Books (and tools) that I love…
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My goal is to share tools I use regularly and books that have inspired me or changed the way I think. I have personal experience with every item on this page and make these recommendations in hopes you will love the way they help you, too.
If you’re interested in learning more about any/all of the items below, please let me know and I will consider creating tutorials or deeper reviews.
Tools I swear by and use daily…
Timers
These visual timers are all over my house. I use them as a focus cue. If I want to clean my kitchen, but don’t feel like it, I’ll set it for 10 min. Sometimes that’s all I need to get going. Likewise, I set it for work tasks. Process email for 30 min. Keeps me on track and helps gamify more tedious tasks.
Timers
This is the kind I use in my kitchen. It has magnets on the back and goes up to 90 minutes. It lives permanently on my fridge. An unexpected benefit of using these timers is I get a solid sense of how long things take me and can later plan to allow that time.
Headphones
These are the exact wireless over-ear noise canceling headphones I have right now from years ago, so I can recommend them in earnest, but any wireless over-ear headphones that work in your budget and taste would do the trick.
This is a crucial tool for me to do my deep work. These allow me to block out the external world and enter hyper-focus mode. My favorite thing to do is play one song on repeat, or use nature sounds.
Dry Erase Board
I love this dry erase board to keep my weekly and daily big three tasks in eyeline through the day and week. I also track any new habits I’m trying to incorporate. Keeping goals highly visible is key for my focus. Looking at this regularly keeps me on task with what my prefrontal cortex wanted to accomplish.
The ScanSnap
This is a pricey investment indeed, but the ScanSnap remains to be one of my most-used, best-loved tools on my desk. It is a beast of a scanner and handles any and all (aside from oversized) documents flawlessly and quickly. It is a great tool for the paperless life and makes digitial organization fun and easy! I have the IX1500, but there are other ScanSnap options.
Label Maker
Even though I aim to be mostly paperless, I still have some physical files and binders, etc. Having a good label maker has been a great way of getting organized (shout out to David Allen!).
I am embarrassed to admit I have three label makers, but this is my favorite for ease of use and options. You can knock out a bunch of labels quickly from your computer keyboard, as opposed to pressing buttons on the manual devices.
I even do address labels come holiday time with this trusty gal. There are label options, and the filing folder labels work great, too. I have the 450 Turbo, but looks like they are discontinuing it so it’s pricey. I haven’t used the 550 Turbo, but the 450 is fab.
Laminator
If you haven’t gathered it so far, I’m a nerd for organization. This laminator is used regularly in my home. At a low price point, it was the kind of purchase that once I got it, I asked myself why I hadn’t bought it earlier.
I laminate my nightly checklists, reference docs (such as a list of recurring task lists), calendars, etc. I like the notecard sized pouches as well.
The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck
My favorite and most used deck, I love pulling a card for myself or others just to get thinking or inspired. I either pull one or three for past, present, future. Whatever my mood allows. Almost everything in this deck is positive, and the illustrations and writing are beautiful. Also makes a gorgeous gift!
ReMarkable
A writing/reading tablet to get you organized and make packing a cinch.
I used to be a person who had a drawer full of notebooks. One for business ideas, one for this or that course, one for journaling, etc. Enter the ReMarkable.
This is one of my all-time favorite things I own. It changed the way I take notes and I am able to stay better organized and actually find notes again when I need them (there is a file folder system). It has also changed the way I travel – less stuff to pack!
It has a paper-like writing feel, and everyone I’ve talked into getting one loves and uses theirs, too. It also works as a reader. And bonus, you can sign documents. There is an App that goes on your computer and mobile making import/export a breeze.
Apps that are *chef’s kiss*…
Sanebox
Email management made easy. When I first installed this, I breathed a GASP of relief. It is trainable and reduces email clutter exceptionally.
Check it out and let me know how you feel if you install it!
Asana
A fabulous way to get your task lists out of your head and into a system that will keep it safe for you. Works beautifully for a team and is a feature-rich program I’ve used at two companies now.
I currently use a free version of this – has fewer features, but I can still accomplish a lot.
Let me know if you’re interested in a more detailed tutorial!
TextExpander
This is a tool that allows you to create shortcuts to something as simple as a date all the way to a detailed email response. Cuts time significantly. You can get as thorough in your creations as you want.
Spark Mail
I love this email client used in conjunction with SaneBox. I can see all my email addresses in one place, export tasks directly to Asana, and Archive/Delete with the swipe of my mouse.
Learn more about them here.
Zoom
Use it all day, e’ery day! I love the features and capabilities with Zoom. I feel like this is a program that was built specifically for video conferencing. Their White Board is a helpful tool, and the recording quality works for what I need!
Here’s a link for 30% off of Zoom Pro if you find yourself needing it!
OmmWriter
I love this app. I use it primarily for my daily thought downloads (similar to morning pages). Any type of journaling is great on here!
Some of the books that have inspired me and/or changed the way I think…
Getting Things Done by David Allen
This is the book that started it all for me. I read it in 2008 and never looked back again. I can still remember ordering a Hon filing cabinet, manila folders, and a label maker to be delivered to my NYC apartment as I revamped my entire filing system. I’ve reread this book two times, and there are concepts I still use daily. Some of these concepts are:
Brain dumps – getting things out of our heads and onto paper (our minds are good at thinking, but terrible at remembering)l.
The importance of a creating a system you trust and will therefore use.
Using waiting for as its own list.
Completing tasks that take under two minutes immediately.
The benefit of a someday list.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Marie Kondo. This book got me so excited about my first huge cleanout of things around my home that were neither sparking joy nor serving me. Since my first cleanout, I have remained organized and even did professional organizing for some time. Our spaces (home, office, you name it) have a huge impact on our mental wellness. The more my desk or home is a sanctuary, the better my overall happiness is. There are studies on this, but suffice it to say, I get more done when I start at a clean desk, and I enjoy my rest more when my space feels like a sanctuary and sparks joy.
Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
This was my first Michael Hyatt book, and ultimately what led me to join Business Accelerator (his leadership program at the time). Key takeaways I had:
We think time and energy are flexibile – the idea that if we can expand our workday 20% and accomplish 20% more, however time is fixed and energy is finite.
To maximize our focus/productivity, we must incorporate ample rejuvenation and play time (when creative ideas flow).
Introduction to Hyatt’s “Freedom Compass” which helps you identify what you both love and excel at, and prioritze those tasks.
The magic of the “Big Three” and ideal week/intro to batch working.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Hands down, my habits guru. This book is incredible and enjoyable to read. The things I remember most:
Establishing habits and habit stacks to achieve the positive changes you’re wanting in your life.
Getting 1% better every day will create exponential growth long-term. Making small improvements can yield big results in the long run (as an all-or-nothing kinda gal, this is mind blowing when I really think about it).
Making habits easy using Clear’s two-minute rule. If we can get a habit started, we will be more successful at sticking to it.
Identity-based habits vs outcome-based habits. Changing your identity makes it easier to change your actions. Ex: I am someone who loves to cook healthy meals VS. I want to lose 20 pounds.
Check the price on Amazon.
Also, I look forward to his free newsletter weekly. Sign up here.
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
What really started it all for me was the podcast more than the book. Find his podcast wherever you listen or here.
