Things: My Go-To Minimalist Productivity App of 2021 (not sponsored)

I've spent the past year trying nearly every to-do list system out there -- everything from an old school planner, to Trello, to Notability, to Notion. But nothing ever stuck. That is, until I discovered Things! 👏🏽
Things is one of the simplest, yet most powerful productivity app I've tried. There are no extra bells or whistles, no freemium paywalls. It's fast and works on all my devices. It works seamlessly alongside Notion to make my productivity system even more productive. 🙇🏽‍♂️
〰️ relevant links 〰️
✅ Try out Things for yourself! culturedcode.com/things/
〰️ timestamps 〰️
0:00 - Intro
0:43 - What is Things?
1:51 - What I've Tried Before
3:51 - Why I Chose Things
6:20 - Setup Tour: KZbin Area
7:38 - Setup Tour: Video Page
8:28 - Setup Tour: Today Page
9:10 - Setup Tour: Watchlist, Shopping List, etc.
9:41 - Conclusion
10:20 - Bloopers
〰️ connect 〰️
📸 Instagram - / harshibar
💼 LinkedIn - / hyerramreddy
🐦 Twitter - / harshibar
🍳 Cooking KZbin - ‪@souschefharshibar‬
〰️ setup 〰️
💻 Laptop - amzn.to/3rnLtjE
🖱️ Mouse - amzn.to/37IlGdX
🎥 Camera - amzn.to/2WIwoLf
📱 Icon Pack - gum.co/icons-by-harshibar
⌨️ Keyboard - mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/...
〰️ music 〰️
🎧 Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
〰️ disclosure 〰️
This video is not sponsored; all opinions shared are my own. Some of the above links are affiliate links. Using these links is the best to way support me and my everlasting desire to find that Indian parent approval 🙃
〰️ editing effects 〰️
Stock Video - www.pexels.com/
Taylor Swift GIF - tenor.com/view/taylor-swift-l...
Middle Class Melodies Trailer - • Middle Class Melodies ...
Friends GIF - tenor.com/view/friends-monica...
Up GIF - tenor.com/view/squirrel-doug-...
Judge Judy GIF - tenor.com/view/clock-watch-hu...
Fancy Spongebob GIF - tenor.com/view/fancy-sbgifs-s...
Contagion Scene - • Contagion grocery stor...
Shower Sound Effect - • Video
To Do List GIF - tenor.com/view/to-do-list-not...
Spongebob TV GIF - tenor.com/view/spongebob-squa...
Creepy Cat GIF - tenor.com/view/smiling-cat-cr...
#things #notsponsored

[@harshibar]

I'm getting a lot of requests to try out TickTick! What other to-do list or productivity apps do you want me to try out? 🤓

[@hemanraj]

TickTick, Todoist and Moleskine Journey. But Journey is the clunkiest of them all from my point of view.

[@SeeNITb4u]

Gotstado 😊

[@_HMCB_]

I know this isn’t related, but Craft notes app just added the ability to send to Things on iOS. Don’t know if it’s made it to Mac yet. I think it would make a great way keep more detailed notes on project deliverables, etc. Plus I’m finding Craft has some of the magical qualities that makes Things sparkle.

[@sasivarnan36]

Microsoft To Do has almost similar features as Things and available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Web. A comparison between Microsoft To Do and Things would be appreciated 🙏🏾

[@hiteshsahu9431]

It's a great app with widget functionality.

[@davidmora6885]

We went through the same arc and I'm ending in the same place as you (Things and Notion), and for the same reasons! The personal thought process is what makes your channel sub worthy beyond others. We're not the same generation but I get a lot from your videos. Thank you. PS. if you ever play a video game, play Death Stranding, it's a journey I suspect you will like.

[@AgentStarke]

I love Things. It's so fast and easy to use. I was always just too lazy to use the overcomplicated productivity apps. Plus it's really satisfying to check those little boxes.

[@loisannfrench]

Yes! This highlighted the issues I have with Trello and Notion, Things looks great I will try soon. Thanks!

[@msarikonda]

Your interview experience and your resume videos have helped me. Thanks for uploading them😊

[@thinktank4205]

0:56 😂 🤩🤩 loved the overall video and yeah those harshibar irl moments

[@krishnar6717]

These are the only apps I use. No limitation and no need to pay for extra quick capture: For tasks I use Microsoft To-Do and for quick note I use sticky note. I'm on android and I use Microsoft launcher which comes with sticky note widget which syncs with windows sticky note. To do: Microsoft To-Do Calendar: Google Calendar Notes and Project Management: Notion Pomodoro Timer: Timer from clock app

[@Sankhokun]

Mahn, you're criminally underrated! I hope more people get to see the amazing valuable videos you're putting out. aaaand... do i see another Futura user?

[@harshibar]

Futura all the way 🙌🏽

[@Sankhokun]

@@harshibar 🙌

[@williamthatcher678]

Solid Contagion reference. 👏🏻

[@amessimerful]

1) your hair looks amazing in this video! 2) my biggest problem is separating work tasks from personal tasks. I keep work tasks in Microsoft To-Do because that’s our platform at work (and I actually do really like the functionality for work) and Notion for personal items. It’s difficult to keep them straight, though!

[@tompov227]

I used paper planners for years and then i fell down the productivity rabbit hole on youtube and digital planning has been so much better for me. i use a lot of apps but Things is my favorite. and definitely the one i use the most. i tried a lot of task apps but things is so powerful while also being so minimal. great video !

[@harshibar]

Thank you! And yes, things is the best! :)

[@MartinaCocoChanel]

I found in Things 3 the to do list peace. Great video! 😍

[@rajeevkirpalani915]

I love all your videos, Keep up the good work

[@7775Kevin]

Very nice review. Thanks for the hard work you put into it.

[@abhishektripathi6560]

Really love your content , keep growing 💯

[@lauraviana9178]

Thank you! Loved you video

[@vishalmalhotra3217]

Awesome Review @harshibar ... You have articulated the key features very deftly and succintly . Your reviews are Very Crisp indeed !

[@edwinrosales6322]

Great homework! Thanks for sharing!

[@stephen5521]

Great vid!

[@bhubeshsr6281]

Happy new year waiting for ur video for long time

[@tspmcfarlane]

This is such a sharp video. Subscribed!

[@aravind2628]

I really love your contents it may be anything from unboxing to guides.. I just love it.... Keep growing And also I have a small request can u make a video for which course in cs would be really great for college student to take in 2021

[@outandabout_oz]

wow, what a fantastic presentation, so well done. I know I am 2 years late to the thread, but really glad I stumbled on your channel. Been using Things since 2014 and love it to, so simple and tidy and easy to use. Kudos, good luck, subscribed ✌🏻

[@tearlockhart]

I bought the app after I watch this and Im very much happy with it

[@harshibar]

Glad you like it! I recently got back into using it yesterday 🤓

[@scottoharris]

Another great video Harshibar from a new subscriber in Australia. I'm also now a new Things user on iOS & Mac thanks to you! Keep up the great content and all the best for the Christmas & New Year break!

[@harshibar]

yay! i hope you’re liking it 😇

[@rnsnehapriya]

Harshibar your content is really really good!! I could see the effort you put for video editing, and that quality content you present in the videos. Lots of positivity from India! 🧡

[@harshibar]

Thank you so much! 💕

[@migzwrld909]

All the problems you explained at the start are exactly me haha thanks for this video!

[@zen_k4i]

I just use Apple "Reminders". Now with iOS 16 it got a load of new features too, so it's just perfect for me, and I don't need to keep worrying about what app to use. The only external app I use is one to track my habits, and that's it.

[@KineticSwinger]

Clear + informative, thanks Harshibar! Especially valuable since I can't just try Things 3 for free heh.

[@harshibar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@4citi]

Another great review.

[@sbstorage95]

Hope your channel blows up, thank you for sharing its great content 😃 btw, best to-do list is an old-fashioned Notepad n Pen/pencil! 😄😉 get a nice moleskin, blank or lined, n yur all set ahah. Plus cuts your screen time

[@harshibar]

Ah, thank you! And you can't go wrong with a nice Moleskin :)

[@Photoshopuzr]

Good video. Thanks. Very tough out how you put it together. 👍🏿

[@BlairSlavin]

Being ADHD I have too many systems. But have whittled them down to two main thing (or also working on integrating Reminders into the system as it will auto import into Things) It is review and planning that are my buggaboo’s to consistency and making it work. So I use a BUJO (Bullet Journal) to organize and plan. Then in theory for the day I transfer the daily stuff over to my Things app. That way I have it on me without having to have the book with me all the time (or at least not having access it) and at night I do a review and update my BUJO Journal and Things. In theory this should work. But as I said, consistency is my biggest challenge.

[@torspedia]

At the moment I mostly use Todoist for my main task-management and Microsoft To-Do for my shopping list!

[@jarvisjustin_]

great content - thanks

[@suhelseth6154]

The single most important app that I have been using for my productivity for almost 4 years now is "Smarter Time". I have used and continue to use all kinds of productivity softwares and similar stuff, but none so religiously like smarter time. Overall, it's the second most imp. piece of software i use daily, after Google Assistant. Please use this and make a video on it if you love it cause I don't want this app to shut down as I haven't seen a lot of people using it and/or making videos on it. It really is a hidden gem in the universe of productivity (more like one of the infinity stones for productivity).

[@valeriocostilla3232]

Subscribed! I love your videos & your bright personality! Very funny

[@harshibar]

thank you!!

[@laurenzkehr1310]

thanks for the cool video, i liked it a lot. i think i will try things out. keep up the good work and have a nice day.

[@gaskiyadokinkarfe]

Thanks for things. I found ur video to be more educating

[@alexiszee5770]

first time I have seen your video ....great video will like n sub...I have been using things for while excellent app...and I can view my to do list on my iPhone which so convenient

[@hnd13]

I came to know notion from ur previous video will stick to it because it’s best productivity app

[@Nejy247]

hey, ive just discovered ur channel. really like ur style making videos. ive subscribed =) looking forward for more stuff

[@harshibar]

😊

[@erikaso_]

Great video! This is a great recap of everything that's to be loved and adored about Things 3 💙 I've invested on all of its platforms, but the dealbreaker I'm running into is now that I have a partner, is that there are no sharing options. We would be running into each other's tasks if we were to share the same login, so I'm still hopping around apps trying what works for us! Apps are getting too clunky but at the same time great for certain things like project management and managing other areas in our lives (home life, other side hustles, etc.)

[@IMMERSIVEVOICE]

It’s simple. Just ditch the partner

[@catmcc154]

Your channel is amazing! I was about to get started on notion before I found your channel and all these detailed reviews on different organization apps is so so helpful and saving me tons of time researching these apps while I figure out what will work best for me. Thank you!!!

[@harshibar]

That’s fantastic - this is exactly why I make these types of videos. Glad you found it helpful!

[@johnmcclung4736]

Just discovered your channel when once again doing research on list-making apps, your video is great so I even subscribed to your channel, and plan to give Things 3 a try. Keep up the great work, you're super helpful, funny and charming! You filming in 4K? What camera? Looks great!

[@harshibar]

Awesome -- I'm glad my video was helpful! And I use the Panasonic Lumix G7 to film (it has a 4K option, but I rarely use it).

[@HirakoCaptain]

They are now an 11 people team!

[@abhinavpurohit_]

I just use the Reminders App from Apple on my iPhone. Works great for me cuz I only use an iPhone and Mac. Pretty simplistic and intuitive.

[@poojasuresh277]

Same here

[@kubamaliszewski1167]

Instead of keeping template you could use shortcuts to create project with name of video. Maybe combine notion url and use shortcuts to create task with link to open it in notion? I would need to look into that when I got time.

[@harshibar]

That's a great idea if I were a bit more organized. I'll do some research and try it out!

[@brainfm-relaxation]

Hey, how are you! I like your music!

[@Jawlaya]

Content is Best

[@HaroArtist]

I use things too. Love it. Not like you. I don't have my youtube stuff on there.. I use Trello for that, but this is a very good idea. I do note the redundancy of the Notion and Things dilemma. I am just starting to use Notion for goal setting but noticed how easy it is to have it on actionable lists on Things. So... like you, I have not streamlined my process yet, but one day soon I hope.

[@harshibar]

Yes! Even though things is made for tasks it works well for goals or long-term bucket lists. I like how everything is a lot easier and faster to navigate compared to Trello and Notion.

[@HaroArtist]

@@harshibar Yes, I just wish they had a web platform as I would love to access it from my work PC. Great videos by the way.

[@bianchialex]

Before I watch this. I was about to start coding my own to do list app and was looking forward to the project. So if I want to like this or not.

[@gangster2855]

This maybe goes against minimalism. But I find it very useful to add a emoji or icon to all of my areas that reflects the content. So instead of having: Personal School Workout I have 🏠Personal 📚 School 🏃 Workout I just find that it makes it easier to make sense of what I'm looking at.

[@preechaiii]

Hey Harshi! Great video, I think I’m going to try out Things this week :) How long would you recommend trying a productivity system before determining it is working or isn’t working for you? Thank you!

[@harshibar]

I’d give it at least 2 weeks, ideally a month! As others have mentioned in the comments, a lot of apps work similarly, so at some point it’s good to just commit to one and make it work for you :)

[@kaushikrishi01]

Hi Harshitha!

[@ashokm118]

You can also check out tick tick app.

[@techmike8914]

Love your content... You have a new Sub to your channel.

[@user-ut6eo3be5g]

Thanks akka it is better than todoist

[@harshibar]

I personally like it more because it has a cleaner UI and doesn’t have a monthly subscription I have to keep paying for. That being said, I used todoist for a few months and it got the job done!

[@lockenessmotorsports818]

I've gone from notion to one note, I do allot of 3D design projects and it works great for me. Dashboards,databases on notion just overwhelmed after a while needed a minimalistic system

[@akhildraksharapu]

Here for the bloopers 10:20

[@left0verture]

Tech, Indian food, introvert, great video quality and a dog… what’s not to like here? Subbed!

[@Elizabeth-hc1cb]

Honestly. With quarantine I find myself being a lot more on my phone and thus exploring all the new apps to help organize and I found that too much customization can overwhelm me because I fear I am not using the app to it's full potential. I enjoy how well done this video was done and time you took to really explain it. Ironically, I have so many lists that I added "ask dad for 15 dollar itunes gift card to buy the "things" app" to my personal hand written list. I just added a new list for my overwhelming lists problem. But hey, at least now I know that all I need is 10 dollars to fix my random lists problem. haha. Great video :)

[@rupakkorde]

I think it's more of sticking to one and making progress in real life instead of giving the software so much importance. Some software might be better than others but giving every popular software a fair time and then picking the one to continue for a couple of years would be good. That's my opinion Nice video 😊

[@harshibar]

Yes! 👆🏼 More than anything, it's about consistency and building that habit with one app that you like.

[@rupakkorde]

@@harshibar Agree

[@hemanraj]

You should also try TickTick. It’s a great app. Kudos to the content. You are getting better day by day. Devudu ninnu divincugaka.

[@harshibar]

I’ll try it out next! Thank you 😊

[@chadebrownnyc]

I am just exploring Things 3 and want to thank you for this helpful video. I agree with your comment that it is very expertly designed. I also subscribed and “liked”...

[@harshibar]

Thank you!

[@Danyartstec]

Hello! I recommend that you read the Getting Things Done book by David Allen. In order to get the best out of any list manager you need to have a solid organization methodology, in fact I discovered that book thanks to the Things application. I hope it will be very helpful to you!

[@harshibar]

I’ve been meaning to check out the GTD system for a while! The book sounds like my kinda reading 😅

[@Danyartstec]

@@harshibar Yes, honestly, it helped me a lot to learn the methodology, I also spent a long time trying different list managers, calendars, etc. Things was the application that I liked the most because of its clean interface and ease of use, then I realized that It was based on the GTD methodology and that's when I started to study it and honestly it made a lot of difference in how I used the application! Hope it helps you! Great video btw

[@harshibar]

I will check it out, thank you!

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

I wrote an app for a grocery list.

[@Patrick76399]

Do you make use of the Handover feature?

[@vrijpatel6561]

How do you get your “Today” view broken out with the project/area sections? I tried to assign a few different projects to “today” but it wasn’t grouping them like yours does

[@yash-rs8qh]

There are other things to think about in career now a days I think this not a problem to worry about... Jeees......

[@manikandankarthik4215]

4:31 my hopes shattered..I was super eagerly waiting to try it out. damn...well then I guess back to Microsoft TO-DO ...

[@ontheequinox]

Todoist works exactly the same (that’s what use). Try it!

[@manikandankarthik4215]

@@ontheequinox is it paid?

[@ontheequinox]

@@manikandankarthik4215 they have some functions that are subscription based, but most of it is free. I've been using it for over a year and have never needed a subscription feature. It's the best free one I've found.

[@akhildraksharapu]

what would you say about Microsoft To-Do as the Alternative

[@harshibar]

I haven't tried it out yet, but will update you when I do!

[@chupapi4335]

Can u please compare things 3 and notion ?

[@b.salmon4194]

I'd love to see you review Sorted 3.

[@kaushikrao4832]

Which part in US do you recide?

[@mepravi]

What about tick tick or Microsoft todo?

[@gt3066]

Did you try Todoist?

[@NS-kg9rp]

I've reviewed about 100 apps. Finally, I made the decision for Things and Craft. Both have some shortcomings. But for now they work. Things urgently need the following two. 1-File attachment and picture attachment feature. 2- A calendar feature like Ticktick. If Craft adds 2-3 traits, it will be better than Notion.

[@Abdullah-zl9ub]

Still using it?

[@NS-kg9rp]

@@Abdullah-zl9ub I don't use both anymore :)

[@piyushapawar4640]

now I want macOS only for this app😅😅

[@jericoba]

I use an app to do - Things! ;-)

[@nidhin2940]

Adi happy days movie lo scene

[@SAhmed-dr8ci]

Dear make a review about sorted 3 app, it is amazing app

[@bentabi5338]

Hi hashi please did you publish the app?

[@ameermankuttukara3304]

What about iPhone usage case thing’s 👋

[@mvr29]

Akka, Which is more productive way according to you - Using macbook itself or Using External monitor and connecting to macbook? Please let me know. Thankyou

[@harshibar]

Definitely the external monitor! It makes it easy to see what you’re doing across multiple windows.

[@anthonyjconforti7924]

Did you investigate Todoist? Similar to Things but available on all platforms.

[@harshibar]

I used Todoist in the past, and it worked really well! I slightly prefer Things for its clean design and features in the paid model, but the lack of cross platform support is a huge con.

[@macpretorians]

Did you model yourself on David Allen's book?

[@rakshitgolhar5770]

Going for CS(im in 10th *india) should i do web dev course after boards

[@shriyaprakash3973]

Screw math. This is more important

[@BneiAnusim]

Trello is a Todo/Collaboration software. I haven't used Things but is it?

[@harshibar]

Things is not collaborative, but it is great as a minimal to-do app! Trello has more features but also requires more time to set up than Things.

[@GeorgeMaggessy]

You are funny! :)

[@Steele1080]

***ClickUp has entered the chat*** 💬

[@harshibar]

👀

[@gaskiyadokinkarfe]

What video editor do you use

[@harshibar]

I use DaVinci Resolve!

[@patrickambrosso]

1:27 The Indian Store list looks ❤ Esp Iyengar Sambar Powder. (Hope you don't like your Sambar Sweet but spicy like the real south Indians do it 😂😆)

[@ramstemp]

Todoist has a problem not more than 300 tasks in a project and also when you comments files it vanishes after sometime

[@u_u2322]

where you live right now (i mean country)? your house so beautiful.

[@harshibar]

I live in the US!

[@Patrick76399]

How do you collaborate when there is no collaboration feature? Where do you keep your attachments since we can’t add attachments?

[@harshibar]

Great questions! I don't think collaboration feature in Things, which makes sense since it's built for personal task management, and not to replace a collaborative tool like Jira or Notion. I also don't think you can add attacements per se, besides links. Both of these make Things seem very limited, but I think it's more about Things being very specific in the features it offers.

[@Patrick76399]

@@harshibar I know they don’t have those features. My question is, how do you compensate since Things3 doesn’t have those two features? What is your workaround solution?

[@harshibar]

I use Notion for note taking, where I’d be more likely to add an attachment or share a document with someone. I don’t think Things is designed to do it all, so it happy using it combined with Notion for my workflow.

[@Patrick76399]

@@harshibar Interesting... “ I don’t think Things is designed to do it all...”. I’m going to ask them about this on Twitter to see if this is intentional.

[@malius1841]

Right now im doing on notion but this one seems look more easier and practical, could you explain in the flow that how you integrated with notion?

[@hariprasathr6588]

Things look cool, but is there a reason you didn't try ticktick (seeing u have mentioned mkbhd before and he's a ticktick person) or todoist?

[@harshibar]

I’ve used Todoist in the past and liked it but wished there weren’t a paywall. One my my main criteria was that I didn’t want an app with a monthly or annual subscription, so I think that’s why I didn’t consider TickTick.

[@hariprasathr6588]

@@harshibar point taken 🤝

[@hasibrahman4321]

so u choose to go reverse, for sponsor that's why u dig into team behind the app. smart. wondering how human adopt in the era of AI ML etc. [I might be wrong] good luck