The Tools I Come Back to Every Month
Every month, without fail, I find myself opening the same tabs. Even when I test new platforms or try different systems, I always end up right back where I started. With the tools that actually help me move.
There’s a lot of noise out there. And while some tools look cute or sound like they’ll change your life, most of them end up wasting your time or making things more complicated. I don’t have time for that. What I need are tools that keep me organized, help me think, and make it easier to actually create and not just plan to.
These are the ones that do that. Every single month.
Notion
If you’ve ever seen my brain on a bad day, then you already understand why I need Notion. It’s where I dump ideas, organize events, plan content, track goals, map out workshops... literally everything.
And the best part? You can make it work for you. I don’t need a system that tells me how to think. I need something that adapts to the chaos and still makes sense when I come back to it the next morning.
I’ve built, torn apart, and rebuilt my Notion setup at least a dozen times. That’s kind of the beauty of it. You don’t have to get it right the first time. You just need a place to start. And once you do, it becomes that thing you open before anything else.
ChatGPT
Let’s just call it what it is….my co-writer, strategist, and unofficial therapist (dont come @ me for this lol)
This tool has carried me through brain fog, burnout, and “I don’t even know what I’m trying to say” moments. I don’t use it to copy-paste a personality. I use it to get unstuck. To brainstorm. To map out ideas when I can’t see the whole picture yet.
Whether I’m writing a blog, planning a workshop, or staring at a blank screen trying to find a starting point, this is the tool that helps me get moving. It’s not magic. You still have to bring your voice. But when your brain is doing too much or not enough, this helps you sort through the noise.
And sometimes, girl, that’s exactly what you need.
Pexels
You ever scroll through a stock photo site and think, “Why does everything look like a staged HR meeting from 2009?”
That’s why I use Pexels.
The quality is good. The content feels modern. The videos actually give range. It’s my go-to for when I need a vibe check, a placeholder, a background, or something to elevate my content without pulling out a camera.
If you’re building content on a budget or just need something to fill in the gaps while still looking clean, this is the one. Trust me.
Canva
I know it’s obvious. But hear me out. Canva isn’t just for beginners. It’s for anyone who doesn’t have 3 hours to spend in Photoshop figuring out why something’s not centered.
I use it constantly. Graphics, pitch decks, IG posts, workshop materials. It’s simple, it’s clean, and it lets me make things look good fast. The brand kits, templates, resizing options - it’s all so easy.
Even when I have access to fancier tools, I end up back here because it helps me actually finish things. And honestly? That matters more than perfect design.
Final Thoughts
There are always going to be shiny new platforms. Some are worth trying. But these are the tools that show up for me month after month. They help me organize the chaos, move faster, and feel like I’m not drowning in 15 different tabs with no clear direction.
They’re not glamorous. They’re just what actually works.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, over it, or like nothing you’re using is working for you—maybe it’s time to keep it simple. Start with what’s light. What helps you think clearly. What makes things easier, not harder.
Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t to use more tools. The goal is to move. To build. To get the ideas out of your head and into the world. And if these can help you do that? Even better.
