Tools for Thought is a blog devoted to examining new directions and currents in self-development. Rather than emphasize motivation and inspiration, Tools for Thought takes a more operational approach, focusing on techniques and tactics designed for immediate action. Some discussion centers around familiar reference points, like Getting Things Done (GTD), the 80/20 principle and mind mapping, but any tool for thought is up for grabs, as we’ll see.
Who are You?
My name is Andre Kibbe. In late 2007 I got fed up with whining about doing other people’s work, and quit my job to work as a freelance technology writer. That was more fulfilling than work on command, but I still felt that writing for the gadget market didn’t express the full range of whirls and eddies in my psyche. After a couple of false starts, I launched Tools for Thought in February of 2008.
What makes Tools for Thought different?
I like to break generalities down into specifics. Much of the personal development content I come across is too ethereal for my tastes. If I find a potentially valuable idea, I test it out to see what works and what doesn’t. I’m not just a link agreggator, pointing readers to new downloads of software that I don’t personally use.
Tools for Thought is basically an ongoing conversation I’m having with myself. Feel free to eavesdrop and absorb what’s useful. Consider putting up with my more hare-brained ideas as the price of free content.
What sites like Tools for Thought should I check out?
I’d like to think my stuff is utterly unique, but personal development and life hack blogs are a dime a dozen these days. Check out Blogroll on the sidebar for my current reading — great blogs, all.
What are your Tools for Blogging?
Q10 for text editing, Paint.net for image editing, and WordPress for publishing. I write the bulk of my posts in Q10, then review them in WordPress for final changes and formatting additions prior to posting.
How do you make money with Tools for Thought?
Blogs make money? I’ll have to look into that. Monetization isn’t a priority for now, since I’m preoccupied with content and technical issues, but that will change as I build an audience.
Will you link to me?
Any blog with good content that links to Tools for Thought gets added to the blogroll. Let’s talk about it. For this and other questions, feel free to shoot me an email.