5 Tools I Couldn't Live Without

[Reading Time: 4 minutes]
[Vibing Time: ∞]

We are talking about tools I use every single day and how I use them.

Tools so good I take them for granted. These aren’t complex productivity systems.

Just damn good tools.

1. Figma

Figma is my visual journal. I use it for everything. From brainstorms, visuals, presentations, mood boards to planning home renovation projects.

Figma is versatile, easy to learn and collaborative.

Plan: $12/mo
I used Figma for free for years. I just converted to the paid plan for collaborations and project files.

Workflow Tip:
FigJam on iPad & Desktop: I put my iPad Pro with Apple Pencil on my desk with the same FigJam on my desktop. I can seamlessly switch from typing to drawing in the same document, which is ideal for ideation.

2. CleanShot X

I use CleanShot 10+ times a day. It is the ultimate screen capturing tool. It’s 50 tools in one. I used it for many of the visuals while writing this.

My favorite features are record screen as a gif, scrolling capture, record a talking head video, quick annotations.

Plan: $29 One-time payment

Workflow Tip:
You can set your screenshot destination so your desktop does not become a screenshot graveyard. Automatically add screenshot to your clipboard for rapid sharing.

CleanShot makes my life easier.

3. MyMind

MyMind is my second brain. When I see, read, or hear something online, I add it to MyMind.

MyMind is beautifully designed with a seamless Chrome Extension and Mobile app that make saving and organizing a second nature. I have tried to set up second brain systems in Apple Notes, Notion, Evernote… failed every single time. Those systems aren’t dynamic and become out of sync without routine maintenance.

MyMind eliminates that. I tell everyone I know about MyMind, so I am telling you too.

Plan: Free

Workflow Tip:
Set up a tagging system and smart spaces for easy discovery of your past thoughts.

4. Snipd

Snipd is the podcast player I didn’t know I needed. I used to take a screenshot of my podcast player to record important time stamps. It was a disaster.

With Snipd, I can quickly capture small segments of podcasts to save or share. Stop sending friends 2 hour podcasts links. Send them snips. They’ll love you (and actually listen to it)

It’s a game-changer for me.

Plan: Free

Workflow Tip:
Use Snipd + MyMind to automatically save podcast notes on the go in under 1 minute. This is my single favorite workflow.

5. ToteBook Journal

I love analog, especially in an overwhelmingly digital world.
ToteBook by StudioNeat + Sharpie Pens are the best analog combo in the game.

ToteBook comes in 2 sizes with a smooth soft back cover, dot grid, and spine stickers. The paper is soft-white wood-free 100 GSM and a dream to write on.

The lay-flat binding is underrated.

I buy Totebooks in bulk.

Price: $10/journal

Workflow Tip:
Journal often. Write out your thoughts.

If you have any questions about how I use these tools, shoot me a reply. If you want more in-depth workflow walk-throughs, let me know.

CURATED VIBES

A safe space for premium vibes. The best People / Places / Things from the week:

→ Brand to Watch: Carte Blanche
Carte Blanche turns 1 year old. Exhibit 009 “Greatest hits” launches Aug 29th. The aesthetic, ethos, and mission are dialed.
Doers: Adam Wilbanks & Louis Leidenfrost
Where: Atlanta
[Watch]

→ How to start an audience from scratch (ft. Eric Siu )
The playbook to unlock discoverability and get eyeballs.
“Create content that you genuinely enjoy creating and you will become good overtime. Guaranteed.”
[Learn]

→ The Boring Business Stack
Criteria for the perfect ‘boring’ business. Boring businesses are the future.
[Read]

→ Vanguard Cash Plus Account: 4.70% Savings Account
Make cash work for you. Starting at 4.70% APY. $0 Fees. This is a pilot offer. Worth keeping an eye on.
[Save]

→ Printing Money selling Dad Hats: Simple Ad, Big Cash
A simple ad, made on Canva, makes money. Show the product, Tell who its for. Profit.
Doer: Bart
Where: Seattle
[Print]

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