Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal

Train Now, Then Spend Your Life Being a Champion – Or Is That the Best Way?

The Journey of an Overworked Doctor to Productivity Influencer

Ali Abdaal, once an overworked doctor, followed what had always worked for him: studying harder and working more efficiently. However, he soon realized that maintaining a positive mindset was the key to true success, rather than sheer effort alone.

A patient once asked him why he was the only doctor smiling in the hospital. This moment made him question his attitude. One day, he was about to leave when he overheard a patient appreciating the kindness of the staff. He had a choice: complete a task with positivity or begrudgingly. He chose the former. (Side note: how it took him 30 minutes to insert a cannula as an efficiency guru remains a mystery!)

His revelation? Mood influences productivity. A positive mood boosts creativity and effectiveness. So, focus on what matters to you!

The Three Pillars of Productivity

1. The Science of Positivity: Three Ways to Energize Yourself

• Play – Incorporate fun into your work.
• Power – Take control of your mindset.
• People – Surround yourself with positivity.

2. Overcoming Procrastination: Addressing Three Barriers

• Uncertainty – Define clear steps forward.
• Fear – Reframe failure as learning.
• Inertia – Just start! Even five minutes can break resistance.

3. Sustaining Productivity & Tackling Burnout

Burnout manifests in three ways:

• Overexertion – Conserve energy, do less.
• Depletion – Recharge using the CALM method:
  • Competence – Master your craft.
  • Autonomy – Take control of your work.
  • Liberation – Allow flexibility.
  • Mellow – Embrace relaxation.
• Misalignment – Do meaningful activities. Don’t commit to things in six weeks that you wouldn’t say yes to tomorrow.

How to Cultivate a Success-Oriented Mindset

Make Work Feel Like Play

Successful people integrate play into work. Find enjoyment in tasks through curiosity. The Japanese concept of Shoshin encourages a beginner’s mindset, promoting learning and reducing stress. Behave sincerely, not seriously.

Gamify Life – Step Into the Right Personality

Adopt different identities to stay motivated:

• Collector – Gather knowledge.
• Competitor – Strive for excellence.
• Explorer – Seek new ideas.
• Creator – Build something new.
• Storyteller – Find meaning.
• Joker – Use humor.
• Director – Lead the way.
• Kinesthete – Engage physically.

Reframe Failure as a Learning Process

Confidence fuels performance. Before a task, visualize success and act as if you already possess confidence. Be your own hype team!

Key Productivity Concepts

• Vicarious Success – Seeing others succeed inspires belief in your own potential.
• Enactive Mastery – Learning through doing.
• Protégé Effect – Teaching others strengthens your understanding.
• Ownership Mindset – Shift from “I have to” to “I choose to.”

The Power of Collaboration

• Adopt a Comrade Mindset – Success isn’t a zero-sum game.
• Practice Random Acts of Kindness – Helping others fosters goodwill.
• The Benjamin Franklin Effect – People like you more when they help you. Ask for assistance!
• Over-communicate Good News – Celebrate others’ successes actively and constructively.

Goal-Setting & Taking Action

Define Your Purpose

• Show Commander’s Intent: Define your purpose before taking steps.
• Find your ultimate purpose by asking Why? five times in a row.

Create NICE Goals

Unlike long-term SMART goals, NICE goals focus on immediate impact:

• Near-term – Focus on the present.
• Input-based – Prioritize the process.
• Controllable – Take ownership.
• Energizing – Ensure motivation.

The Crystal Ball Technique – Plan for Obstacles

• Identify the top three barriers you might face.
• Preemptively strategize solutions.

Execute with Precision

• Plan your actions: Ask when you’ll do something, then schedule it.
• Use triggers: If X happens, then I will do Y.
• Reward yourself: Reinforce positive behavior.
• Time-block tasks: Set aside dedicated time for challenging activities.
• Balance work & fun: Prioritize what’s important.
• Remain flexible: If plans don’t go perfectly, be kind to yourself.

Overcoming Fear & Inertia

Fear – Face It with Logic

• Affective Labeling – Name your fear to understand it.
• 10-10-10 Rule – Will this matter in 10 minutes, 10 months, or 10 years?
• Perspective Shift – Others aren’t watching you; they’re focused on themselves.

Build a Positive Identity

• Label Yourself Effectively – Call yourself a lifelong learner.
• Remove Barriers to Action – Take small, manageable steps.
• Break Inertia – Commit to just five minutes, then decide whether to continue.

Accountability & Sustainability

• Find Accountability Buddies – Online study groups work too.
• Track Progress – Write down achievements and barriers.
• Avoid Overexertion – Learn when to step back.
• Don’t Feel Guilty About Breaks – Recovery is part of success.
• Use Extrinsic Motivation When Needed – When intrinsic drive fades, external motivation can keep you going.

The Essence of Feel-Good Productivity

To be sustainably productive:

1. Cultivate positivity and curiosity.
2. Reframe failure as learning.
3. Set actionable goals.
4. Take control of your mindset.
5. Balance work, play, and rest.
6. Celebrate small victories!

By integrating these principles, productivity stops being a struggle and starts feeling effortless. Instead of simply working hard, work smart—with joy, purpose, and energy!