Productivity offers joy. Permission.
And a soft but steady hand to guide me back to what matters: doing things because they feel good, not just because they look productive.
– Feeling Good Productivity

I’ve gone through more productivity books than I can count—some filled with scribbles and highlights, others left unfinished after a few chapters. But Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal stood out. It didn’t come at me with strict morning routines or pressure to wake up before sunrise. It didn’t try to dress up hustle culture in pretty packaging.
Instead, it offered something gentler: joy, permission, and a kind, steady reminder to return to what really matters—doing things that feel good, not just things that seem productive.

Here are the key takeaways that resonated with me:

Productivity Should Feel Good
If looking at your to-do list makes you want to hide under the covers, it’s time for a change. Ali flips the script: action creates motivation, not the other way around. The secret? Begin with small, joyful tasks—let the momentum build on its own.

For me, this looked like ditching the old routine of forcing out a full blog post at dawn. Instead, I start with just 10 minutes of unstructured, no-expectations writing. And like magic, the words start flowing—without the struggle.

The Power of Play
Creativity thrives in joy, not in stress. Ali’s genius lies in making work feel like play—whether through gamification or simply lightening up. When we release the pressure, brilliance flows effortlessly.

My experiment? I started approaching housework like I’m the main character in my own life simulation game. Spoiler: matching socks suddenly became a satisfying quest, and loading the dishwasher? My high score moment

Rest is Productive
It’s time to let go of the belief that burnout proves commitment. Ali Abdaal pushes back against the idea that constant overworking equals success. Instead, he champions the power of intentional rest, showing that real renewal fuels both creativity and long-term productivity.

This message hit home for me. I used to feel uneasy about taking breaks, as if they were a sign of laziness. Now, I make space for mindful pauses throughout my day—and to my surprise, I get more done, not less.

The Three Pillars: Energize, Unblock, Sustain
Ali Abdaal breaks down feel-good productivity into three powerful steps: Energize, Unblock, and Sustain. First, focus on doing more of what makes you feel alive—activities that naturally boost your energy. Then, remove any friction that gets in the way, like setting up your workspace the night before to make starting easier. Finally, build sustainable habits that don’t rely on constant willpower but flow with ease. One of my favorite takeaways is the simple yet effective “2-minute rule”: if a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Since adopting this, my inbox (and my mind) has felt a lot clearer.

Why I’m Suddenly in Love with Productivity Again
For the longest time, I viewed productivity as a burden—just a series of obligations I had to push through. But Ali’s book offered a refreshing perspective: productivity isn’t about completing endless tasks, it’s about designing a life that genuinely excites you. When your actions are rooted in joy, everything feels lighter.

These days, I no longer push myself through the motions. Instead, I pause and ask, How can I make this more enjoyable?That simple mindset shift has transformed my days.

If you’re worn out by the usual hustle-heavy productivity tips, Feel-Good Productivity might be the reset you need. It helped me rediscover the joy in getting things done—and it just might do the same for you.

We live in a world that glorifies busyness but rarely questions whether that busyness is meaningful. Feel Good Productivity is a refreshing antidote—a reminder that you don’t have to suffer to succeed. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a corporate professional, or a creative soul, this book offers practical, compassionate strategies to make work feel good. If you are in Indonesia, you can order the book here.

Have you read Ali’s book? What’s your favorite productivity hack? Let’s chat in the comments!