The Shortcuts app is to iOS what Automator is to macOS. A tool that allows building "If this .. then that" kind of recipes.
It started as Workflow which got acquired by Apple in 2017 and later was renamed Shortcuts.
Since iOS 14, it's possible to create automation that runs automatically based on different kinds of triggers, like the time of day, the location or when launching one or more specific apps.
A few weeks ago, I've started looking for ways to reduce the burden of repetitive time tracking in Toggl, my app of choice.
Yes, I'm that kind of person 🙂
Every morning, I do some stretching and I like to track how much time I spend.
Several times per day, I check Feedly, my preferred RSS reader on iPhone to follow a few dozens of blogs and collect articles for this very Newsflash.
Well, believe it or not, until recently, I'd manually open Toggl before and after every stretching session and each time I'd check Feedly.
Not anymore.
With Shortcuts, I've created a bunch of Personal Automations like these ones:
When I start a Yoga Workout (on my Apple Watch), start a Time Entry in Toggl (with the proper task, project and tag)
When I end any workout, stop the current Toggle Time entry
When I open Feedly, start a Time Entry in Toggl (again with the appropriate task, project and tag)
When I exit Feedly, stop the current Toggle Time entry
I know I'm "only" saving 20 to 30 seconds each time, but altogether, I'm going to recoup about 18 hours every year.
And more importantly, I'll achieve 100% time tracking for these events, which, I must admit, was not really the case when I had to do it manually.
Shortcuts can be quite overwhelming for most people, so I think the best way to dip one's toe in the water is to try Personal Automations first.
If you've never used it before, I encourage you to try it.
Find a repetitive task that you do with your iPhone (or iPad) and see if you can automate it.
And you, which kind of automation have you already put in place?
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