It would take forever to describe all the software I use regularly, but here's the stuff I consider to be most important...

Principles 📖

I try to keep things as simple as possible when it comes to the software I use. This hasn't always been the case, but I'm now using these principles to guide my decisions:

1. Prefer web-based tools to installable tools. Tha ability to log in and work on any machine is huge, and reduces reliance on my laptop.

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   I’m reconsidering this principle at the moment for some things after working more with local plain-text files.

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2. Use the right tool for the job, but balance against the complexity cost of introducing a new tool.

3. Prefer default configs over complicated custom setups.

Core Stuff 📕

These tools form the base on which most of my other stuff works. I use them every day.

• Google Suite - I use GSuite email and calendaring. Most of my important stuff lives on Google Drive, synced to my laptop. I use Notion Mail & Notion Calendar as my main email and calendar apps.
• Notion - My external brain. Everything that can lives in here.
• Obsidian - I’m slowly switching much of my system from Notion to Obsidian so I own my data and can use local AI tools with it.
• 1Password - Security is not a dirty word. I rely on 1Password to manage my passwords and some other security stuff.
• **Readwise Reader** - I use Reader to save everything I want to read or listen to later, and also to keep highlights of stuff I read and synchronise them between other devices and apps.

General 📔

These tools have a supporting role, and I couldn't do without them. I happily pay for many of these.

• ChatGPT & Claude Desktop - I use these much like everyone else.
• **YNAB** - Manages all my budgeting stuff. I use this in conjunction with my banking app, Monzo. It's awesome.
• NordVPN - My VPN on all my devices.
• Cal.com - I use this for scheduling meetings and whatnot.
• Loom - Sharing short videos. I use this all the time.
• Figma - Replaced Sketch in 2019 and Miro in 2022. I use FigJam to run nearly all my workshops, and also as a visual place to think.
• DNSimple - Manages my domains and DNS.