Insights from 'Feel‐Good Productivity' by Ali Abdaal Flashcards
What is the ‘virtuous cycle’ of productivity mentioned by Ali Abdaal?
A cycle where feeling good boosts energy and creativity, which increases productivity, leading to a better mood and reinforcing the cycle.
What question does Ali Abdaal recommend asking to make tasks more enjoyable?
‘What would this look like if it were fun?’
Name the three feel-good conditions that Ali Abdaal identifies for enhancing productivity.
Curiosity, connection, and confidence.
True or False: The ‘Curiosity Switch’ involves adding a side quest to your day.
True
How can the ‘Curiosity Switch’ be activated at work?
By creating a side quest, such as upselling at work, creating a music playlist, working in a different location, setting timed challenges, or experimenting with tools like ChatGPT.
What was Matthew Dicks’ approach to making his McDonald’s job more enjoyable?
He created an upselling game by promoting barbecue sauce with each order to make his job more exciting.
Give an example of a side quest to make a workday more engaging.
Setting a 20-minute timer to track progress, creating a music playlist, or working in a different location.
What does the ‘Connection Switch’ involve?
Finding a way to work alongside others doing similar tasks, either virtually or physically, to feel connected and supported.
Explain how Ali Abdaal used virtual coworking to enhance his productivity.
He joined Writers’ Hour, a virtual coworking session where writers gather, set intentions, and work together, which helped him stay energized and focused.
What is a method to feel connected if working alone?
Visualize others working on similar tasks or remember you’re part of a larger community with shared goals.
How does the ‘Confidence Switch’ help overcome procrastination?
By imagining oneself as a confident expert, reducing fear and uncertainty, and allowing one to approach tasks with greater confidence.
How did Ali Abdaal overcome self-doubt as a magician?
He imagined himself as a confident master magician, which allowed him to perform his tricks more confidently and enjoy the experience.
What practical step can help activate the Confidence Switch before starting a task?
Watch a video of someone performing the task confidently or visualize a skilled person completing it, then embody that confidence for at least 10 minutes.
