The tools that keep working when I can't
Claude is the hub. Every tool below connects to it through MCP — which is what actually lets a four-hour day work: briefings run, drafts get written, tasks move, even on the days rehab takes priority and there isn't four hours to give.
Tools marked MCP connect directly to Claude — no copying and pasting between apps. Some links below are also affiliate links; I only list tools I use myself.
Claude
The hubAnthropic's AI assistant — and the hub every other tool on this page connects to.
Why I use it
This is the centre of the system, not just another tool. Every other name on this page connects to Claude through MCP — the protocol that lets it actually read my tasks, check my calendar, pull a highlight, or post in Slack, instead of me shuttling information between apps by hand. That's what makes it possible for work to keep moving on the days rehab takes priority and there isn't four hours to give — briefings still run, drafts still get written, nothing waits on me being at my desk.
Readwise
MCPSave and resurface your best reading highlights across books, articles, and newsletters.
Why I use it
This is the first app I recommend to any creator. I use Readwise to capture highlights from everything I read and surface them again when they're relevant. When you have limited energy, retaining what you learn matters more than reading volume.
✦ Readers get double the usual free trial length
Try Readwise →DEVONthink
MCPA powerful document and knowledge management tool for Mac. Stores, searches, and connects everything.
Why I use it
DEVONthink is where I keep everything that matters — research, references, client notes, ideas. It's not the prettiest tool, but it's reliable and searchable in a way nothing else I've tried matches.
Capacities
MCPA networked notes app built around objects — people, projects, ideas — rather than flat documents.
Why I use it
I use Capacities for connected thinking — when I'm working out how ideas relate to each other, not just storing them. It replaced Tana for me because it's calmer to use and gets out of my way.
TickTick
MCPA fast to-do list and task manager with reminders, habit tracking, and calendar views built in.
Why I use it
TickTick is where the Three Ds actually happen day to day — quarterly objectives broken into weekly and daily tasks I can trust. It's quick enough to capture things without breaking focus, which matters when you've only got four hours to work with.
Slack
MCPTeam messaging and channels — where client and project conversations happen.
Why I use it
Slack is where Digital Drift work happens in real time — client threads, project channels, quick decisions. I keep it deliberately separate from email so focused work doesn't get interrupted by it.
Canva
MCPDrag-and-drop design tool for social graphics, book covers, and anything that needs to look intentional, fast.
Why I use it
I'm not a designer, and Canva means I don't need to be one to put out something that looks considered — from the book cover through to weekly social graphics. It's fast enough to fit inside a four-hour day.
Fantastical
MCPA calendar app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad with natural-language event creation and multiple views.
Why I use it
Fantastical is where the four-hour day gets protected. Every commitment goes in through natural language in seconds, and the week view is what tells me honestly whether I've overcommitted before it's too late.
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