Notes: I have moved away from integrated note databases like those shown. After going through experiences with databases that got too large to sync to my devices and too slow to search, and then getting stuck in a database with no export abilities, I explored all of the popular options and decided to stick with storing notes in my file system folder structure. So all written content gets saved to pdf, docx, or text/md in the appropriate client, project, or subject folder. Mac's spotlight search is great at finding files quickly. They are in Dropbox, so they are available across all of my devices. I share stuff to Apple Notes to collect them quickly, but move them out of there into my file system.
Goal and task management: Todoist is my go to. Quick and easy to get stuff into from the web, email, or on the fly with a keystroke shortcut. I can also import a hundred tasks at a time from a template. Best task management system I've ever had. I also use a paper planner and Excel to stay on top of yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily goal planning. Completed pages get scanned and filed in my filing system for future reference.
Communication: I go a couple of directions on this one. I have always used Microsoft Office in business life, but as I am venturing out on my own, I have been trying to break away from Microsoft products. I tried LibreOffice for a few months but ran into some issues with it. So for the time being, I am using Word and Excel where necessary.
I am using a markdown editor, Notebooks, for my creative writing. I can write the chapters in individual markdown files (which can be read in any text editor) and compile them into a book and convert to docx when it is time to send it to my editor. I can use wiki style links to link notes back and forth for my story bible and research notes. Markdown has some great application.
Journaling: My daily reflective journal is in Apple Notes, handwritten with the Apple Pencil. After that, they each get converted to a pdf file saved in Dropbox, same as everything else. I can include photos and other content. Other lists, meeting notes, etc. get typed quickly into Apple Notes and saved to docx. Any notes in my paper planner get scanned and saved as pdf files.
