MJ Hong

What makes an AI tool truly stick?

With new AI tools launching every day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But let’s face it — only a handful become part of our actual routine.

For me, it’s the quiet ones. The tools that don’t demand attention but just… work.

Two I keep coming back to:

  • @Granola – Automatically delivers clean, accurate meeting notes without disrupting the flow.

  • @Tana – Like a more structured Notion. Keeps my thinking and tasks organized across projects.

They don’t try too hard to impress. They simply make things smoother — and that’s what makes them powerful.

Now I’m curious:

What’s one AI tool that’s actually earned a place in your daily workflow?

And why do you think it works for you?

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Cristian Stoian Urzica
It's usability and to be more than a ChatGPT wrapper
MJ Hong

@cristian_stoian_urzica Yep, totally get what you mean. Usability is such a dealbreaker — and yeah, there are way too many tools that are basically just ChatGPT with a new skin. I’ve been drawn to ones that quietly solve a real problem or slot into my workflow without trying to be flashy. What’s one that’s passed that test for you?

Anthony Cai

Great post, MJ! I completely agree that the AI tools that truly stick are the ones that seamlessly integrate into our workflow without creating extra noise or friction. For me, [Tool Name] has earned a permanent spot because it quietly automates tedious tasks and just gets out of the way—saving me time and mental energy every day. The best AI tools feel like a natural extension of how you work, enhancing productivity without being intrusive. Looking forward to discovering more hidden gems like Granola and Tana!