Book 2, Post 1

  I chose to read Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal, because the concept of productivity and discovering true career goals is very pertinent to my current phase in life. I’ve always considered myself a productive, ambitious girl, so I am eager to dive deeper into the nuances of productivity and growth through the perspective of an intellectual author and professional. I was drawn to Abdaal’s work as he explores a balanced approach to immersing oneself in goals and opportunities that are actually fulfilling, as opposed to just routine and obligatory. As someone who is currently juggling various responsibilities and pursuing potential career opportunities across industries, I align with the message of this book as I only seek creative and enjoyable work. Abdaal’s priorities towards authentic and meaningful professions resonate with my current perspective towards finding jobs and committing myself to roles that connect with my interests. He sheds light on the importance of striving for jobs and projects that satisfy you while simultaneously challenging you.

My preliminary impressions of the book is that Abdaal’s style of writing is captivating and endearing, as his light-hearted and personable tone makes it an enjoyable read.  He streamlines the typically overwhelming and intimidating meaning of productivity into a more understandable and practical concept. The tone of the book feels comforting and uplifting, as he states, “The aim isn’t to fill our days with endless tasks but to fill our lives with things that truly bring us joy” making me feel validated for pursuing my desired creative field (Abdaal). I also enjoy his transparency about his personal struggles regarding procrastination and perfectionism in medical school. He explains his overwhelming experience as a new junior doctor who became burnt out and depressed just months into the job due to his fruitless attempts to discipline himself as a means of productivity; this led to his realization that overworking himself was not the answer, and he had to make the job engaging. He introduces feasible methods such as “frictionless routines” which entails creating systems that essentially simplify and help accomplish the tasks that matter most  (Abdaal).  I like how this concept is doable yet effectively helps adjust one's approach to productivity with more excitement and fulfillment. Overall, I really appreciate the intersection of informational insight with personal guidance, as Abdaal’s honest demonstration of his failures and successes are already shaping my perspective towards priorities and seeking a rewarding profession.