

Are You Living a Life You’d Want to Be Remembered For?
52 snips Sep 10, 2025
Ali Abdaal, a former doctor turned productivity expert with millions of followers, shares his transformative practice of writing his own obituary. This unusual exercise isn't morbid; it helps him align daily actions with his true values. He discusses 'misalignment fatigue'—the feelings of exhaustion when life choices don’t reflect personal aspirations. Abdaal dives into the science of mortality awareness, revealing how it can foster kindness and encourages listeners to focus on what they can control for a more fulfilling life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Misalignment Is A Hidden Burnout
- Ali Abdaal identifies three burnout types: depletion, replenishment, and misalignment.
- Misalignment burnout creeps in when your work no longer matches your values and drains meaning.
Thinking About Death Deepens Purpose
- Mortality awareness (mortality salience) deepens purpose and kindness rather than causing despair.
- Reminders of death increase cooperation, generosity, and shifts toward bigger causes.
Ali Reads His Yearly Obituary
- Ali shared the exact obituary he writes to guide his life and said he rewrites it yearly.
- He uses that document as a compass to nudge his life toward the legacy he wants.