Contents:
Introduction to Ali Abdaal’s Book
Ali Abdaal, a former doctor who found fame through his YouTube channel and the Deep Dive Podcast, recently debuted as an author with his Feel Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You. The book promises a fresh perspective on achieving good productivity—not by grinding harder but by prioritizing positive emotions and making work enjoyable. Sounds promising, right?
Before we delve into the heart of this review, I want to acknowledge that I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from NetGalley, for which I am thankful to both them and the publisher for the chance to review Ali Abdaal’s book. However, it’s important to note that not everything is as remarkable as it appears. In this review of Feel Good Productivity, we will explore whether it genuinely delivers on its bold promises or if it ultimately falls short of expectations.
The Concept of Good Productivity
Ali’s main idea is simple: productivity should feel good. Not just “good” in the sense of ticking off a to-do list, but in a way that fills you with energy and joy. He introduces the idea of an energy investment portfolio—where you manage your energy as you would money, choosing wisely where to spend it.
It’s a clever metaphor, but does it work in real life? For some, this concept might seem like a ray of hope, an idea that could change their lives. For others, especially those juggling tough jobs like emergency services, it might feel a bit too idealistic. Productivity isn’t always about feeling good—sometimes, it’s just optimally doing hard work. Still, Ali’s focus on well-being and personal empowerment is refreshing in a world that often equates success with burnout.
Key Principles and Strategies
Ali’s book is split into three sections—Energise, Unblock, and Sustain—each packed with actionable tips. Let’s break them down.
1. Energise
Ali emphasizes keeping your energy levels high with strategies that sound more like fun than work. He encourages the idea of incorporating play into work—finding ways to make your tasks more enjoyable, like using the Batman effect (pretending you’re a superhero to boost confidence). It’s lighthearted, but does it help with long-term true productivity? That’s debatable. It feels more like a short burst of energy than a sustainable approach to real-life challenges.
2. Unblock
In this section, Ali talks about allowing space for your brain to rest. He suggests taking regular breaks and letting your mind wander, which is supposed to lead to better focus during deep work. While this isn’t groundbreaking advice, it does make sense. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is step away for a while. But if you’ve read other productivity books, this might feel like common sense repackaged in a more digestible form.
3. Sustain
The final part focuses on maintaining good productivity over the long term. Ali encourages reflecting on your mid- and long-term goals to avoid burnout and align your tasks with what truly matters. While it’s solid advice, it feels a little too basic. It’s like being told to drink water to stay hydrated—it’s important but not exactly out of the box.
Who Can Benefit from Feel Good Productivity?
If you’re new to the world of non-fiction books about productivity, Feel Good Productivity is a nice introduction. Ali’s friendly tone, his personal stories from Ali’s life, and his relatable tips make it an easy read. Fans of his YouTube videos and the Deep Dive Podcast will probably find it comforting, like listening to an old friend sharing tips.
But here’s the thing—if you’ve already dipped your toes into productivity literature or work in a high-stress environment like any government job or corporate job, this book might not offer enough depth. It’s an enjoyable read, but it often feels like it skims the surface, focusing more on keeping things fun rather than digging into the nitty-gritty of how to prevent burnout or sustain energy levels when the going gets tough.
Book Review and Analysis
Let’s get into the details. The biggest strength of Feel Good Productivity is Ali’s conversational style. It’s easy to get lost in his upbeat tone, and the way he ties everything back to personal experiences makes the book feel more intimate. The concept of building an energy investment portfolio is interesting, and it’s a welcome change from the “hustle harder” mindset we often see in productivity books.
However, it’s hard to ignore the fact that many of the ideas feel, well, surface-level. Take the Batman effect, for example—it’s a quirky, fun idea, but it feels more like a quick fix than a long-term strategy. When you’re neck-deep in a demanding project, pretending to be a superhero might not be enough to keep you going. It would help if you had more solid tools to fall back on, and that’s where the book falls short.
Additionally, while Ali’s emphasis on positive emotions and personal empowerment is inspiring, the lack of scientific studies backing up these ideas leaves them feeling a bit hollow. It’s a feel-good approach, but this might be a downside for readers who like solid evidence-backed advice.
Putting the Principles into Practice
So, can you apply Ali’s advice to your daily life? The book offers some practical tips—like creating more efficient systems to manage your workload and allowing space for your mind to relax. But here’s the catch: while these tips are easy to try, their long-term effectiveness is questionable.
For example, Ali suggests using YouTube videos or blog posts to stay inspired. That’s great for a temporary boost, but what happens when the initial excitement fades? Similarly, his advice on well-being and taking care of yourself is spot-on, but without deeper strategies, it might not be enough to keep you going through bigger challenges.
Ali’s tips might feel a bit lightweight for professionals working in high-stakes environments doing demanding jobs. They’re good for avoiding short-term burnout but might not hold up over time when juggling high-pressure responsibilities.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Feel Good Productivity is a book filled with hope, happiness, and positive vibes. It’s written in a way that makes productivity seem less like a mountain to climb and more like a game to play. For readers new to productivity, it’s a great introduction, especially if you value personal empowerment and enjoy positive emotions over stress.
However, for those who’ve already dived into the world of productivity or who are looking for more data-driven, research-backed insights, it may leave you feeling like you got the appetizer without the main course. The ideas, while enjoyable, often feel like they lack the weight needed for those facing serious challenges in their personal lives or professional work.
In the end, Feel Good Productivity is like a quick shot of caffeine—it’ll give you a temporary boost, but it won’t sustain you through the day. It’s great if you’re looking to feel good, but for true productivity that lasts, you might need to look elsewhere.
My Rating:- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Feel Good Productivity: Goodreads Rating: 3.96
Reviewed On:
- e-book
- Total Pages: 304
- Genre: Non-Fiction/Productivity/Self-Help
- Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You: Ali Abdaal
