25 High ROI Tools that will Improve Your Life
Max Productivity? Increased Personal Power? 10x ROI?
Are these just catch-phrases used by life coaches or can we ham & eggers enjoy these benefits too? I believe we can.
My dad always used to say, “Son, use the right tool, and the job becomes easy.” Unfortunately I didn’t pay much attention enough attention to his advice as a kid — and I ended up making my life a lot harder than it needed to be. Luckily, I’ve since learned the error of my ways. I now regularly accept advice and I’m always on the lookout for the right tools.
This past year I tried lots of new things — my wife even began calling me “Shortcut Stoppa” as I sought to build up an arsenal of productivity tools that could help me improve all areas of my life. Sure things didn’t always work out, but that didn’t stop me from continuing to experiment. And now I’d like to report back to you what I learned.
Here then are 25 tools that have made a real difference for me. A la Tim Ferris, I was a human guinea pig for every one of the items on this list —some are strange, some are not, but all of them work. Every single item has been personally validated by me. I wonder, how many of them will help YOU too?
Important Notes:
- Disclaimers: I’m not being compensated in any way for any item on this list. I actually DO use these items and truly believe in them, so have confidence that my recommendations are trustworthy.
- I’m going to assume you already know how great MEDIUM.COM is — that goes without saying, right? :)
25 Tools that Made a Difference in my Life
#1. A Bed of Nails
This product goes by many names but it’s basically an acupressure mat. Lay on this thing (skin to mat) and you’ll experience a gamut of sensations.
Is there pain? Yes. It hurts (especially if you lay on the mat without a shirt and with a hard floor underneath — but seriously if you are gonna do it you gotta go ‘all in’ if you wanna get the highest ROI).
The good news? Get through the first 5 minutes and you’ll be over the hump — on the way to a state of bliss. After 20–30 minutes, you’ll reach a state of ‘gelatinous euphoria’ where the cares of the world melt away. I love my mat so much I have a small travel size I take with me.
- Pro Tip: Combo this with your favorite meditation and it’s an out of body experience.
#2. Specialty Teas
I discovered the world of ‘teas with a purpose’ this year at Sprouts and I can’t believe it took me so long to find them! Teas like Belly Comfort, Serene Slumber, Liver Detox, and more are my favorites. There’s even one for Gas Relief and would you believe it really works?!? I now drink 2–4 cups of tea a day with a specific purpose in mind (starting the day/energy, post-meal, stress relief, bedtime, etc). Even when I travel I take a few with me. My current favorite brands are Traditional Medicinals and Lifestyle Awareness.
#3. The Working Man’s “SMART” Morning Ritual
AM Routines are nothing new, but I’m thrilled to report that my productivity and focus went through the roof after heard about a new version of the Morning Routine from Tim Ferris’s book The Tools of Titans. After experimenting with Tim’s ideas, I modified them to create a version that is specifically targeted at worker bee’s like me who still have 9–5 jobs, families, are just not yet in a position to spend 4 hours each morning on our AM Rituals — we need routines which are both realistic and achievable for us. We need a Morning Routine that is S-M-A-R-T (specific/simple, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound). Want to know more? Check out my post on Medium about this topic.
#4. Daylio (app)
I wrote about this on Medium.com already. This is a mobile app that is use for tracking my daily activities. It’s easy to use, it’s free, and you can modify the activities to fit your needs. It allows me to rate how I felt each day (awesome, good, average, not good, awful) AND it lets me get granular with specific activities — would you believe I’m currently tracking 64 different daily activities? Because it’s so easy to use, it provides an efficient way for me to keep an on-the-go de-facto daily journal about life.
What I love about this app is that is shows me trends — for the day, month, and even the year. This allows me to VISUALLY SEE if I am living a life that’s in balance or if I’m too heavy in one area vs another. I’ve used this app every single day this year and the feedback it’s providing is invaluable!
5–9. Google Apps (Supercharge your Productivity!)
I love Google products because they allow me the ability to do some level of customization to make them fit my needs (unlike Apple which frustratingly is more of an ‘as is and that’s all there is’ system).
Besides GMAIL (which goes without saying) and Maps (which I still prefer over Waze), there are a few more Google apps that I use every day — these includes Keep, Drive, Online Office Suite, Calendar, and Launcher. This combo of apps supercharges my productivity. Additionally, because I use Google for pretty much everything, all my stuff is connected between my various mobiles and laptops so I can access it anywhere.
- I use Keep to create a series of ‘to do’ lists and use the Keep widget to show them on various home pages of my phone so that I have them ‘always up’ and thus always on my mind. I find that Keep is a simpler version of other apps like Wanderlist. I don’t need a lot of complication. I just need to SEE the tasks so I can be reminded to DO them.
- I use the Google Online Office Suite of apps as a free replacement for Microsoft Office. It’s compatible with M-Office (so you can read/create/modify back/forth). It’s free. It’s auto-updated (so you always have latest version). You can easily share files with co-workers and even work on the same doc at the same time). Your files are automatically stored on Google Drive.
- Pro Tip: make your files available ‘offline’ if you’ll be in an area without connectivity.
- I use Google Drive to store all my stuff — not just my G-Suite files but EVERYTHING on all my computers, phones, etc. Google Drive (via Google Backup) now even connects to my laptop hard drive to allow me to work on my laptop files from anywhere too. It’s easy to share files with family/friends as needed (and know when they access it). It’s easy to organize things. And storage is free up to 15 GB. With additional storage at very reasonable rates (100 GB for $2/mo or 1TB for $10/mo).
- I use the Google Calendar mainly because the android widget is great — I can see my calendar (I like the month view) on my phone WITHOUT having to open the app (I’m calling you out, Apple!) and that little step makes the calendar so much more valuable to me. Additionally, the benefit of the Google Calendar is that it is already connected to my Gmail and my Launcher so I’m also reminded on both of these other apps of important calendar events.
- Pro Tip: the reminders on the Launcher are especially great for airline flights and hotel reservations — I can see the specifics of my reservation, flight number, gate, location, directions, etc — all on my Google Launcher automatically — without needing to search for them).
- I use the Google Launcher as my primary phone interface — it’s connectivity with the rest of my G-suite items makes it uber-useful and the assistant is really functional. I was first introduced to it when I was a member of Google Fi (phone service) and I loved it. Later when I got the newest galaxy phone I tried the latest samsung interface (Bixby) but was sorely disappointed. Google Launcher is simply superior in terms of functionality, ease of use, and usefulness.
10. Tools of Titans book
I happened to see a post from Tim Ferris on LinkedIn one day and he was offering this book on kindle for $4. Having read the 4-Hour Workweek I was already a fan so I bit on the $4 book and I’m glad I did.
I kid you not when I say that I’ve gleaned no less than 100+ actionable tips from this book! It’s amazing. Talk about the ROI on my $4. I also got introduced to his podcast and then gained even more useful wisdom from other people that he interviewed. If there was one current book I would recommend for productivity (on work, life, and beyond) it would be this one!
- Pro Tip: get the kindle version — here’s why: if you highlight things to remember or add notes, you can then export the notes from the kindle app and have them available for follow-up in one place. BTW that’s a tip from this book — haha.
11. Kamado Joe (product)
I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve my cooking. My friends in the neighborhood joke about this because they claim that I rely more on technology than cooking ‘heart’ — ouch! Whether that’s true or not I can’t say, but I will admit that if there is a cooking gadget that I think can up my game, I’ll give it a try.
For years I’d heard about the Big Green Egg but was averse to try because of the perceived learning curve and the expense of the product. But I did my research and finally took the plunge this year and I’m kicking myself that it took me so long! There is a difference in the flavor of the food when you cook over lump charcoal. Can’t deny it, no disputing it. That said, there IS a learning curve (I’m still learning!) and it IS expensive ($600–1000 will get you started).
I chose the Kamada Joe Classic II (KJ) over the BGE or other options because of the KJ’s reputation, highly useful accessories it comes with, and because it just ‘felt right’ when I got my hands on it.
How’s the food on the KJ? Pizza — awesome. Chicken Wings — best ever. Fish — moist and tender. Steaks — out of this world flavor.
12. Balance in Me website
This meditation website is a god-send. First off it’s free and it gives you access to countless meditations, affirmations, and more. They range from a few minutes to 1+ hours. Put on a pair of headphones, lay on your Bed of Nails, and open your mind — the stress just melts away.
13. WordPress.com
I’ve made tons of websites over the last decade — self hosted ones on a variety of topics. And I’ve used wordpress.ORG for most of them in the past. But the use of wordpress.COM to create FREE websites allows me to make more sites quickly and efficiently. I am now specifically using WordPress.com as hosts for my books — making them into more interactive platforms that allows me to reach my readers easier AND add more layers to my books that expand the experience for my readers.
- Connect with me on my personal blog (That Helpful Dad) and I’d be happy to give you a complimentary copy of one of my books.
14. Amazon Prime — for Free Shipping, TV, Music, Photo’s & more
I’ve been a prime member since the very beginning (2005) and an Amazon customer since 2002. I’m sure you already know about Amazon & Prime in general, but did you know these tidbits?
- You get 5% cash-back with A-Prime credit card for amazon specific purchases (with no annual fee).
- Shopping with Amazon Prime — use the ‘subscription’ services for frequently purchased items (toilet paper, protein powder, laundry detergent, vitamins, etc) and you can save an additional 5–15%.
- Shopping: always check the Amazon Warehouse when you are shopping on Amazon. You can find a lot of ‘like new’ items (that still carry an Amazon warranty) for 25% off or more. We’ve saved $100’s (perhaps over $1k) by using this option the last couple of years and rarely have we been dissatisfied with the quality (and if you are then then just send it back for a full refund).
- Prime Music is my 1-stop shop for tunes — why pay for a subscription on Pandora or use other music apps when they are here for free?
- Pro Tip: Connect an Amazon Echo Dot with your stereo receiver’s Zone 2 and then use the Alexa app to stream music throughout your house, patio, and more.
- Prime Video: with Amazon Video now streaming Thursday Night Football you can cut/reduce the cable bill because you don’t the NFL network.
- Prime Photos: it’s still a bit raw but I’ve found prime photos to be an inexpensive way to order some prints and get them pretty quickly. Plus you can use it as another auto-backup for your pics and have another location to store them in.
- Pro Tip: if you use the FireStick as your streaming resource you can set up a ScreenSaver that shows your Prime Photos via a slideshow too — cool.
15. Bose Quiet Comfort 25 Over the Ear Headphones (product)
If you travel at all, you need these headphones. They tune out the noise and tune in the calmness. Yes they are expensive (about $200 for the version I have or $350 for the latest “35” version) but they are worth it.
BTW, I’ve got another post that compares Bose vs Beats, but there really is no comparison. Get the Beats if you wanna look cool because of the name, get the Bose if you want the better pair of active noise cancelling headphones that you can really rely on.
16. Google Mesh Wifi System (product)
In a word: fantastic! Yes it cost close to $300 for a 3-pack but it’s worth it. We have Frontier/Verizon Fios and our house is 3200sf, but even with wifi extenders there’s always been a bit of a problem in the far reaches of the house.
As you know Frontier (just like Verizon) is of little help for this or ANY issue so if you want better wifi coverage in the house you’re on your own to figure it out. After researching about multiple wifi mesh products and comparing lots of options, we narrowed it down to Google Wifi and Orbi. Since I have a long history of using Google products and we’ve always been satisfied with them, and since the price for Google was lower as well, we went the Google route.
How did it work? The setup could not have been easier — it was essentially plug and play. The results were instant — great coverage everywhere. We’re paying for 100/100 speeds from Frontier but prior to using the mesh it was hard to get them at any distance away from the router. Now with the G-Mesh we’re consistently around 95/95 up/down speeds anywhere in the house. Streaming is now fast and instant — no more buffering!
The additional features of the system via the G-Wifi App for your phone are really EASY to use and offer great options: prioritizing a device, using family mode to control kid’s devices, having a separate code for guests, running a network check, etc. You can even control other devices on the Google Home network if you add those as well (for example the Nest Therm, etc).
17. Amazon Fire Stick (product)
Yes we’ve tried Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Smart TV built-in apps, and other options — they just doesn’t compare to the Fire Stick. The Home Screen interface, features, and usability of the Amazon Fire Stick/Tv are superior to any other streaming tool. Even the Ultra Roku takes too long to get anywhere, the Chromecast requires another source (phone, computer) to do anything, and the stock services on Smart-TV’s are anything but user friendly. Amazon’s service is just fun to use — especially if you have Amazon Prime TV as part of your Prime Membership.
- Pro Tip: the cool little “X-Ray” feature of Fire TV gives you easy access to answer the question “where have I seen that actor before?”, as well as show-related trivia, and other behind the scenes info.
18. Cub Scouts (organization)
When I was a kid I did cub scouts for one year — I came in last in the pine wood derby, I wasn’t much for the outdoors if sports wasn’t involved, and I never really put much effort in to it. But when my son Jax got ‘recruited’ at school for cub scouts we thought we would give it a try.
Now I don’t know if things have drastically changed with Cub Scouts since I was a kid or if it’s just me, but I was blown away by everything that Jax and his troop did this past year in scouting.
I can honestly say that many of Jax and I’s best bonding moments in 2017 came from our time doing scouting events.
Our pack did so many fun things — an overnight camp under the Atlantis Space Shuttle in Port Canaveral, a day trip to a Coast Guard Air Station, a weekend camp that was highlighted by searching for shark teeth fossils in an old river bed, hiking, pack shows, cookouts, and of course the Pine Wood Derby (Jax even got an award for his special design). He had so much fun and I did too. He’s found a real home with scouting and made so many new friends. The leaders are great and we couldn’t be happier.
- Special thanks to Pack 323 for being so awesome.
19. Steal This Look: Blue Blazer, White Button-Down Shirt, Jeans, and Brown Shoes
I first saw it at a business conference when one of the execs wore it on stage and he stole the show. When I got back home I quickly rushed out and updated my wardrobe.
It’s my new favorite “business casual” look — it makes me feel great and I enjoy it — and you know as well as I when you feel good about yourself you perform at a higher level. Give it a try and see if it works for you too.
- Substitute khakis or slacks if you wanna dress it up, but the bottom line is I love this look.
- Disclaimer — sadly, the model in the pic ain’t me — but I feel like him when I wear this look! Haha.
20. LinkedIn (website)
I’m a long-time user of Linked In. As someone who prides himself on being a good ‘relationship builder’ I actively work to be a ‘people connector.’ I’d love to connect with you too.
Connect with me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-stoppa-mba-27561428/
21. Little Griddle (kitchen product)
This is the product that turned my expensive gas grill into a giant griddle. It’s amazing. It works. And I use it all the time.
Why did I buy it? It’s far superior to standard griddle attachments for grills — it doesn’t allow the drippings to fall into the flames and it offers a bigger cooking area.
- Prot tip: The GQ230 covers 24 inches (which is 3 of my 4 grates of a standard grill). This is the size you want.
- Versatility in Cooking- this will allow you to do so much more with your grill than before. So far I’ve made cheesteaks, bacon/eggs/potatoes, fried pineapple, korean chicken, and cajun chicken. These are items that most people can’t do on a regular grill.
- BONUS: Easy Cleanup! Just sear/wipe/clean the griddle itself while the grill below stays clean!
22. Track Yoga (app)
This FREE yoga app is incredible. I’ve taken 80 classes on this app this year and I’ve learned so much about yoga — not to mention the health benefits of using it. What I like about it is that you can see a real person doing the exercises and the facilitator voice gives you lots of really helpful tips to make sure you are doing the positions correctly.
23. BibleStudyTools.com (website)
I read The Bible every day. For me it’s a great source of wisdom. Although I’ve read the entire book many times over, for the purposes of this discussion (seeking wisdom) I specifically read 1 column from Proverbs (Solomon’s Wisdom) and 1 chapter from one of The Gospels (Wisdom from Jesus). It takes just a few minutes in the morning to complete this (as part of my “AM Routine” — reference #3 above) and the results are immediate — I get my mind working in the right direction right from the start.
- Although the print version is great, I like this website (BibleStudyTools.com) because it’s well organized, easy to navigate, has numerous versions (I like NIV the best) and I can access it anywhere.
24. Apple Cider Vinegar WITH “The Mother” + EVOO Shot/Day
For most of my life I’ve had tummy troubles. Partly due to a hiatal hernia, partly genetics, and probably also because I eat a lot of spicy foods. When I was a kid, my dad, grandpop, and grandmom all used to drink a shot of vinegar each day. They also all consumed a lot of olive oil. If you haven’t guessed yet I grew up in an Italian-heritage family.
I toyed with both of these things off/on over the years but this past year I made a concerted effort to drink a combo shot (1oz) of ACV + EVOO. I chose to do the ‘raw’ ACV with the mother for the (perceived or real) extra health benefits.
I’m not here to tell you that a sample size of 1 (aka me) and a short term (1 year) experiment should make you run out and do the same thing as me, but what I can tell you is that ACV + EVOO really did help me reduce much of my tummy troubles this year. It worked for me, it’s easy to do, and I plan to continue.
25. Tony Moly Face Masks (product)
Put in a request to take away my Man Card if you want and feel free to make fun of me, but I’m not afraid to admit that I love using these hydrating face masks.
While these are not new to women in the US, I first discovered them on a trip to South Korea a few years ago. My wife and I were shocked as to how all the people in SK were so amazingly beautiful (particularly their skin was so smooth). While staying in the Myeondong area of Seoul we discovered a bunch beauty shops and these masks were probably the most prevalent thing we saw. Every shop seemed to have its own version.
We tried a bunch of them — but I kept coming back to the Tony Moly “Pureness” (full face) masks. They seemed the best made (in terms of the mask itself), easiest to use (getting the folded mask open and on my face), and most importantly made my face feel the best. On our most recent trip to SK we brought back half a suitcase full of these masks (at 50cents each you would too!).
- My favorite TM Masks are the Hydrating and Collagen masks.
- Pro Tip: put on a mask, lay on your bed of nails, do a guided meditation, and reach a higher plane of existence — Ahhhhhhh).
- Seriously, did I just give you a tip about men using Korean Ladies Beauty Masks — yup — and if you give it a try you’ll thank me (even if you keep it a secret from your friends).
And that brings us full circle, my friends — there you have it: 25 tips about specific products that made a genuine positive impact on my life and which can help you too.
Meanwhile, if you’re somehow still reading this list then I have to wonder what went wrong? Why the heck are you not following my advice and getting some of these items? Go ahead, get started today!
Want More Wisdom Like This?
Good news — my goal is to help people like you live a better life. I do this by sharing practical tips, life lessons, and action-oriented wisdom that you can use today to live your best life NOW. No BS, just real-world solutions that I can personally verify work. If that sounds like it would be helpful to you, check out my other articles on Medium.
If you want to engage with me even more — take a quick sec and connect with me — I’d be happy to share a complimentary copy of one of my novels with a new fan like YOU. Let’s talk again soon.
Originally published at hdwisdom.wordpress.com on January 2, 2018.
