A short list of things that stay out of my way
I spend a lot of time writing, thinking, revising, and untangling ideas—often at the same time.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best tools for this kind of work don’t promise speed, hacks, or productivity miracles. They do something much simpler (and rarer): they don’t interrupt the thinking.
This page is a curated list of tools I actually use—or have used long enough to trust—for writing and sense-making. It isn’t exhaustive. It isn’t optimized for clicks. It’s a record of judgment.
Some links are affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you choose to use them. I only include tools I would still recommend without compensation, and I try to be explicit about tradeoffs so you can decide for yourself.
If You Only Pick One Thing
If you only pick one thing from this list, start here:
A simple, distraction-free writing environment you’ll actually return to.
Everything else is secondary.
Writing Drafts (Getting Words Out of Your Head)
Google Docs
Why I use it:
It’s invisible infrastructure. It opens quickly, syncs automatically, and never asks me to think about formatting while I’m drafting. That’s exactly what I want at the early stages.
What it’s good at:
- Fast drafting
- Collaboration
- Low friction between idea → words
Tradeoffs:
It’s not ideal for long-term knowledge management or deep linking between ideas. I don’t try to make it do that job.
Thinking, Notes, and Long-Term Ideas
Obsidian
Why I trust it:
Obsidian stores notes as plain text files on my own machine. That matters. My ideas aren’t trapped in a proprietary system, and I can move or back them up however I want.
More importantly, it encourages connections, not just storage.
What it’s good at:
- Long-term thinking
- Linking ideas across time
- Building a personal knowledge base that grows with you
Tradeoffs:
There’s a learning curve. If you want instant structure without thinking about structure, this may frustrate you. I see that friction as a feature.
AI as a Thinking Partner (Not a Replacement)
ChatGPT
How I use it:
I don’t ask it to “write for me.” I use it to:
- Clarify arguments
- Surface assumptions
- Test counter-positions
- Generate drafts I can react to
Used this way, it behaves less like a tool and more like a mirror.
What it’s good at:
- Sense-making
- Revision support
- Breaking stuck thinking
Tradeoffs:
It will confidently produce mediocre output if you let it. The quality of the results depends almost entirely on the quality of the questions you ask.
My rule: If I wouldn’t sign my name to it, it doesn’t get published.
Light Organization (Without Productivity Theater)
Notion
Why I use it sparingly:
Notion shines when you keep it simple. I use it for:
- Content planning
- Project lists
- Reference pages I actually revisit
I don’t try to build a “second brain,” life dashboard, or everything system. That way lies procrastination disguised as organization.
Tradeoffs:
It’s very easy to overbuild and never do the work. Discipline matters more than templates.
Analog Tools That Still Matter
A notebook you like writing in
I still think on paper. Slowly. Imperfectly.
The specific brand matters less than this question:
Does it invite you back, or make you hesitate?
If it invites you back, it’s doing its job.
What This List Is (and Isn’t)
This list is:
- Opinionated
- Incomplete
- Shaped by how I actually work
It is not:
- A “best tools” roundup
- A productivity system
- Advice you must follow
If one of these tools reduces friction in your thinking or writing, that’s a win. If none of them fit your context, that’s also fine.
Where to Go Next
- [My Favorite Gear] — the full hub page
- Tools for Educators (coming next)
- Tools I Tried and Stopped Using (forthcoming, for balance)
A Note on Trust
I include affiliate links where appropriate. I don’t hide that. I also don’t pretend tools are neutral or perfect.
Trust compounds slowly. I’m playing the long game.