The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Podcast

How to Enjoy Doing Hard Things (ft. Ali Abdaal)

Dec 27, 2023

48:59

Snipd AI

Former medical doctor turned YouTuber and author Ali Abdaal discusses ways to make work fun and productive. They explore misconceptions about productivity and the role of emotional resistance. The challenges of multitasking, distractions, and finding balance are also discussed. The hosts share their experiences with turning fitness into a game and differentiate between different levels of advice. They also talk about embracing hard work and enjoying the process, comparing it to the mindset of Muhammad Ali.

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Quick takeaways

Work can be enjoyable and fun, leading to increased productivity.

Embracing distractions and finding a balance between focus and openness can enhance productivity.

A light-hearted and playful approach to work can foster creativity, fulfillment, and success.

Deep dives

Work can be fun and enjoyable

The podcast episode explores the idea that work does not have to be a source of pain or suffering. The guest, Ollie Abdul, shares his experience of transforming his medical career and YouTube channel into successful ventures by making them enjoyable and fun. They discuss the misconception that productivity is solely about hustle and grind and emphasize the importance of finding ways to make work more intentional, effective, and enjoyable.

Recognizing Diminishing and Compounding Returns in Life

01:02

Embracing Life as an Experiment

01:41

Work-Life Balance and Success

01:20

Patience and Trust

01:36

Introduction

3min

Productivity Misconceptions and Emotional Resistance

8min

The Challenges of Multitasking and Distractions

11min

The Gameification of Fitness

5min

Differentiating Between Bad to Okay and Okay to Great Advice

3min

Embracing Hard Work and Enjoying the Process

18min

It’s easy to assume that the hustle culture or “the grind” is all about pain and suffering. But as you’ll learn today, this simply isn’t true.

In today’s episode, I’m talking to Ali Abdaal, a former medical doctor turned YouTuber and author of the new book, Feel-Good Productivity. Ali has attracted millions of global followers to his ideas on productivity and working because he’s managed to do what others have not: actually make it fun. It turns out that finding ways to make your work fun doesn’t just make you hate your life less, it actually makes you more productive.

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