Hey,
Welcome to this week’s Experiments in Progress (by Pete Matheson) issue!
Most “productivity hacks” don’t survive real life — but a few tools on my desk actually did.
Here’s what’s inside:
The tool that helps my brain shift into work mode instantly
A setup that keeps me focused without burning out
The one item I’d replace tomorrow if it broke
Let’s dive in👇
*Some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to you.
🧠 Desk Essentials That Actually Make Me More Productive
Here are the tools, gadgets, and habits that have actually earned their spot in my daily setup:
When I need to get into deep focus mode fast, this is my go-to. Science-backed soundtracks that literally train your brain into flow.
Verdict: Cheaper than coffee, better than silence.
🥤 Neutonic
A brain-boosting drink that sharpens focus without the caffeine crash. Perfect for long editing or writing sessions.
Verdict: Tastes better than you’d think — and actually works.
Image Source: Neutonic
Triple-threat charger that powers your phone, watch, and earbuds at once. Keeps every device topped up — and my desk cable-free.
Verdict: Productivity starts with a charged battery.
Image Source: Inspiration Grid
Still the best mouse I’ve used. Multi-device switching, smooth scrolling, and ergonomics that just make sense.
Verdict: If you work across devices, this one’s a no-brainer.
Image Source: Logitech Hub
Tracks how much water you drink and keeps it clean with UV-C light. A hydration nudge I didn’t know I needed.
Verdict: Productivity = energy. Energy = water. Simple math.
Image Source: CNN
Yes, it’s expensive. Also yes — it’s worth it. My back thanks me daily.
Verdict: Turns long workdays into bearable ones. The item I’d replace tomorrow if it broke.
Image Source: Business Insider
Magnetic cable management, built-in power, and height adjustment that makes standing meetings painless.
Verdict: The desk that finally made me want to stand.
Image Source: TechRadar
A 57-inch panoramic screen that keeps every app open — no more tab-switching chaos.
Verdict: Once you go ultrawide, you don’t go back.
Image Source: The Verge
💻 Apps that Tie It All Together
Missive for managing multiple inboxes
TickTick for tasks
Motion / Fantastical for my calendar
What’s your ultimate focus tool?
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🎙️ Podcast: How Creators Should Pitch Brand Deals (The Smart Way)
This week’s episode of Aspiring Creator goes behind the scenes of how we rebuilt our entire sponsorship system (using AI) and cracked what actually makes a pitch work.
Inside this episode:
How Claude AI rebuilt our sponsorship tracker 🤖
The exact system we use to plan for dips in revenue 📉
What VidSummit taught me about pitching value, not vanity 📺
How we’re reinvesting brand deal money back into the channel 🎬
Why most creators still pitch the wrong way — and what to do instead 💡
Plus: why I’ve stopped chasing growth on every platform 🧘
If you’re building a creator business and want to see what’s actually working behind the scenes, this one’s for you.
📦 Next Issue: 10 Productivity Hacks That Survived My Daily Use
Most “life hacks” don’t make it past the first week. These did — and they’ve quietly reshaped how I work, focus, and rest.
In the next issue, I’ll share:
The tiny shift that saves me an hour every day
The shortcut that replaced three apps
The habit I didn’t believe in… until it worked
Plus, my take on which “productivity hacks” are actually worth keeping — and which ones just look clever online.
📅 See you Saturday.