Why Feel Good Productivity Will Change How You Work (And Feel!)

If you’re someone who’s been on the never-ending quest for productivity hacks, tips, and tricks, then Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal is your new best friend. The book offers a fresh approach to getting things done without the burnout, stress, or overwork. And trust me, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list or the pressure to always “be productive,” this one’s for you.

Ali Abdaal, a YouTube productivity guru with a background in medicine, has built a following around his concept of “feel-good productivity.” He’s not about grinding yourself into exhaustion or living in a constant state of hustle. Instead, he advocates for a way of working that aligns with your values, makes you happy, and—here’s the kicker—actually lets you get stuff done in the process. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the key concepts of his book!

The Foundation of Feel Good Productivity: Finding Joy in What You Do

First things first, Ali makes it clear that productivity isn't just about getting as much done as humanly possible. It’s about doing things that matter in a way that makes you feel good. Productivity, for Ali, isn’t about measuring success by how much you check off your to-do list but by how much you enjoy the process of doing it.

The core philosophy of Feel Good Productivity is all about creating an environment that maximizes happiness and focus, allowing you to feel accomplished without the anxiety that often accompanies being “productive.” In a world where grind culture is king, Ali’s approach is a breath of fresh air.

The Power of Systems Over Willpower

One of the book’s most powerful takeaways is the idea of building systems instead of relying on fleeting bursts of willpower. We’ve all been there—motivated to accomplish something one day, only to fall into a slump the next. The truth is, willpower is limited, and relying on it to stay productive can leave you feeling drained and frustrated.

Instead, Ali encourages us to design our lives and workflows around systems that support our goals. The key is creating habits and routines that don’t require constant motivation but instead flow naturally into your day. When you have a system in place, it’s easier to keep going even when motivation dips because you’ve made the process easy and enjoyable.

A few examples from the book include:

• Daily routines: Having consistent rituals, like a morning routine or a “shutdown” routine at the end of the day, creates structure. It’s not about being rigid but about giving your brain something to rely on for focus.

• Automation: Whether that’s automating tasks on your calendar or using productivity tools, automating the little things frees up mental space for more important stuff.

• Environment design: Creating an environment that encourages productivity can make all the difference. For instance, making sure your workspace is tidy, having a clean desk, or setting up lighting that boosts your mood can create the optimal conditions for work.

The idea is simple: Stop relying on bursts of willpower and start creating an environment and systems that make productivity effortless.

The Three Pillars of Feel Good Productivity: Energy, Time, and Focus

Abdaal breaks down productivity into three essential pillars: energy, time, and focus. Each pillar is interconnected and plays a vital role in our overall productivity. If one pillar is out of balance, the rest will suffer.

1. Energy

Energy is often the most overlooked aspect of productivity. People tend to focus on time management, but what good is time management if you don’t have the energy to actually do the work? Ali emphasizes the importance of taking care of your body, mind, and emotions to keep your energy levels high.

• Sleep: Never underestimate the power of sleep! Ali talks a lot about how sleep is the foundation for optimal performance. If you’re skimping on sleep to get more done, you're doing it wrong. The more rested you are, the more productive you’ll be when you're awake.

• Nutrition: Fueling your body with the right foods plays a crucial role in sustaining energy. Think of your body like a car—if you put in premium fuel (good food), you’re going to run more efficiently.

• Exercise: Regular movement isn’t just good for your body; it’s essential for your brain too. Exercise boosts your mood, reduces stress, and improves focus.

Taking care of your energy reserves is the first step in building a sustainable productivity routine. When you're well-rested and healthy, you’ll have the energy you need to stay productive in the long run.

2. Time

When it comes to time, Ali suggests we stop obsessing over how much time we have and start being more intentional with how we spend it. Instead of rushing through every task and trying to maximize every second, Abdaal recommends prioritizing the activities that genuinely bring you joy and help you move closer to your goals.

• Time blocking: This is one of the most effective techniques Ali recommends. Instead of letting your day be a mishmash of tasks, set aside specific chunks of time for focused work. For example, you could block off 2 hours in the morning for deep work, then 30 minutes in the afternoon for creative brainstorming.

• The 80/20 Rule: Also known as the Pareto Principle, Ali highlights the importance of identifying the 20% of tasks that produce 80% of the results. Stop wasting time on low-priority activities that don’t move the needle. Instead, focus on what truly matters.

• Delegation: If there’s something you don’t have the time or energy to do, delegate it! Whether it’s outsourcing tasks or getting help from others, delegation frees up your time so you can focus on high-value activities.

By managing your time well, you can ensure that you’re spending your day on the things that actually contribute to your goals, instead of just being busy for the sake of it.

3. Focus

Focus is the secret sauce that makes everything come together. Ali argues that we live in an age of constant distractions, which makes it harder to concentrate on the things that truly matter. To boost your focus, he suggests several techniques:

• Deep work: This concept comes from Cal Newport’s book Deep Work, and Ali applies it here to explain how important it is to engage in distraction-free, focused work. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and get into a zone of uninterrupted focus.

• Single-tasking: In a world where multitasking is often seen as the gold standard, Ali reminds us that doing one thing at a time is far more productive. When you focus fully on a single task, you’re more likely to do it well and finish it faster.

• The Pomodoro Technique: This technique involves working in short, 25-minute bursts followed by a 5-minute break. This keeps you focused and helps avoid burnout.

The more you can sharpen your focus, the more efficiently and effectively you’ll complete your tasks.

The Role of Happiness in Productivity

One of the things that sets Feel Good Productivity apart from other productivity books is the emphasis on happiness. Ali firmly believes that productivity should make you feel good and that pursuing happiness in your work is just as important as pursuing efficiency.

He shares practical ways to find joy in your work, such as:

• Aligning your tasks with your values: Doing things that are meaningful to you will make the process feel more rewarding, even if the task itself is challenging.

• Celebrating small wins: When you accomplish a goal, no matter how small, take a moment to acknowledge it. This boosts motivation and gives you a sense of achievement.

• Work-life balance: Remember that productivity isn’t just about your work; it’s also about how well you balance your personal life, health, and relationships. Make time for rest, leisure, and hobbies.

Ali teaches that when you approach productivity from a place of positivity and joy, not only will you get more done, but you’ll also enjoy the journey along the way.

Wrapping Up: The Takeaway

Feel Good Productivity isn’t your typical productivity guide. It’s not about chasing perfection or overloading your plate. It’s about doing what you love, finding joy in your work, and building systems that support your energy, time, and focus. Ali Abdaal encourages us to be kinder to ourselves and focus on doing meaningful work that makes us feel good rather than simply cranking out more tasks.

So, if you’re tired of the hustle culture and looking for a sustainable way to be productive, this book is for you. By prioritizing your well-being and designing your life around systems that help you thrive, you’ll not only get more done but do so in a way that leaves you feeling energized, happy, and fulfilled.

Ready to try out some of these ideas? I’m sure you’ll feel great doing so!