self.  Jott transcribes your voice to text and, optionally, forward the task to Outlook Task, WordPress blog, Twitter, and a dozen or so other services. 

You can also load contacts into Jott and email notes directly. 

Does it Work?

Yes.  Jott's amazingly accurate at transcription.  The web site is fast and simple--nothing more than it needs, but nothing less, either. 

How much does Jott cost?

You can sign up for free.  For many people, free is good enough.  I pay $3.95 a month so I can use the Outlook add-in and links to several other tools. 

How much does it save?

One of the most compelling reasons to use Jott is the time, energy, focus, and opportunities you'll save or defend.  With ready access to all of the commitments I have ( stuff to buy at the store, people to call, gifts to buy, etc.) I drive far less than I did without Jott.  I don't forget to pick up bread on the way home from work because it's right there on my list.  I send myself SMS text reminders to arrive when I'm at the mall.  I Jott actions from one meeting while on my way to the next, saving me a trip to my desk.

The list of savings goes on.  You'll find your own lifesavers when you start using it.

Tips for Newbies

1. Check Jott many times a day
2. Review your tasks in the All Lists view so you can see your entire commitment list
3. Set up lists that correspond to Where you perform a given task (@Home, @Computer, @Work, @Store, etc.)
4. Use reminders to tickle you when you're going to be in the place that a task can be performed.  This is much more effective than a reminder in the morning when you can't do anything about it.
5. Give Jott at least 3 weeks of committed use to get into the habit.  Jotting will feel like work for a few days, but stick with it.  The payoff is huge

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