Book 2 Post 2

Ali Abdaal’s Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You was an amazing read, and I feel very fulfilled with what I was able to take away. I initially chose this book because I was familiar with Abadaal’s philosophies and presence on Youtube, and I was fascinated by his take on productivity which prioritizes wellbeing while working, a value I closely align with. He challenges the “grind” mindset ingrained in society, promoting a balance between intense work ethic and feeling good. He explains that happiness is not a byproduct of success; rather, it is the cornerstone of how we work and live. I think this is an extremely important message, as so many people lose themselves in their work, and forget what makes them happy. I felt very vindicated learning about his philosophies that prioritize meaningful professions that satisfy you while simultaneously challenging you, as I only seek to work in a career that aligns with my passions and interests.

I found the book extremely reassuring and enjoyable, as Abdaal employs psychological research and practical tips to effectively convey his point, ultimately making his writing engaging, understandable and insightful. A part that stood out to me was Abdaal's breakdown into preventing burnout, which he categorized into 3 types: over-exertion, depletion, and misalignment. He explains that burnout is not defined by how many hours you work, but instead how you feel throughout the day. I also appreciated his counterintuitive approach, which prioritizes rest, preaching that doing less helps you achieve more, and aligns work with personal values to maintain productivity​. 

I really enjoyed Abdaal’s incorporation of anecdotes and vivid imagery to illustrate his message, as his message is unique and not your average work-a-holic “how to be a millionaire” type read; instead, he expresses that when you work on something you truly enjoy, you are more fulfilled, and thus more productive, but feeling happier in life is what is the most important. I would recommend this book to all of the obsessive workers who devote their life to their job, and need an awakening to the importance of well-being, and integrating self care and overall happiness into their routine. It’s a perfect book for people both deeply immersed in the working industry, or people entering the job market, as it helps all types of individuals achieve their goals by combining personal growth with professional productivity.