Book 2 Post!

 I recently read Feel Good Productivity: How To Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal. I chose this book, one because we have the same name (aha), and two, because, as a college student trying to balance academics, work, and personal growth, this book seemed like the one that can best benefit me in my personal and work life. Abdaal, a Cambridge-educated doctor turned productivity expert, challenges this mindset by arguing that joy, energy, and ease are the true drivers of sustainable productivity rather than constant grind and sacrifice. His philosophy really resonated with me because it offers a more realistic and fulfilling approach to getting things done without feeling constantly drained.

One of the concepts that stood out to me was Abdaal’s emphasis on incorporating joy into work. He shares a personal story about how he struggled with severe burnout as a doctor but rediscovered his passion for it when he started making YouTube videos, which became a hobby that was both fun and fulfilling. He writes, "When we do what we enjoy, we get into flow states more easily, making work feel less like a chore and more like play." This made me rethink how I approach my own responsibilities in life. For instance, I used to be a competitive soccer player. While I was constantly training five plus times a week with my team and on my own, it never felt like work because it was something I loved to do; it was my passion. I now am trying to incorporate this idea into my everyday tasks. So, whether it’s studying for exams or work, I realized that adding small elements of enjoyment, like listening to my favorite songs or changing my environment, makes the process far more engaging and sustainable.

Another key takeaway for me was Abdaal’s point about energy over time management. He explains that maximizing energy levels through proper sleep, exercise, and breaks actually leads to better performance and focus. One quote that stuck with me was, "It’s not about working more hours, it’s about working better hours." This quote really emphasizes the idea of "quality is better than quantity." Especially as a student, who is soon transitioning into the "real world", this shift in perspective is valuable.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book, especially to college students navigating busy schedules and individuals who are facing burnout. It offers a practical and science-backed way to boost productivity without sacrificing well-being. Most importantly, this book encourages you to pursue passion-driven work, which felt inspiring as a young college student that is still figuring out what my true passions in life are. So, if there is one thing you should take out of this report is that Abdaal wants people to know that being productive should not always feel like a grind and sacrifice, it can (and should) feel good! :)