

E059 - Ali Abdaal - Automate Your Time & Productivity: How to Get Sh*t Done as a Solopreneur
Ali Abdaal, a former NHS doctor turned successful YouTuber and entrepreneur, shares insights on productivity and solopreneurship. He discusses overcoming writer's block with innovative audio strategies and emphasizes the importance of focus in a digital world, recommending apps that enhance well-being. The conversation dives into building mobile apps, balancing fitness with financial goals, and aligning personal interests with career paths. Abdaal also reflects on the impact of environment and experiences on creativity, advocating for mindful investments.
01:38:59
Ali Abdaal's Content Creation Origin
- Ali Abdaal started creating online content in 2017 while a final year medical student at Cambridge.
- His initial goal was to generate leads for his med school prep courses, not become a full-time content creator.
Skillshare Success and Platform Dependence
- Ali's Skillshare courses generated significant passive income, reaching nearly $1 million annually at their peak.
- He anticipated the platform's monetization change, highlighting the importance of owning your platform.
YouTube Success Factors
- Succeeding on YouTube requires consistency, competitive advantage, and overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there.
- Leverage your existing skills or document your learning journey to establish a unique niche.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
From Medicine to Content Creation
01:34 • 21min
Overcoming Writer's Block with Innovative Audio Solutions
22:22 • 3min
Reclaiming Focus in a Digital World
24:58 • 6min
Mastering Multitasking and Team Dynamics
31:17 • 10min
Navigating Mobile App Development as a Solopreneur
40:51 • 4min
Mastering Fitness and Nutrition Insights
45:01 • 12min
Reflections on Growth and Change
56:51 • 5min
Balancing Memory and Creation
01:02:18 • 19min
Navigating Minimalism and Mindful Investments
01:21:01 • 14min
Navigating Brand Collaborations and Life Milestones
01:34:59 • 4min

The Second Mountain
The Quest for a Moral Life
David Brooks
In 'The Second Mountain', David Brooks explores the concept of two mountains in life: the first mountain, which represents individual success and ego-driven achievements, and the second mountain, which symbolizes a life of deeper meaning, commitment, and contribution to a greater good. Brooks argues that our society's extreme individualism has torn the social fabric, and the path to repair is through making deeper commitments to a spouse and family, a vocation, a philosophy or faith, and a community. The book is both a personal reflection on Brooks' own life journey and a broader social commentary, offering practical advice and stories of people who have lived joyous, committed lives[2][4][5].

Show Your Work!
Austin Kleon
In 'Show Your Work!', Austin Kleon provides a manifesto for succeeding as any kind of artist or entrepreneur in the digital age. The book emphasizes the importance of generosity over genius, getting 'findable' by using the network, and self-discovery through sharing your creative process. It offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave, and productive, including chapters on sharing something small every day, engaging with your audience, and the etiquette of sharing online. The book is filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples to inspire and guide readers in their creative journeys[2][3][4].

Outlive
The Science and Art of Longevity
Peter Attia
Bill Gifford
In this book, Dr. Peter Attia draws on the latest science to deliver innovative nutritional interventions, techniques for optimizing exercise and sleep, and tools for addressing emotional and mental health. The book aims to replace the outdated medical framework with a personalized, proactive strategy for longevity, focusing on creating the best individual plan for long-term health. It covers topics such as the limitations of cholesterol tests, underdiagnosed liver conditions, the importance of exercise, and the integration of overall health with relational health.

The 4 Hour Workweek
Timothy Ferriss
In 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Timothy Ferriss presents a step-by-step guide to 'lifestyle design', encouraging readers to question the traditional notion of retirement and instead create a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom, adventure, and personal growth. The book teaches how to outsource life tasks, automate income, and eliminate unnecessary work using principles like the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law. Ferriss shares his personal journey from a corporate workaholic to a location-independent entrepreneur and provides practical tips and case studies to help readers achieve similar results. The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-value activities, taking 'mini-retirements', and living life to the fullest in the present rather than deferring enjoyment until retirement.

Die with Zero
Bill Perkins
Die with Zero presents a provocative philosophy and practical guide on how to get the most out of your money and your life. Bill Perkins argues against over-saving and under-living, advocating for investing in experiences early and maximizing positive life experiences. The book introduces concepts like 'time-bucketing,' 'net worth curve,' and 'fulfillment curve' to help readers optimize their life stages and make the most of their resources. Drawing from his own life experiences and insights from psychological science and behavioral finance, Perkins makes a compelling case for living large and accumulating memorable experiences rather than wealth.

Atomic Habits
James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].

Who Not How
Dan Sullivan
Benjamin Hardy
In 'Who Not How', Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy introduce the 'Who Not How' framework, which challenges the traditional 'how' mindset by encouraging readers to ask 'who' can help achieve their goals. This book teaches how to delegate tasks effectively, find experts who can handle specific challenges, and create transformational relationships. By adopting this mindset, readers can free up time, build supportive teams, and achieve their biggest goals while maintaining personal freedom and reducing burnout.

Dotcom Secrets
Russell Brunson
DotCom Secrets is not just another 'how-to' book on internet marketing. It focuses on the science of funnel building, helping businesses identify and fix their 'funnel' problems. Russell Brunson, the CEO and co-founder of ClickFunnels, shares his expertise gained from running tens of thousands of split tests. The book provides actionable blueprints on how to build sales funnels, increase traffic and conversions, and transform your business into a profitable sales and marketing machine. It emphasizes the importance of understanding your dream clients, creating a value ladder, and implementing effective follow-up funnels to keep customers engaged.

Feel-Good Productivity
How to Do More of What Matters to You
Ali Abdal
In 'Feel-Good Productivity,' Dr. Ali Abdaal challenges the conventional notion that productivity is about hard work and discipline. Instead, he argues that the secret to productivity is feeling good. Drawing on decades of psychological research, Abdaal introduces the three hidden 'energisers' that underpin enjoyable productivity, the three 'blockers' to overcome procrastination, and the three 'sustainers' to prevent burnout. The book includes inspiring stories from founders, Olympians, and Nobel-winning scientists and provides simple, actionable changes to make work more enjoyable and sustainable. Abdaal's approach focuses on cultivating a deeper energy for work, balancing well-being with productivity, and enjoying the journey.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Mark Manson
In this book, Mark Manson argues against the typical self-help advice of constant positivity, instead suggesting that life's struggles give it meaning. He emphasizes the need to focus on what truly matters and to accept and confront painful truths. The book is divided into nine chapters and uses blunt honesty and profanity to illustrate its ideas, encouraging readers to find meaning through values they can control and to replace uncontrollable values with more meaningful ones.
Ali Abdaal is a former NHS doctor turned influential YouTuber, podcaster, entrepreneur and author. With an excess of 4+ million subscribers, Ali delivers insightful content on productivity, business, important life-skills and personal well-being, empowering his audience to live more fulfilling lives. Today’s episode is an honest discussion on getting sh*t done — from discipline, productivity and smarter learning to future-proof skills, investing and finance as a young adult.
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Transitioning from medicine NHS to a leading content creator
04:55 How to become successful on YouTube (Ali’s #1 advice)
10:02 #1 advice to 18yr olds with 0 skills
12:24 Become a leader & document the process
16:44 “You’ve already won the lottery” – perspective & gratitude
19:02 How to boost productivity (Ali’s simple steps)
24:02 Becoming more disciplined with social media
28:22 Ali’s favourite app instead of social media
29:33 How to learn smarter (Ali’s personal routine)
33:29 Improving team communications
35:45 How to get sh*t done as a solopreneur (how to make 10k p/m)
37:40 The #3 fundamentals to hit 10K p/m
41:49 How much Mike is making from his app
44:02 Diet & nutrition (macros)
52:02 How to enjoy the gym more
55:01 Ali’s thoughts on the education system
57:05 Relocating / expanding your environment to grow
1:04:03 What equipment for beginners
1:04:25 The future of content creators
1:12:02 Content creation secrets: virality, ideation
1:16:24 Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal: favourite podcasts he’s done
1:19:04 Investing & property
1:24:44 Personal brand
» Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/
» Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/
» My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com
» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston
• 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO
• 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO
» Join @Whoop and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst
Follow Ali
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliabdaal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliabdaal/
Feel Good Productivity (book): https://www.amazon.se/dp/184794373X?language=en_GB
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Transitioning from medicine NHS to a leading content creator
04:55 How to become successful on YouTube (Ali’s #1 advice)
10:02 #1 advice to 18yr olds with 0 skills
12:24 Become a leader & document the process
16:44 “You’ve already won the lottery” – perspective & gratitude
19:02 How to boost productivity (Ali’s simple steps)
24:02 Becoming more disciplined with social media
28:22 Ali’s favourite app instead of social media
29:33 How to learn smarter (Ali’s personal routine)
33:29 Improving team communications
35:45 How to get sh*t done as a solopreneur (how to make 10k p/m)
37:40 The #3 fundamentals to hit 10K p/m
41:49 How much Mike is making from his app
44:02 Diet & nutrition (macros)
52:02 How to enjoy the gym more
55:01 Ali’s thoughts on the education system
57:05 Relocating / expanding your environment to grow
1:04:03 What equipment for beginners
1:04:25 The future of content creators
1:12:02 Content creation secrets: virality, ideation
1:16:24 Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal: favourite podcasts he’s done
1:19:04 Investing & property
1:24:44 Personal brand
» Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/
» Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/
» My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com
» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston
• 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO
• 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO
» Join @Whoop and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst
Follow Ali
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliabdaal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliabdaal/
Feel Good Productivity (book): https://www.amazon.se/dp/184794373X?language=en_GB