Modern Wisdom #719 - Ali Abdaal - How To Stop Procrastinating For Good
Ali Abdaal, a productivity expert and author, dives into the art of overcoming procrastination and enhancing well-being. He reveals how emotional health is linked to productivity and shares powerful strategies to manage distractions. The discussion highlights the joy of work over mere output and the impact of gratitude on creativity. Ali also addresses the importance of saying no and establishing boundaries while advocating for sustainable productivity and meaningful engagement over burnout. Balance in life's pursuits is key for true fulfillment.
01:16:56
Feeling Good Boosts Productivity
- Feeling good enhances creativity, productivity, and energy levels.
- Negative emotions restrict options and hinder performance.
Candy Bar Creativity Boost
- In studies, groups given candy bars were more creative than those not given candy.
- This suggests that positive emotions boost creativity.
Prioritize Feeling Good
- Focus on making tasks feel good and energizing for increased productivity.
- Ali Abdaal found this more effective than relying on to-do lists or strict scheduling.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Emotional Path to Productivity
02:09 • 20min
The Power of Gratitude and Enjoyment
22:01 • 23min
The Art of Saying No
45:01 • 11min
Sustainable Productivity and Burnout Strategies
56:11 • 12min
Balancing Productivity and Present-Moment Enjoyment
01:07:56 • 2min
Aligning Actions with Values
01:09:31 • 8min
Reimagining Productivity and Aesthetic Desk Tools
01:17:12 • 2min
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.
No More Mr. Nice Guy
A Proven Plan for Getting What You Want in Love, Sex and Life
Robert Glover
In 'No More Mr. Nice Guy', Dr. Robert Glover provides a roadmap for men to break free from the thought patterns and behaviors associated with 'Nice Guy Syndrome'.
The book helps men understand how their childhood experiences and societal pressures can lead to chronic people-pleasing, passive-aggression, and dishonesty.
Glover offers practical advice and exercises to help men reclaim their personal power, set boundaries, handle conflict, and develop satisfying relationships.
The book emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, authenticity, and prioritizing one's own needs to achieve success in various aspects of life.
Happy
Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine
Derren Brown
In 'Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine,' Derren Brown delves into the concept of happiness from various angles, drawing on influences from Stoicism, philosophy, literature, and modern psychology.
The book is divided into three sections: 'Beginnings,' which discusses the stories we tell ourselves and the problems with self-help; 'Solutions,' which explores living a considered life, dealing with emotions, and regaining control over our narratives; and 'Happy Endings,' which addresses the fear of death and how to live in the present.
Brown argues that true happiness is not found in material goods or external events but in accepting the indifference of the universe and finding contentment in the present moment.
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 Power of Now
A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Eckhart Tolle
In 'The Power of Now', Eckhart Tolle discusses the importance of living in the present moment to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
The book draws from various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and mysticism, to explain how people's emotional problems are rooted in their identification with their minds.
Tolle argues that the present moment is the only truly real time and that past and future are mere mental constructs.
He provides methods for relaxation and meditation to help readers anchor themselves in the present, such as avoiding multitasking, spending time in nature, and letting go of worries about the future.
The book also introduces concepts like the 'pain-body' and the distinction between one's thoughts and true self, emphasizing the need to recognize and separate from the destructive influence of the mind.
Four Thousand Weeks
Time Management for Mortals
Oliver Burkeman
In 'Four Thousand Weeks', Oliver Burkeman offers a contrarian approach to time management by focusing on the finite nature of human life.
Assuming an average lifespan of 80 years, the book calculates that we have approximately 4,000 weeks to live.
Burkeman argues against the modern fixation on productivity and efficiency, instead advocating for embracing the limits of time and prioritizing what truly matters.
The book draws on insights from ancient and contemporary philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual teachers to help readers construct a more meaningful life by accepting and working within the constraints of time.
It addresses issues such as the efficiency trap, the pitfalls of convenience culture, and the importance of living in the present while acknowledging the unpredictability of the future.
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.
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
Adventures of a Curious Character
Edward Hutchings
Richard Feynman
Ralph Leighton
This book is an edited collection of reminiscences by Richard Feynman, based on recorded audio conversations he had with his friend and drumming partner Ralph Leighton.
It covers a variety of instances in Feynman's life, including his work on the Manhattan Project, his critique of the science education system in Brazil, and his various hobbies such as safe-cracking, painting, and playing the bongo drums.
The book also includes his famous 'Cargo Cult Science' lecture, where he cautions against the superficial appearance of scientific investigation without a self-critical attitude.
Feynman's stories are lighthearted yet insightful, reflecting his high intelligence, curiosity, and humor.
Ali Abdaal is a YouTuber, podcaster, entrepreneur, and an author.
What would life be like if you didn't get so distracted? If you actually did the things you wanted to do with your productive hours, rather than what you were distracted by. Ali has spent an entire career deconstructing the keys to productivity, and today we get to go through some of the most important.
Expect to learn what feeling good has to do with productivity, Ali’s core foundation to what makes someone productive, what determines whether a content creator will succeed or fail, the biases running your life that you might not be aware of, why procrastination happens and how to overcome it, whether you need a bi plan to succeed in life and much more...
Extra Stuff:
Check out Ali's new book: https://www.feelgoodproductivity.com/?utm_campaign=podtour&utm_source=modernwisdom
Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → https://chriswillx.com/books/
Buy my productivity energy drink Neutonic: https://neutonic.com/modernwisdom
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Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact/
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