Overview:

The main message of Feel Good Productivity is that true productivity comes from aligning your tasks with your passions and values, making the process enjoyable rather than stressful. The book was published in 2023.

Q&A: "Feel Good Productivity"

Q: What does Ali Abdaal mean by “feel good productivity”?

A: Feel good productivity is about shifting away from toxic hustle culture and instead creating a system where productivity feels enjoyable and sustainable. It’s about doing meaningful work that energizes you, rather than draining you.

Q: How does this differ from traditional productivity advice?

A: Traditional productivity often emphasizes grinding through tasks, measuring success by output alone. Ali’s approach focuses on finding joy in the journey and using intrinsic motivation to fuel your work, so you stay consistent and fulfilled.

Q: What are the core principles of feel good productivity?

A: Ali outlines three key principles:

1. Clarity – Know what truly matters to you and prioritize accordingly.

2. Energy – Cultivate habits and routines that keep you energized.

3. Joy – Find ways to make the work process enjoyable, whether through gamification, rewards, or focusing on tasks you love.

Q: How do you apply this concept to tasks you don’t enjoy but still have to do?

A: Ali suggests reframing such tasks by connecting them to a bigger purpose. For example, if you dislike admin work, remind yourself that completing it supports a larger goal you’re passionate about. You can also make tasks more enjoyable by pairing them with something pleasant, like listening to music or working in a favorite location.

Q: What role does self-compassion play in this approach?

A: A huge role. Ali emphasizes being kind to yourself on unproductive days instead of spiraling into guilt. Productivity is a long game, and self-compassion helps you recover faster and stay motivated.

Q: How does Ali suggest staying consistent without burnout?

A: He recommends building small, sustainable habits that compound over time, rather than relying on willpower for massive, unsustainable efforts. Celebrate small wins, and remember that rest and play are essential parts of the productivity cycle.

Reflection Thought:

What’s one task you could approach with more joy or purpose starting today? How might that shift your mindset about productivity?

There’s a reason 400,000 professionals read this daily.

Join The AI Report, trusted by 400,000+ professionals at Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Get daily insights, tools, and strategies to master practical AI skills that drive results.

Sign up now for free and work smarter, not harder.

Quote for you:
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
– Aristotle

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed this post!