Virus Scan for Achieve Planner Productivity Suite

Tom Colvin I've been using this software for over 18 months.

I like it especially for the "big picture" view I get for my life planning. I maintain residences in two different countries. One feature, perhaps a favorite peculiar to me, is the ability to block off time blocks over a full week -- and then save it under a name such as "My Week In Mexico". And then it allows setting up an entirely different weekly time allocation, which I call "My Week in Manila." I can easily switch back and forth as I move from one residence to another.

Also the program is very good at helping sort through life goals and priorities. Achieve Planner, as I said, is especially strong for the big picture.

All that said, I use EssentialPIM Pro on a day-to-day basis, consulting Achieve Planner maybe once or twice a week [usually at beginning and end of week when I take stock of progress].

Aug 11 2008 at 4:56am Copy Link

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harkeem Shaw Achieve Productivity Suite

Dec 9 2009 at 7:52pm Copy Link

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Robert Reese I spent a LOT of time researching, downloading, and evaluating GTD (Getting Things Done) and Project Management / Life Management software solutions. I found very nearly exactly what I wanted in Achieve Planner Productivity Suite. In my not-so-humble opinion and experience, this beats MyLifeOrganized (MLO) hands-down!

This price is AMAZING, by the way! Get it while it's here!

Cheers,
Robert Reese~
(A satisfied yet demanding customer)

May 23 2010 at 8:21pm Copy Link

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Keith Anderson I noticed that your version number was high and
that major upgrades aren't free. So...........
When is the next major version going to be released?
How much will the upgrade cost?
Thanks

May 24 2010 at 5:27am Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse Since we are so close to the next major version release, anyone who purchases the 1.x version as part of this promotion (May 2010) will get a free upgrade to the 2.x series of releases.

Effexis Software - May 24 2010 at 7:54am Copy Link

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Rick Przebienda I ran the trial version of Achieve Planner and liked it a lot. Well laid out, pretty intuitive for me, plus the support forums and tutorials are excellent. The one issue that finally did me in was that the code seems to be kind of bloated, running with an excessive amount of memory and CPU. Basically the code bogged down my older work PC (AMD1500+). Any chance of me reducing the overhead of the code in this version, by setting a widget somewhere? Or is the overhead something covered in the next version? If I buy the code in anticipation of a new work PC, can I easily port it to that one? Thank-you for your time.

May 24 2010 at 10:55pm Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse I'm not sure what you mean 'setting a widget somewhere'?

We haven't seen or heard of any performance problems in the latest versions, but I guess if you have a REALLY OLD PC that could be an issue.

You can definitely transfer the software to a new PC when you get one.

Effexis Software - May 25 2010 at 6:09am Copy Link

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Jerry S How is this product licensed? By user so I can use it on my desktop PC and synch it with my laptop? Or by CPU where I need a separate license for each computer?

Jerry

May 25 2010 at 8:44pm Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse It's typically licensed by user, so you CAN install and use it on multiple PCs as long as you are the only user.

If you install it on just one PC, then anyone using the PC can use it.

Effexis Software - May 26 2010 at 4:30am Copy Link

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Tim Nguyen I've tried Achieve Planner on my friend's computer,
and I'm running the trial version of Achieve Planner on my computer.
I like the idea of Achieve Planner, but I dislike the interface.

The interface is so old school, and not really user friendly.
The theme of this program is not so good. The background color
is not good for the priority colors because I cannot change the
background color that is match the priority colors.

Will the 2.x series of of Achieve Planner change the interface to nicer looking, and let the user changes the visual appearance of Achieve Planner by themself?

Will it support color code(high light, color filters and colors for ABCs) and theme(aka: Interface colors: background color, text colors, column colors, etc ) like mylife organized
http://www.mylifeorganize...ssh013.gif
or something in this year?

Thank you for your time and your answer.

May 26 2010 at 7:12am Copy Link

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Tim Nguyen P.S. Yes, I know I change the colors of the background and the priority colors, but the color palettes don't have many colors, so they are not good enough to make a good looking color code and theme.

May 26 2010 at 7:30am Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse Tim,

If you dislike the interface that much, it's unlikely that it would change enough for you to like it. Regarding the colors, if you go into the Web colors tab in the dropdown, you have a wide selection of colors to choose from, plus you can choose custom and enter your own.

Effexis Software - May 26 2010 at 1:29pm Copy Link

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Stephen Kreyling Will version 3 be a free upgrade?

Sep 17 2011 at 5:45am Copy Link

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Eddie In addition to the upgrade question I would like to have the possibility to import XML files, since currently this is a limitation in the demo.
Also, will other formats be available for import, such as OPML, HTML, and Text?

Sep 18 2011 at 10:53am Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse Free upgrades include all minor releases (all 2.x releases). Major releases (like Version 3) would not be free upgrades.

You can't import generic XML files with the current version. What data do you want to import?

Effexis Software - Sep 19 2011 at 9:42am Copy Link

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Eddie I use NeO (Mac) to prepare numerous outlines. It would save me a lot of time to import these into Achieve Planner.

NeO can export to HTML, OPML, RTF, Text, Word, and Raw XML.

The main outline I'm considering has 4 sections or themes. Each has over 50 "tasks" that need to be accomplished. If importing is not possible I'll start inputting a smaller list.

Sep 19 2011 at 1:04pm Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse Eddie - You can use the Quick Task Entry to import an outline in text form. It uses indentation to determine the levels. If you mostly care about the outline items (and not necessarily other fields), then this would be a quick and easy way to transfer items

Effexis Software - Sep 20 2011 at 10:09am Copy Link

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K X Can you run it from USB and keep the database on USB also?

Sep 20 2011 at 8:49pm Copy Link

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Roger Thomasson FYI, moved the paid/free upgrade comments to the forum. Feel free to continue the conversation there:

http://www.bitsdujour.com/view/ID=17349/

BitsDuJour Admin - Sep 21 2011 at 9:48am Copy Link

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Beat Zimmer It seems that entering several lines of Text is not possible. That's what I miss.

Sep 21 2011 at 4:22pm Copy Link

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K X Beat Zimmer,

Section 2.15.1 of the AP User Manual pdf has instructions for making fields multiline.

Oct 12 2011 at 9:36am Copy Link

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JesusInsideMe Do can I import tasks, contacts and notes from my local Outlook?
God bless you, bye.

Dec 5 2011 at 9:07am Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse You can sync with Outlook to import/export tasks, contacts & appointments, but not Notes.

Effexis Software - Dec 5 2011 at 9:49am Copy Link

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Andrew Griffiths Initial trial experience looks promising & I hope to buy later today. But how do I move a task or child project from one project (or result area) to another? I was assuming that given the state of UI today, drag and drop would be bult in and slick. But apparently not? Thank you

Mar 22 2012 at 4:27am Copy Link

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Mary Wilson Really like the idea that of the program, but I need something that will work with my iTocuch.Does it do this?

Mar 22 2012 at 4:28am Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse Andrew - You can drag items through the row header (gray square at the start of each row) or you can use the Actions - Move Item menu item for a much FASTER way to move tasks between projects.

Mary - This is a PC based application and we don't have a native iPod/iPhone version. You can sync with Outlook and Google Calendar.

Effexis Software - Mar 22 2012 at 8:41am Copy Link

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James Kenney Just bought it and got my temporary password.
The one one the order page had already expired, but the one in the e-mail worked fine.

Seems to be a nice app.
Not very intuitive though...
But there are free classed included so that may not be much of a problem!

Looks interesting!

Mar 22 2012 at 5:55pm Copy Link

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L. P. Couldn't buy the deal I was interested in and watched it for a longer time. But always got to the deal expired page ... That was hours before the deal ended. What went wrong? I enabled javasript and switched off my security but no way.
Although up to now I had many deals from bitsdujour, but now I am sad to have to declare that this deal for Achieve Planner was nothing but weak.
May be just a promo tactic. I also bought the Get Focused online course - many promises there too...

Mar 23 2012 at 10:35am Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse L.P. Not sure what the problem was for you. Others were ordering just fine. I'll send you a reply via email.

Effexis Software - Mar 26 2012 at 12:28pm Copy Link

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Elizabeth Bright I actually already own this software, so I won't be taking advantage of this offer, but I would like to say, it's been a *great* find. It was the right level of functionality and usability between the extremes of having multiple text lists or spreadsheet task lists and something completely overwhelming for a solo user like Microsoft Project. The ability to map out your work time over your calendar is a great tool and there are many tutorials and walkthroughs to help you find the best way for it to fit your needs.
I'm also one of those people to ask lots of questions about existing functionality when trying to understand a new system. Rodger was always wonderful to talk to (via emails) and very responsive to support questions/requests. I was glad I found it and was able to support the development of it!

Sep 19 2012 at 8:23am Copy Link

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Matt Hi Roger,

I downloaded the trial and read the reviews and this seems to be very nice software! The 130-page User's Manual is very impressive. I think you can tell a lot about the quality of a software title by reading its help files.

But, Achieve Planner also looks intimidating for someone like me who keeps things on scraps of paper. Can Achieve Planner's nice interface be scaled down to seem less intimidating?

Also, do you have a history of your released updates of Achieve Planner on your website? I wasn't able to find one.

When might you expect version 3 to release?

Many thanks.

Sep 19 2012 at 11:53am Copy Link

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Ric I happen to own Microsoft Project 2010 because I took a PM course. I'm just wondering (a) how it compares to MS Project, and (b) if this is a scaled-down version of MS Project? I see the calendar view down to the actual hours worked in a day in MS Project. I suppose you can see it with Achieve Planner because one has to log the hours actually worked? Can Achieve Planner open Project 2010 files? And can your files be opened by Project?

Sep 19 2012 at 1:57pm Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse @Elizabeth - Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you've found the software helpful.

@James - The interface cannot be simplified automatically, but you can close some of the tabs and remove some of the columns (Use View - Customize Current View menu item) to make it seem simpler.

We don't have any estimates on a version 3 release.

@Ric - It is a very scaled down version of MS Project. It's a personal planning tool, not a full scale PM tool. If you need to log time to the hours worked on different days, then this is not for you.

AP cannot open Project files nor export to Project. It can do full sync with Outlook.

Effexis Software - Sep 19 2012 at 2:43pm Copy Link

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Jerry S I have Achieve Planner Suite v2.2.2.0. Is this offer for the same thing?

Sep 19 2012 at 9:39pm Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse @Jerry - Yes, it's for AP 2.2

Effexis Software - Sep 19 2012 at 10:00pm Copy Link

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Alex T It's disconcerting that no updates have been made for Achieve Planner in a year.

The dev has defocused his development activites on the software, and focusing more on self-help programs.

http://www.effexis2.com/f...e09&t=3933

http://effexis2.com/forum...760&t=3956

Sep 20 2012 at 12:00am Copy Link

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Matt Thank you, Rodger for your helpful advice. I will do as you've suggested. The interface is very customizable. I'm sure I'll be purchasing soon. Thanks again.

Sep 20 2012 at 12:01am Copy Link

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Stefan Hauber Since v2 is out now for a few years, I am wondering if v3 will be appearing somewhen soon and if yes, will todays buyers get a free upgrade?

Feb 14 2013 at 1:03am Copy Link

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Frank Stephens This is great time-management software. It's not comparable to your typical calendar app / PIM. Unless something occurs at a specific time of day, I don't even use the calendar view, I much prefer to make entries in the outline view.

The link on this page just goes to a general overview:
http://www.effexis.com/ac...lanner.htm
The tour is more comprehensive:
http://www.effexis.com/ac...anized.htm
The details and manual are in the training / resource center:
http://www.effexis.com/achieve/training/

There's a ton of documentation, I haven't read through it all yet. I still say that those using multiple tools haven't set up Achieve Planner correctly. Advanced Next Actions will keep you on track, and Contexts can be used to generate To-Do lists. Google Calendar synchronization isn't very useful since outline items aren't compatible, and in any case the API appears to be out of date, exporting didn't result in any entries (and Achieve Planner is more designed to import). This is a very sophisticated product, but there is a black-box feel to the more advanced features. When I Reschedule, it ignores Deadlines, which doesn't make sense to me. I'm using unstructured time management, but I'll soon be switching over to structured.

Feb 14 2013 at 1:27am Copy Link

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Sue Long With an upgrade, it should sync with web mail accounts, such as GMail. Many people don't use Outlook any more. At my previous office, we used Groupwise.

Feb 14 2013 at 5:51am Copy Link

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Jan Winnicki I agree that Achieve Planner is a good software. The question is whether it will be further developed. Rodger, could you please take this opportunity and comment on your plans regarding AP?

Feb 14 2013 at 5:54am Copy Link

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bvssunnydale Hi, I've got to echo the previous comments about when/if the next version will be available? One critical function for me is reports and I downloaded the PDF manual (dated 2011) but very little seems to be said about reporting. I'm going to download the trial and give it a chance though..

Feb 14 2013 at 7:36am Copy Link

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Petr I have 3 questions:

#1. Will a purchase of the AP Suite here enable me to install it on two of my Windows PCs?

#2. I use Gmail and Gmail Calendar as my primary scheduling system. How does AP sync with the Gmail Calendar? Is the sync adequate for real-world use?

#3. I would like to also know the answer to a question asked above. v2 has been out for a while. What improvements are in the works? Will there be a Windows 8 New UI?

A committment to a scheduling app is a big deal. The value of the time put into entering all my appointments & recurring appointments, entering goals and milestones... out-weighs the cost of the software. I would appreciate your detailed reply. Thank you.

Feb 14 2013 at 7:37am Copy Link

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Petr I have 3 questions:

1. Will a purchase of the AP Suite here enable me to install it on two of my Windows PCs?

2. I use Gmail and Gmail Calendar as my primary scheduling system. How does AP sync with the Gmail Calendar? Is the sync adequate for real-world use?

3. I would like to also know the answer to a question asked above. v2 has been out for a while. What improvements are in the works? Will there be a Windows 8 New UI?

A committment to a scheduling app is a big deal. The value of the time put into entering all my appointments & recurring appointments, entering goals and milestones... out-weighs the cost of the software. I would appreciate your detailed reply. Thank you.

Feb 14 2013 at 7:43am Copy Link

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bvssunnydale I downloaded the trial and can't seem to type a date directly in the "deadline" field.. am I not understanding something as this seems profoundly lame (I'm a keyboard kinda guy). Thx for explaining what I'm doing wrong (when you do)..

Feb 14 2013 at 7:43am Copy Link

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Satish Singh I do not believe there is any V3 in the works or planned going by the information available in Achieve Forums and elsewhere. It seems that the develper has is now focussing on self helf programs and courses than this particular applcation. Its a very good application but without further development, it will soon be irrelevent. I would like to get comments from the developer is there is any plan to continue the development of this app before I can take a decision on adapting it.

Feb 14 2013 at 9:31am Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse @Petr

1) Yes, you can install and use on multiple PCs as long as you are the only one using it. It won't sync your data files automatically but you can use Dropbox or a flash drive to do that.

2) It supports 2-way sync with Google Calendar, no Gmail sync support.

3) We don't have plans for a V3 anytime soon. were are focusing more on web applications right now. This may include a web based version of Achieve Planner down the road, but I can't make any promises.

Effexis Software - Feb 14 2013 at 9:50am Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse @Sue - It doesn't really need syncing with email. The Outlook sync was mostly for tasks and appointments.

Effexis Software - Feb 14 2013 at 9:51am Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse @bvssunnydale - Keyboard date entry should work. Please submit a support ticket and tell me more about your OS and system.

Effexis Software - Feb 14 2013 at 9:52am Copy Link

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Rodger Constandse @Satish - We are continuing to support the software, although not planning any major new features (there are plenty of features already.) Future development will focus on more syncing options.

Effexis Software - Feb 14 2013 at 9:54am Copy Link

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Frank Stephens bvssunnydale, Achieve Planner Productivity Suite is a very sophisticated application, it definitely takes time to learn. You can search the Help for "Report". Note that what you can do depends upon the Tab which you have open and selected, row or field selected, etc. You should read the manual for basic tab / window management. Achieve Planner also assumes that people are curious and know about Windows applications, the Help assumes that you can "fill in the blanks" about using it, it glosses over details and assumes that you can figure out what to do. In addition to various Reports, the Productivity Suite also has Tracking / Metrics:
http://www.effexis.com/ac...etrics.htm

This is one of those applications which you can't really evaluate within the BDJ offering period. If the Help and / or Manual indicates that it should do what you need, even if you haven't figured it out yet, you may want to purchase it while the discount is available and figure it out later. I find that many people are unfamiliar with basic Windows operations, like multi-select, right-click context menus, etc. Much of the interface of Achieve Planner isn't obvious.

Feb 14 2013 at 10:42am Copy Link

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DroidLuvr I understand that you feel this software has enough features, so you aren't focusing on a new version, but are you planning at least updates to keep up with its ability to sync and cooperate with other programs, such as Outlook?

Also, as far as syncing, are you planning to add features to sync with mobile devices, such as my Android phone/tablet?

Feb 14 2013 at 2:33pm Copy Link

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Frank Stephens Great software, but for people who know their way around Windows, non-intuitive interface. Lots of features.

Aug 25 2013 at 12:03am Copy Link

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RichU Licensed per user... Does this mean that I can install it on my desktop and my laptop and my tablet, and use it interchangeably, as long as it only for myself?
And the follow-up, does it sync between computers?

Also, does support cease for this version when the new version comes out?

Thanks,

Aug 25 2013 at 6:33am Copy Link

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RichU Is this software modeled on the Franklin Covey Goal per Life Area idea, where you would create goals for areas such as Husband, Father, Boy Scout Leader, caregiver,
etc?

Aug 25 2013 at 6:43am Copy Link

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Bradley Grubb But does it yet sync with ANY mobile device? I looked at it 8 months ago -- even bought it -- but haven't used it because it won't sync with my iPhone or iPad. PLEASE tell me if this issue has been addressed. I would gladly pay a separate fee for either web syncing or a Win-to-iPad app!!

Thanks,
Brad

Aug 25 2013 at 8:11am Copy Link

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Mark Johnson Effexis - You might want to update your website.

Your order section states, "Achieve Productivity Suite combines our popular Achieve Planner Pro with the Goal Organizer module (a $49 value)"

Your 'Compare Editions' section states, "Goal Setting Module (a $59.97 value)".

These statements are both on the same webpage.

Aug 25 2013 at 9:34am Copy Link

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Javier Gil This software doesn't use any Gant Charts, does it?

Aug 25 2013 at 10:38pm Copy Link

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Frank Stephens FYI, Achieve Planner Productivity Suite generally doesn't synchronize, but it will import some things, such as Google Calendar. It tracks a great deal of information that calendar programs don't. The developer previously mentioned that they may do a web version, which makes more sense than apps, given the proliferation of devices. It's obviously a huge amount of code, mobile users forget that their browser still exists and websites are often a better alternative to apps. No Gantt charts.

Aug 25 2013 at 11:57pm Copy Link

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Andrew Adolph I recommend this program:
- If you are looking for something that will link your goals to your do list and calendar system to learn how better to use your time;
- If you are looking for something that will set appointments, in the form of blocks of time that you control, to minimize the time it takes to do all of those “drudgery” life tasks and maximizing amount of time you spend doing on things that expand you and make you happy.
It did take significant time to learn to use the program properly. I have used it for about six months, and I think I understand about 85% of it. What I did find lacking was that, even though it technically, qualifies as having a print function, this program will not print reports you can easily use. You have to go to the export function, which also is very limited in what it can do.
The developers of the program state that there are not any current in the works.
In closing, since beginning to use this program, and having fallen off the wagon a few times in terms of planning my time properly, I have always gone back to the Achieve Planner to pick up where I left off, and the settings I made in it to refresh my memory as to what it was I have set out to do. And by the way, it’s always enlightening and positive to see the plans you’ve already laid.
Having said that, this is a work in progress program that has not achieved its full potential yet, although is well worth the price! I give it a 4.5 out of 5.

Feb 15 2014 at 5:12pm Copy Link

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