7 Life Lessons I Wish I Knew Sooner

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In this video, I wanted to share 7 lessons that have been on my mind recently, that I wish I'd learned sooner. Enjoy x
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:
My Journalling Hub: aliabdaal.com/journalling-pro...
My Productivity Community: www.productivity.club
Dan Go's Twitter: / @danfounder
📖 Check out my New York Times Bestselling book Feel-Good Productivity: go.feelgoodproductivity.com/l...
✍️ If you've read the book, share your thoughts here: aliabdaal.com/fgp-rating/
By the way, you can watch this video in a few other languages by changing the audio settings x
🍿 WATCH NEXT:
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WHO AM I?
If we haven’t yet before - Hey 👋 I’m Ali, a doctor-turned-entrepreneur and I’ve somehow become the world’s most followed productivity expert. Through my videos here on this channel, my podcast Deep Dive and writing, I share evidence-based strategies and tools to help you be more productive and build a life you love.
PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I get a kickback from 😜
⌚️Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:09 - 1. The Value of Headspace
5:45 - 2. The Power of Mornings
8:46 - 3. Define Your Constraints
13:45 - 4. The Last Man Standing
18:16 - 5. Don't Optimise Away the Fun
21:48 - 6. Recognise Dream Moments
25:05 - 7. Journey Over Destination

[@aliabdaal]

✍Check out my free Journalling Hub here: aliabdaal.com/journalling-prompts-template/

[@TheUltraSpectator]

Ali please let me edit your videos 😢

[@Mrfunny663vnb83]

@@TheUltraSpectator do the f***** right thing

[@TheUltraSpectator]

@@Mrfunny663vnb83 wdym

[@Mrfunny663vnb83]

@@TheUltraSpectator 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@mfes467]

It would be super cool if you made a journal with these prompts built in.

[@betterchapter]

Don't just learn, experience. Don't just read, absorb. Don't just change, transform. Don't just relate, advocate. Don't just promise, prove. Don't just criticize, encourage. Don't just think, ponder. Don't just take, give. Don't just see, feel. Don’t just dream, do. Don't just hear, listen. Don't just talk, act. Don't just tell, show. Don't just exist, live

[@ChristineIC]

As a mom of 2 adult kids, when I let go of trying to pursue a career and focused on raising my kids and being present for every moment, I gained peace. I have 2 hard working kids, they are kind and overall good human beings. It is the best rewards I could have done in my life and have a 30+ year marriage in complete harmony. It is okay to have white space in your calendar. Things come in time with patience and when you are ready to handle it.

[@INSPIRATION_WITH_US]

Hi

[@coffeelover1456]

Ahh beautiful, marry me too! This way you have two husbands to make you happy! Too beautiful!!!

[@did9090]

@@coffeelover1456WTF

[@thehighschoolhustler]

​@@coffeelover1456 Idk if that's how it works big bro

[@musafir123]

What about your husband

[@NixiePixelGB]

Ali : "I'm a productivity beast" 💪 Me: watching this video instead of being productive 👀

[@hassantech510]

7 life lesson 1.the value of headspace 2.the power of morning 3define your constraints 4.last man standing 5.avoid optimising away the fun 6.recognise dream moment 7.journey over destination ....i am hungry for success

[@Braillesounds]

Not sure if it’s shared background, shared productivity neurosis or just you having a good voice but this is the only “productivity” talking head KZbin I keep coming back to. You inspired me to start my own channel on “the side” :)

[@brendinsukhram5364]

Sincerity is your strength. Thank you.

[@pointmediainc]

Random: I’ve always found your videos super calming but was never able to pinpoint why. I first thought it was the tone of your voice? Or your laid back attitude? And I just now realized it’s the classical music that plays in the background!!!! 👏🏼

[@Dusty.brushes]

This one’s by far the most favourite episodes of yours Ali. I’m watching you from past 4-5 yrs and your smile feels more warm now. I use to watch your videos for getting inspiration for medical school and from there till now so much has changed, with you and with me as well. I didn’t pass my medical school examination and sometimes I couldn’t watch your videos because I use to feel embarrassed as here you’re doing everything from med school to business and KZbin besides all the negative comments you use to get. But with time, you open up more about your feelings and difficulties and you look normal like us just more PRDUCTIVE 😅. I know it’s nothing personal but I feel proud in knowing you and your achievements feels personal. With time I’ve also accepted my self and got enroll in a doctorate course and apart from that I’ve started to run my art business and started earning by this year. I hope to meet you someday and hug you. I know you might not know me and probably I know you only from videos but the hardship you must’ve faced and the amount of trust and faith you’ve in you, it’s something I’m seeking in myself ❤

[@did9090]

Ali, do you realize how many people you helped and changed their lives ?! I love you so much and I just wish I could be like you and help others

[@mu0635]

hi ali, i’d love to see videos on these topics or something along those lines 1. your favourite newsletters 2. 13 reasons why ‘hey, you’re doing amazing, don’t lose hope and just keep going queen :)’ (where you literally talk to the audience, rather than telling us ways to overcome anxiety and stress etc) emphasis on the second one!! please start a “therapy club” playlist. nerds that watch your videos get stressed out too, and i’d absolutely love to watch them every time i’m feeling down as well.

[@dileepdoingthings4197]

Bro get some therapy club

[@priyaagrawal6797]

your videos are so therapeutic! please do more of these where you talk about your thoughts so candidly

[@richhands5269]

My three favorite channels: Ali Abdaal, Stock Brotha, & How Money Works. Make my week complete! 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@jennynguyenxo]

I came across your channel and really love how inspiring your story is. You shared some great tips on productivity. I'm a registered nurse who recently decided to quit my job and pursue health coaching/teaching, more in holistic nutrition. Your content is very relatable as you have a medical background and I love the idea you shared. They are so simple and applicable. Thanks for the brilliant contents you shared. I bought your book and loving every bit of it.

[@SanjayC]

I needed to hear so much of what you shared in this video. Thank you for doing the hard work and sharing the success, failures, and lessons learned.

[@pearlieshine]

Super amazing video!! 😭🙏🌟 seriously have changed my life as a student and the way I look at productivity and enjoying life in general. Thanks for existing Ali

[@deborahmonde7304]

Omg this is one of my favorite videos of yours :) ! So glad you feel inspired it again ! Congrats for the book !

[@hospitalitychronicles]

Oh my goodness - yesssss! Headspace! You totally articulated this in a way I couldn't wrap my head around...I have times where I feel like I can't even think and then other times where I am so creative and productive but I just didn't understand what was happening - great insight!

[@aftarsun]

I love this vid Ali! Points 4 and 7 are ones that I've also been thinking about a lot and ones I try to remind myself often. Loved hearing your thoughts, thanks for this.

[@NandyzSoulshine]

I was really happy to see your name pop up on Headspace during my meditation session today... congratulations 👍🏼... Journey over destination all the way.

[@luisa219JB]

THANK YOU, from my heart for being honest and put yourself out there so we know we are not alone struggling with this stuff. One year ago I started as executive director in an NGO and basically the person doing everything! and Its it my dream job, I wanted for so long to work in climate change and having a platform to impact people and I MADE IT, but it is also exhausting so much responsability and the administrative stuff and getting money, etc, etc. And sometimes is not fun anymore because I forget the purpose, why accepted this in the first place and I have to remind myself that more often. So thanks for sharing your journey so we can have a better one too.

[@user-gw8ml6cg8d]

That was soo relieving♥️, I wished the video just kept going... I just appreciate that you keep showing into our lives with these kind of gems and wise advices let's say...

[@rollierollout]

I love all of these! Speaking to your point of creating headspace, I've noticed that when I recognize that times of stress are temporary and have an end date, it helps me get through it easier. For example, promoting your book for pre-sale didn't last forever. It was a temporary time of stress and busyness that lasted for a time, but now you have that time back. The same goes for learning something new or moving or any other stressful period. 😊

[@user-tm6im7el5t]

You are awesome man! Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing your life advice!

[@ArtofWEZ]

That Frog book made no sense to me as a night owl i did mornings for years then switched to doing hardest thing in afternoons and evenings and my productivity skyrocketed

[@violetta4423]

Thank you for this inspiring video! Btw loved the calming classical background music. 😊

[@debb_dp]

love thy way this man makes me learn .❤

[@AnnVincentVila-fd4nj]

Thanks again for being a great professor to the world. Advice is so valuable- love All of the points and The quote “Run your own Race.”😊

[@morganeua]

Loving all the videos you've been making lately, and the quantity of them!

[@zafinhassan5389]

I've been watching your channel since 2017/2018. This might be my favorite video of yours. Point 1, 3 and 4 particularly resonated with me.

[@aliabdaal]

Wow, thank you!

[@georgepoulos]

Thank you! ❤

[@muhammadjahanzaib3904]

Man seems emotional in the video... His eyes were shining.

[@Kdtechnow]

This video is really nice after I went through implementation of the trident method. Headspace is great. I have two kids and we use headspace daily. For bedtime and managing tantrums.

[@navidaahmed4655]

This video is what I needed to hear! Excellent Ali well done. 👏 thank you

[@joyevangelista369]

thank you for this most inspiring and informative video. I took the quiz and it is an eye opener for someone like me.

[@clife6942]

You've truly changed my life. I can't quite explain it, but your videos have been instrumental in helping me overcome anxiety and my eating disorder. No therapist has ever had the profound impact that your videos have had on me. You've LITERALLY SAVED MY LIFE💛

[@MarianneHMiettinen]

I also struggle with eating disorder and anxiety. It would be really cool if you could share how you overcame your anxiety and ED. :) Not just for me but for others who read your comment.

[@JullyMinayo-bs5ty]

You always bring informative content. Am always waiting for more productivity tips as a creator and a mom trying to build my business here

[@ikhalood]

I love the new vibe of the videos , I feel it is more friendly and conected to the daily life than it was before!

[@yassinbadermedia]

Love this video Ali and great pun with headspace I am buying your book for the second time since the first order never arrived

[@BORSHA545]

ali you are my inspiration ❤

[@isalutfi]

Hi Ali, thank you for these 7 valuable lessons. 🌟✨

[@ElishaKingori-hk5db]

Thanks Ali for the lessons

[@GabeAltier]

“There is tremendous value in headspace,” a wonderful thing to say about today’s sponsor 😆 Loved these points Ali! 🙌

[@abcdefg216]

I read that they now have more research about work-burnout and the main words for getting it is workload, control, reward, community, fairness and value... To not work in in accordance to your own best version of that rise the risk of getting burnt out, so working to fulfill these main points or "words" can be a smart way to think maybe? Its kinda what you say already, this was just in other words (well that are less clear etc but still, the words might give one more actual concrete way/tool to work towards feeling better and happier.) To have a good amount of work to do, be around ppl who reward stuff you do good and are proud of, community with family and friends and healty uplifting ppl at work, fairness and to keep your values and not change them so you do stuff you think is wrong or un etical.

[@beabiii]

I loved this one Ali, so honest and inspirational :)

[@alvarorodrz2793]

Your video literally made me feel heard. I have been grinding to study my pre-med degree and work to pay my bills at the same time, and I have been burnt out. The way you described your experience and how needing headspace is necessary really resonated with me because I am also someone that loves to overpack their schedule. And lastly, if it were not because you reminded me to realize that my life today was what I dreamed of doing when I was 15 years old, I would not have noticed it myself, and even if I did, I would not have taken the time to pat myself in the back and be proud of myself if it weren't for your video. Thank you!!!!

[@damionbrowne7604]

This was really great and valuable. Thank you Ali!

[@laura_and_shanman]

Congratulations on the book launch and hittting the best seller list!!

[@SKY-qf8qq]

Respect. Always such an inspiration. 👍

[@aligohar1708]

thank you bro... point 4 was really solid

[@chiraggoswami9869]

I dont know why but ali you sound so honest and true ❤ I love you ❤

[@lionheartjhames]

I badly need this. ❤. Thank you Ali!

[@taylorjanegreen1]

Thank you so much. VERY helpful.

[@dominikharman8821]

Thank you ma man, good stuff

[@AfiaNature]

Thank you very much as well .

[@Atkins704]

Hi Ali. I have been following your channel for quite some time. It has made many positive changes in my life. I am also a doctor (from India) and now working towards working in UK. Your content is really motivating for me all the time. It’s astonishing to see a person so young as you having such a control and perspective on his life. I always wish if I could have something like that in my early years so life would have been much easier. All the best to you and Thanks for all the work you are doing to change others’ lives. I am in UK currently for a few months. Is it possible if I could meet you or attend any of your talks.

[@mdabusaqibalamansari9979]

Very valuable video ❤ soon when my exams will get over I'll buy your book, very excited for that. Just from watching your videos I'm pretty sure it will be amazing. May Allah bless you ❤

[@GraceRose-us6jb]

Thank you!

[@EthanRooshock]

Incredible video Ali!

[@damanjot_kaur]

The most most genuine and honest human i have ever known.

[@yourdentistsays6572]

I think you need to add philosopher to your bio Ali! What a superbly analytical and thoughtful piece 👏🏾👏🏾

[@Theleaderstoolchest]

Excellent video, these are great life lessons!

[@mabrownDecide]

I thought you seemed a little down. Glad that's over and you're feeling joy!

[@jamesambalathunkal7925]

I especially gravitate towards the last man standing life lesson. I never really viewed things that way, but it makes sense.

[@sachinweerakoon]

Amazing man! 😊❤

[@laura_and_shanman]

I have had a small business for 13 years; "Last man standing" is so true. I was too stubborn to quit!! (not saying I won't pivot, but it's so true that sometimes you just need to KEEP GOING and don't quit!).

[@michaelgebben]

These videos from you that are scripted are INCREDIBLE! Thank YOU 🙏

[@robinchills]

Hell yes mate! Love it!

[@faizarahman2864]

The background music is so relaxing❤

[@study_with_shirin]

I feel so good after watching this. Thank you!

[@ednadsouza5254]

Loved this ❤

[@kochanystarydom74]

So much good stuff in this video, thank you Ali ❤

[@tablen2896]

The "if left unchecked, players will optimise the fun" quote is so familiar! I have seen it somewhere before

[@deborahmonde7304]

As I must take the subway for 2h or more everyday, I have switched my smartphone for a dumbphone, not to be tempted to glare at my screen, one year ago. Best decision I've ever made. Never had that much headspace in my entire life !

[@Faisal-Waseem]

Glad headspace is sponsoring this 👏🏻

[@lauras5113]

Loved your points! However, I think that some achievements really bring happiness over the long-term, not those that are connected to a special event like earning a title or comparable things - but e. g. learning a language to the point that you can connect with people and be yourself. Of course, this is overall a journey and it doesn't really end anywhere but the goal could be "being fluent and confident is that language". And it may bring joy to you everyday... same applies to other hobbies/skills like learning an instrument etc. So, what I want to say is that achieving a goal sometimes can really elevate your life and make you happier long-term. :)

[@MarianneHMiettinen]

Very important point! I think the journey over destination applies when there is a risk of getting fixated on some standard of quality, that you will pay the price with your other sides of life. But if the goal is sensible, like you said, learning a language that you can use your whole life in that country/context to connect is useful. On the other hand, it might not improve your overall happiness, as you might have figured something else in your life if you had not learned the language and been just as happy.

[@STEMwithKristen]

Absolutely. These are incredible lessons.

[@maome_mad]

"there is no achievement you can achieve , that make you any happier than you are right now" absolutely amazing qoute and its fact , thank you ali abdaal for teaching us lessons and tips to stay productivity as the world knows you're an amazing youtuber and all the universe loves every point you talked abt it . i look forward to get your book in the next days inshalah.

[@janbeesmusings6573]

You really talk sense, Ali. You are such an inspiration. 🎉 Journey is indeed the destination. Love it. 😊

[@dr.saimamasood8314]

Great lessons.............Thanks for such valuable content

[@alasandi31]

Had to pause on that optimizing fun out of the game, piece 🤔🤯. I love this fireside chat vibe again. Next video request- how to best keep lessons learned (like these) in the forefront while in the thick of it, all the legitimate life stuff.

[@abbyrupert5555]

You *are* looking healthier, fitter, and well-rested 🏋Thank you again for the inspiration. Agree - Sahil is wonderful but those baths are crazy.

[@RezaTaheri]

Thank you Ali,👍👍

[@ar7emkinTV]

I’m actually living my dream life! Thanks man❤

[@Junga-K]

I am so happy with this video, I feel like I was just on the brink of making so many mistakes on the journey that I am currently on. Thank you, also the growth in who you are generally and the genuine nature of your videos is so heart warming. Some of the comments have also just touched my heart.

[@sudheshnanimmakanti4979]

You met Ankur? Wow! We need a podcast of both of you together. Also, thank you for this video Ali. This is the first thing I need right now.

[@Eriquillo80]

Hey Ali, long time viewer and big fan! Just wanted to say how much healthier you look now versus your early KZbin days :) Cheers to all your success!

[@qqlife]

Love it, thanks!

[@mithunb1806]

well its time i should add headspace to my daily routine.. Thank you for always sharing your amazing ideas and routines its really inspiring.

[@hussainmanasi7774]

I am currently quite burnt out. And I love the timing of this episode just because I genuinely am filled with exactly the same emotions Ali describes here. Does it matter? It's a crumbling and dangerous thought

[@thelifewithnate]

Man, Ali, that Lesson No,7 with journey over destination is a tough one for me. When you're down in the creative trenches and you are spending years to build something and develop your own reputation, how do you focus on the journey and not the destination? I feel like that is a good analogy for entrepreneurship where a lot of folks including myself want the results to make a living off of what we want to do, not what we have to do to survive.

[@CallOfDestiny99]

I resonate with this as well! How I came to accept this is that I see my entire main job I'm doing to survive + side thing I do for fun as one BIG journey together. they supplement and compliment each other and the main BIG journey is my growth and happiness rather than just the success of my main career/side hustle individually. The byproduct of this mindset is that I am able to enjoy my main job because I see it as a means to supplement my side creative hustle. and I enjoy my side creative hustle more because I don't need to worry too much about money. Hoping that your journey is smooth and fruitful in figuring out what works for you!

[@riccardofp]

I was in the annual planning session! 🖐Really great experience

[@Mercutiossword]

This is well timed advice

[@Jolgarz]

Now thanks to you I will retake my dream of making videos and some other stuff, and probably will meet you and more of my favourite content creators >:c love your videos

[@yan---]

it is a beautiful video! thank you!

[@hneubac]

I wish I knew how productive study with me videos were. Ali, can you make a new one in 2024 from a cool location on your trip? 🙂

[@maelynayala]

Thank you for this! doing the biggest thing first thing in the morning is similar to Bryan Tracy's concept of Eat That Frog (the first productivity book I ever read). :)

[@thamama-rh5oe]

Loved your videos 🤩 from Pakistan 🇵🇰 And learned alot❤

[@RemoneCunningham]

That "dream moment" section had me in tears.

[@anagha1605]

A fantastic video❤