7 tools that quietly improved my life

Summary of the 7 “quiet” life-improving tools

1) Tremol e-ink display (calendar on your desk) - Replaces constant calendar checking by showing your schedule in an always-glanceable e-ink screen. - Key benefits: - Avoids distractions from calendar apps/widgets on your phone/computer - No touchscreen/buttons to fiddle with—setup once, then it refreshes a couple times per day - No subscription fee and little maintenance after setup - Use cases mentioned: - Display your calendar (quickly see the next hour / next week) - Optionally display Shopify YouTube analytics or sleep metrics (e.g., “8 Sleep” score) - Result: reduced visual clutter and stopped needing to keep a calendar app open. - Notes: clear case version used; device is open source with plugins.

2) Copilot (all-in-one budgeting + finance tracker) - Connects to bank and investment accounts, then aggregates: - assets, income, and expenses - Key payoff: - Found recurring subscriptions being charged even after canceling - Helped track spending clearly and “save thousands” (and potentially improve income) - Main features mentioned: - Recurring subscription tracking (find forgotten/duplicate charges) - Investment UI that makes cost basis and performance comparison easy - New feature: savings goals with automation to reach a target by a date - Pricing/value: clear pricing, no hidden fees or upsells; promoted with a 2-month free trial (sponsored).

3) Timelines (time/attention tracking to beat procrastination) - Uses timers to track where attention actually goes (not just what you plan). - Approach described: start a timer when you begin meaningful focus (work, social time, reading, etc.). - What it helps with: - Reveals gaps between intentions and real time spent - Builds awareness that makes procrastination easier to correct - Automations mentioned: - Link to calendar events for auto-tracking - Connect a sleep tracker to log sleep hours - Output: weekly/monthly breakdown (e.g., pie chart of attention allocation).

4) Pocket notebook (Field Notes-style) for fleeting ideas - Purpose: capture thoughts and to-dos immediately when inspiration hits. - Why it’s emphasized: - Reduces friction vs. pulling out a phone and later forgetting notes - Supports more spontaneous expression than a phone app (scribbles, sketches, numbers) - Specific product/customizations mentioned: - Field Notes Hard Cover for portability/build - Pen attached to the notebook - Added: - Maxi ring for stand use - Smart tracker taped on the back (to find it if lost) - Tip from someone: rip out page corners after finishing so the current page is easier to find - Extra rationale: inspired by Leonardo da Vinci notebooks; referenced advice to always carry a pocket notebook.

5) Laptop stand (ergonomics for MacBook users) — Magix - Addresses neck strain caused by laptop screens being below eye level. - Key details: - Metal stand attached to the back of the laptop (no daily setup/removal) - Goal: top of monitor at eye level - Adjustable angles; designed to be sturdy and more aesthetic than typical Amazon options

6) Dedicated MP3 player (distraction-free audio) - Noted as a discontinued “iPod Nano-like” device, but the concept is to use a dedicated MP3 player rather than infinite-scroll apps. - How it’s used for flow: - Pre-load: - white noise / brown noise / low-fi beats for focus - favorite songs, audiobooks, and sometimes videos for walks/workouts - Why it works: - More intentional than Spotify/YouTube feeds - Helps prevent rabbit holes while working out or walking - Sourcing mentioned: - Find the discontinued model on eBay - Or get a basic MP3 player for around $20 on Amazon

7) Whiteboard stickers (keep goals top-of-mind) — $3 tool - Used when routines/diets fail due to simply forgetting busy periods—not lack of discipline. - Main method: - Put reminder stickers in high-visibility places (room/kitchen/behind office areas) - Write habit rules, diet reminders, or checklists directly where you’ll see them daily - Examples given: - Kitchen diet plan reminders: what to eat / what not to eat - Habit rule: no social media until 12:00 p.m. - Checklist example behind a desk/video setup area (similar to standardized Japanese workplace checklists) - Purpose: adds “spatial awareness” so goals aren’t just remembered mentally or stored in a phone.

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Notable locations, products, and speakers mentioned

Locations

• Los Angeles (speaker mentions living there)

Speakers/creators

• Ryan Culp (Tremol creator)
• Rob Dierderick (podcast guest; founder related to Momentous Supplements)
• Benjamin Franklin (quoted about tools/investing in “tools of your own trade”)
• Leonardo da Vinci (notebook inspiration)
• Andrew Huberman (referenced via Momentous Supplements mention)

Products/brands

• Tremol (e-ink display)
• Copilot (finance/budget app)
• Timelines (time/attention tracking app)
• Field Notes (pocket notebook style)
• Magix (laptop stand)
• MP3 player / iPod Nano (concept) (distraction-free audio)
• Whiteboard stickers (goal/habit reminders)
• Mentions of Shopify, YouTube analytics, and 8 Sleep (optional Tremol displays)