Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
Summary
Ali Abdaal’s Feel Good Productivity rests on a simple idea: productivity and success flow from positive emotions, not the other way around. It’s not far from Mary Poppins’ old advice that if we make work fun, the work gets done (to paraphrase a half-century later). Abdaal supports his case with psychology, behavioural science, and his own experience, demonstrating that the more we enjoy a task, the more likely we are to persist with it.
Key Insights
Feeling good drives creativity, reduces stress, and enhances productivity.
Play and adventure spark innovation; Stuart Brown’s “8 play personalities” provide a useful framework for self-discovery.
Curiosity strengthens memory and engagement — always have a “side quest” to explore.
Reframe setbacks as data points and opportunities to try again.
Confidence can be learned; act “as if” and maintain positive self-talk.
Teaching others reinforces learning (Seneca’s Docendo discimus).
Focus on intrinsic motivation: identity shapes behaviour.
Goals should be NICE — Near term, Input based, Controllable, Energizing — rather than purely outcome-driven.
Procrastination stems from uncertainty, fear, and inertia; tackle these by clarifying next actions, reducing friction, and time-blocking.
Use tools like the “5-minute rule,” accountability partners, and the 10/10/10 rule to maintain momentum.
Energy, environment, and clarity are key productivity levers.
Strengths
Highly practical: packed with small, actionable strategies that can be tested immediately.
Emphasises positive psychology in a way that feels fresh compared to more punitive productivity systems.
Organised around memorable concepts (play personalities, NICE goals, bias to action).
Offers a healthy balance between mindset shifts and tangible tools.
Weaknesses
The style, while accessible, may feel overly casual or “YouTube-ified” for readers seeking depth.
Many ideas are drawn from existing literature; seasoned readers may find little that is truly original.
Some strategies are presented as universally applicable but may depend heavily on personality type.
Reflections
Abdaal is a driven and accomplished young man, and I admire him for making his mark early in life. However, his presentation style is occasionally a tad self-congratulatory. Much of the content is familiar from other productivity literature, but he packages it engagingly and adds a personal gloss that will resonate with his audience. The core message, that feeling good fuels productivity, is worth emphasis, and his practical methods for implementing that insight are sound. It’s an enjoyable read,
Conclusion
Feel Good Productivity is an upbeat productivity guide that combines positive psychology with everyday tactics. While not groundbreaking in its concepts, its accessible tone and breadth of practical suggestions make it a valuable reminder that the emotional state we work from shapes the results we get. Readers new to productivity literature will find it energising; veterans will find it a useful refresher.
Book Details
Title: Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You
Author: Ali Abdaal
Publication Year: 2025
Genre: Assertiveness
Reference: APA-04, 44
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