Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You – A Book Review by Dr. Jo
If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for ways to maximize your time and energy without burning out. That’s why I was excited to pick up Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal, a YouTube creator and productivity enthusiast whose content I’ve followed for a while. After finishing the book, I’m happy to say that it’s one of the most aligned productivity books I’ve read in a long time—especially for anyone trying to manage executive stress or avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use disorder.
Why Productivity?
As the founder of Sober in the C-Suite, my brand is rooted in a wealth of diverse professional experiences, from the business world to education and counseling. Before dedicating my career to helping professionals and executives manage stress without alcohol, I honed my skills in corporate settings, working in office management, food service management, and as a business consultant. This blend of business acumen and clinical expertise informs my holistic approach to stress management, empowering high-achievers to break free from unhealthy coping mechanisms. Today, I combine my passion for self-improvement, productivity, and mental health to offer specialized recovery resources that are both research-driven and deeply practical for professionals navigating the challenges of executive life.
Back to the Review
Ali’s approach focuses on managing personal resources—your time, your energy, and your mindset—in ways that promote long-term mental and emotional health. He draws on a lot of the same research I used in my own doctoral dissertation, which made reading this book feel like a master class in both productivity and personal wellness.
What stood out most to me is how Ali weaves together elements of play, mindfulness, and social connection, all of which are essential for sustainable productivity. His advice isn’t about squeezing more out of your day for the sake of it, but about making sure you have the energy and emotional bandwidth to actually enjoy what you’re doing.
I’ve given Feel-Good Productivity a full five stars—plus a bonus if I could. If you’re on your own journey of self-improvement, recovery, or simply trying to live life more intentionally, this book is a must-read.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus on managing your energy, not just your time.
- Play and social connection are essential, not just luxuries.
- Mindfulness can transform how you approach productivity and recovery.
- Ali’s advice is backed by real, peer-reviewed research.
You can grab your copy here Feel Good Productivity (affiliate link), and be sure to check out my full review on YouTube.
