STEP 3 — Tools
Tools that do the heavy lifting for your brain
A calm, curated toolkit for neurodivergent humans who want less chaos, more done — without wrestling with complicated apps or 50-tab overwhelm.
Below you’ll find the core tools I actually use, plus a few carefully chosen alternatives. No giant “500 tools” list, just a small stack that plays nicely together and won’t flood your brain with options.
Dave’s core toolkit
Start with these 5 tools
These are the tools I reach for every day. They’re simple, flexible, and friendly for a wandering, wired, or easily-overwhelmed brain.
Notion
Your second brain for everything (that you can’t hold in your first brain).
I use Notion as a calm digital brain: tasks, notes, routines, and plans all in one place. It’s endlessly flexible, which means you can start super simple and only add complexity if and when your brain asks for it.
Google Calendar
A gentle time anchor so days don’t disappear.
I don’t use my calendar as a military schedule. I use it as an anchor: a few key appointments, time blocks for deep work, and gentle reminders so I don’t live permanently in “I’ll do it later” mode.
Todoist
A low-friction task list that doesn’t shout at you.
A good task manager should feel like a helpful list, not a disappointed boss. I keep a short Today list, a simple Upcoming view, and use labels sparingly so I’m never drowning in red overdue badges.
Readwise Reader
Catch, keep, and actually remember the good stuff you read.
Instead of 43 open tabs, everything I want to read goes into one calm inbox. I highlight the bits my future self will care about and send them into Notion so they’re easy to find when I’m working on something.
Breath or sound app (e.g. Calm, Insight Timer, Endel)
Quick nervous system resets for when your brain is buzzing.
When my brain starts racing, I don’t negotiate with it — I give it a 2–5 minute reset: breathing, soundscapes, or simple body scans. These micro-pauses help me actually *use* my tools instead of doom-scrolling.
Choose what you need help with
Pick a lane, not a hundred tabs
Instead of hunting through endless lists, start with the thing you’re struggling with right now.
View Tools →
View Tools →
View Tools →
View Tools →
Before you download another app
A calmer way to choose your tools
Most people don’t fail because they pick the wrong tool — they fail because they try to learn five tools at once.
You don’t need a perfect system. You need a tiny, gentle one that works today.
Start with the smallest tool that solves your next step — not your whole life.
Here’s the approach I recommend:
1) Pick one tool for planning
Something simple to capture what’s in your head.
2) Pick one tool for reminders
A calendar or task app that gently nudges you — not shouts at you.
3) Pick one tool for focus
A timer, soundscape, or blocker that helps you start.
Stop there.
Use these three consistently for 7–14 days before adding anything else.
Your brain doesn’t need more features.
It needs less friction.
Ready to put your tools to work?
Start building the system that supports your brain
You don’t need to do this alone. Whether you’re starting from scratch or rebuilding a calmer, simpler setup, I’ll show you the easiest path forward — one small step at a time.
You don’t need a perfect system. You need a tiny, gentle one that works today.
Start with the smallest tool that solves your next step — not your whole life.
Here’s the approach I recommend:
1) Pick one tool for planning
Something simple to capture what’s in your head.
2) Pick one tool for reminders
A calendar or task app that gently nudges you — not shouts at you.
3) Pick one tool for focus
A timer, soundscape, or blocker that helps you start.
Stop there.
Use these three consistently for 7–14 days before adding anything else.
Your brain doesn’t need more features.
It needs less friction.
“You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a little support.”
I’m glad you’re here. One step is enough.