Tools

I used to adopt tools with the mindset that they were the key to getting what I wanted.  I was disappointed every time. Tools are only as good as the operator and only useful if they make the work, easier, faster, more efficient, or more enjoyable.  If that's not the case then they aren't tools.

These are a few of the tools that work for me.

750 Words

The best way to become a better writer it write.  This web app takes Jerry Seinfeld's don't break the chain concept and combines it with morning pages.  I write 750 works most weekdays.  Not only is it a great way for me process but my writing has improved dramatically over a short period of time.

Grammarly

I was never very good in the english department.  I mostly "C'd" my way through required english.  Grammerly is a great web application that does a stellar job helping me through some of my problem areas.  I also love the weekly email they send summarizing how many words I've written, my top three grammatical mistakes, and a comparison with past weeks.

Notes

This is the native Apple note taking app.  I switched to Notes after using Evernote for years because Evernote started limited the number of devices I could use.  I use notes because I have access to it everywhere I am.  I use notes to write everything outside of my morning writing.  It's my GTD inbox.

Meditation

I've always loved the idea of meditation but I only recently started implementing it.  Part of the reason I started to implement it was because of this video from Tim Ferriss and Chase Jarvis.  No matter the reason I can tell you that the benefits have been great.  Here are some of the apps that I use.

Sleep Mask

I started using a sleep mask shortly after I started meditating and writing everyday.  It has made a huge difference in the depth of my sleep.  I upgraded from a cheap $2 Walmart sleep mask to this silk beauty after breaking out all over my forehead.  It's a little strange to get used to but completely worth it.

Bullet Journal

My girlfriend in high school bought me a notebook to carry around so that I could write anytime anywhere.  Since then I have been an advocate of writing.  I have tried a million different productivity methods to keep me on task.  The Bullet Journal has been the most effective for me.  It might be my age and I'm finally ready to get things done, but I love that it can be customized to my needs.

Notebook

I am currently using this notebook, but have plans to try out one of these when I'm done.  The thing I love about the Bullet Journal is that I can use any notebook I want.

Pen

Like productivity system I have used a million different kinds of pens too.  I have most recently been converted to this one.

Canva

Sometimes I need/want to do some design work.  While I know how to use the Adobe Suite Canva makes designing for the web easy.

Snapspeed

I ended up getting a minor in art because I always wanted to take pictures.  I never ended up taking a photography class.  I have a nice camera but forget it all the time.  99% of my photos are taken from my phone.  The difference between good photos and great photos is the editing.  Snapspeed makes editing easy, if you've never editing a photo before.  It doesn't take long to figure it out.

Alton Brown

Cooking was always a mystery to me.  I hated following a recipe because that's the way it was written.  Alton Brown's Good Eats changed everything for me.  His approach to food is brilliant.  Whenever I want to cook something I start with Alton Brown.
Wade Arave
​Copyright 2021