This Book Changed my Relationship with Time

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In this episode of BOOK CLUB, we're talking about how to combat the lengthening to-do lists, our overfilled inboxes and the struggle against distraction which I learned from reading Oliver Burkeman's book 'Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals'. These lessons have helped to change my outlook and attitudes to time management and are super useful to learn early on in your journey to being more productive and living a more meaningful life.
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My conversation with Oliver on Deep Dive: • Productivity Expert On...
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00:00 Intro
00:59 Time problems
04:12 How we go in denial
06:14 Embracing your limits
08:00 Being intentional with our time - 6 practical steps
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The podcast that delves into the minds of entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people to uncover the philosophies, strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier and more productive lives. You can find it by searching “Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal” on any podcast app (eg: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts etc).
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The podcast that delves into the minds of entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people to uncover the philosophies, strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier and more productive lives. You can find it by searching “Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal” on any podcast app (eg: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts etc).
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WHO AM I:
I’m Ali, a KZbinr, podcaster, soon-to-be author and ex-Doctor working in London, UK. I make videos that explore the strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier and more productive lives. I also have a weekly podcast called Deep Dive (kzbin.info/door/hfo..., and I write a weekly email newsletter that contains some quick thoughts + links to interesting things (email.aliabdaal.com).
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[@just_sadhana]

I love how we are all catching up to the idea of doing less and focusing on the things that truly brings us satisfaction and joy.

[@HiChinachannel]

Totally right!

[@anuragsarmah3854]

This also reminded me of an idea that Ali talked once- For any particular decision, it should either be HELL YES!! or if it's anything below that, it should be a NO.

[@somevetrano5796]

I LOVE this mindset

[@sunset33533]

Exactly. A mindfulness book called 30 Days to Overcome Procrastination by Corin Devaso helped me with this.

[@SashankSudhakarVandrangi]

I love the two jars on the desk - both with the same items, except the left one illustrating how if you get the big stuff in first, you will be able to squeeze the little things in later.

[@theaburtofamily9398]

Your videos never fail to keep me on track with my goals and productivity. Amazing as usual!

[@amanihashem587]

thanks Ali i actualy was searching for a way to find time to do my personal project besides my medical school studying & the idea of starting my day with it will make me feel much better about myself & give me positive energy for study also ... that was stressing me a lot these days 🥺 .. thank you again 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@kandacepereira795]

my friend literally told me this for my uni exam in 2 days!!!! so good so helpful. thank u

[@aayamstha7]

Great video Ali - I couldn't help but connect a lot of the tips you shared to the concepts of stoicism - such as realising the shortness of life, embracing our fate and focusing on what is most essential.

[@joseleonuno]

I picked it up a month ago and It’s really interesting. I think it resonates more with me than other “productivity” books. Thanks great video!

[@peperiday]

This video popped up in the right time. I'm overwhelmed because there are many things I want to do and many skills I want to equip. I will try to make opened and closed lists.

[@yohaizilber]

I believe you said something profound: the most consistent way to be productive is to enjoy what you do. Thank you for making this video!

[@JeffreysDharma]

Truly an excellent read that transcends the typical productivity genre.

[@igorbanasik2946]

I read the book when I first heard about it in your podcast. Absolutely lifechanging🙌🙌

[@samreeve3709]

Fantastic video! Something I’ve always struggled with, thank you

[@greculaina]

Thank you, Ali, for all of your videos! There is a lot of information, inspiration and even implementetion in them. God bless you, all of you here!

[@khalilahd.]

Since you recommended atomic habits and can’t hurt me I’ve ALWAYS taken your book recommendations. These two books changed my life and I’m definitely open for new books to try 🙏🏽

[@MuhammadBesharat7]

Yes Atomic habit is a masterpiece You also have to read CompoundEffect by darrenhardy if you didn't read it 🙂

[@divoramedia]

kzbin.info/door/U1_tYX049Wg4aC6gElz8VQ

[@malaria39]

As someone who tends to watch these types of videos at 1.5 speed, I appreciate that you can talk so quickly and clearly at the same time.

[@squidgemcnut]

I have to slow it down to half speed to take notes so Ali sounds drunk throughout

[@AliArslan-tk6tr]

The way Ali explains things so precisely is just fabulous.

[@ttmoore8750]

I already use a Kanban method (& board) for each quarter and it was helping me become much more intentional with the little time within being at university while working and approaching better self-development. I had but I will be picking up the open & closed to-do list and a copy of 4,000 weeks. Thanks

[@Viki12ify]

really cool, that you link to all the stuff in the description...for example I wanted to watch the Podcast with Oliver...opened the description and there it was :) Keep up the good videos Ali :)

[@daniela-elenavisan8939]

you are awsome , i enjoyed this so much this will keep me from burning out in everything I do , cause I sometimes peak with passion and at times i get so so low with my intentions

[@khushis1131]

Yey a book club atlast! So excited

[@ThePlantParadigm]

Love your style of videos! Thanks for the great sum up!

[@fathimarizla4817]

Thank you for this,Ali!

[@engrhaiderbukhari]

Having a 4K weeks calendar can make us productive since it can remind us that we are not in this world forever.

[@ayeshasumayya1866]

And i thought i was being productive by keeping my desk clean everyday 😐..... Such a good reflection! Thanks Ali. ❤

[@tapanmishra0]

My man, i love your channel. I however struggle to listen and internalize the learning at the same time as you speak really fast. But you keep doing what you are doing as you are doing great.

[@betteryouin2418]

Great Summary, will check this book out. I especially like the point about paying yourself first in relation to how you spend your time, usually this phrase is always used regarding money. I totally agree on giving your best time to the things that are most important to you

[@maryamalipoor8603]

Thanks Ali👍👍 you incourage me to read this book as fast as possible.

[@daysdone2827]

Tiny details like occasionally zooming and out the screen and exact same pitch of voice while cutting and continuing scenes are really well thought 👍🏻

[@mithunb1806]

It's in my reading list i suppose to start tomorrow 😁 thank you for the review

[@basictoglamchictravels]

I needed this especially now when I seem to have less than 24 hours like everyone else.. taking in notes 📝, thanks for this

[@lacyramos9106]

ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ

[@ChritsianBucic]

Just awesome! Thank you Ali!

[@RoselomonTV]

When we embrace our limits, we STOP ENDLESS PROCRASTINATION..My word

Thank you for the video. It's really hard for me to focus on my projects with so many financial problems that disrupt concentration and drain the energy from what I enjoy doing.

[@Natalie.Fulton]

This book was incredible! I feel like I spent so many years chasing some fantasy of productivity, and this book brought me down to earth.

[@lacyramos9106]

ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ

[@Gift_Matthias]

Thank you Ali You’ve been an amazing person and great inspiration ❤️❤️❤️❤️🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@modou.studygrowth]

Productivity is like a battle with yourself. It's a skill too (If you look at it closely), and the more you develop your self-discipline the easier it becomes.

[@somevetrano5796]

So true!

[@megangardner_science_and_art]

Great video. Giving lots of value as always Ali 👍

[@aaishah6319]

Loved this!!💫💫

[@ZoeysMusings]

Seeing your life visually in weeks is such a powerful reminder that life in its entirety is not promised, so how and what can we do to make the most of it? Looking forward to sinking my teeth into this recommendation. Thank you always for what you do, Ali!

[@somevetrano5796]

Already read it - amazing book 🙏🏼

[@syedanabeehaahmad1]

Yes

[@jonesjermaine4387]

Cool, I've been reading Tropic of Cancer except I like to pretend the character Van Norden is like a Bailey Jay, mite write my own book think I'll call it "Beyond the Valley of Penises"

[@nwankwo-ukahjohnbosco4240]

Yeah

[@ac7jd]

I think I saw this video at the right time. …thank you so much :) this has helped ...

[@DayanaPlays]

Amazing stuff thanks! 🙌🏽

[@emillythomas9161]

My fave KZbinr - thank you 😊

[@ChristosLouridas]

Ali I am doing the exact same thing, before work every morning. What I do is I play a few games of Fortnite or LoL and I watch a few videos on the other monitor. I always believed is like a morning ritual, doing the thing you like before work.. Nice vid and nice point too.

[@austinpongpit9382]

Great stuff as always!!!!👍👍

[@richah4521]

Awesome review and insights. Thank you :)

[@DrPatrickKingsep]

Hello Ali, great video!! It is so useful to see our lives in the scope of time we may have here....interesting book - thanks for reviewing this for us :)

[@larrytaylor7274]

I'm currently in the middle of week 4009 and I'm just getting started!

[@MarcelSamyn]

To help you practice doing nothing-I've actually found it helps me stay *more focused* throughout the day if I practice presence like you explained when taking breaks from deep work. It seems like focus doesn't run out anymore. I'm calling it the Focus-First Lifestyle: focusing 100% of the time-oddly enough-is easier.

[@patricialevina]

Ali in 2022 is really forcing me to play in 0.75x speed.... in 2019 I can still understand but now I will miss each of these wonderful analysis 😆😆😆 listening and understanding the deeper analysis are 2 works I'm trying to do whenever watching your video 🌟🌟

[@amyqiu8137]

Ali always has great book recommendations. :)

[@mcmaschio]

I enjoy and learn from your videos so much and the production quality is insane 💯🔥 Inspiring to me as a KZbin creator … much love Ali ❤️

[@kushal8229]

Hey Ali, I dunno if your gonna read this but I hope you make a video for teenagers about what they learn during their summer vacations that will compound over time to produce great results. Ty

[@fabazeez2108]

Thank so much Ali, this wa really helpful.

[@lacyramos9106]

ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ

[@shaunzeunert6897]

Just finished this book and Wow It has definitely changed my perspective on how I want to live my life

[@sahargulzar8657]

Finally finally finally... an episode of book club....

[@lacyramos9106]

ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ

[@the1yearexperiment]

That poster is quite cool. Seeing all the weeks that make up your life can shift our perspective to look at what we do each day more from the outside than being totally immersed in it. Want to hang one up next to my desk as a little counterbalance to all the work stuff happening there :)

[@user-lq8jl1tm2g]

Whatsapp✙15093198417 More updates on ETH,XRP,SOL📊Whatsapp✙𝟏5093198417 More updates on XLM,NFT’s, BTC📊 👆👆👆👆

[@eulamaeignacio769]

I love it 🥰 plus this is how fast I talk all the time now I see how it is hehe

[@junaid_ahmed_]

Another great book club ep

[@krakentowa8727]

Thanks for speaking so fast and fitting heaps into the time you spent filming this video 😂 Although perhaps I didn’t really watch it because I fall in the age category that apparently doesn’t exist for your watchers! Ahhhhh, luckily I go chill out in the Lands Between.

[@imangellau]

Great content, as always; and I love the editing!

[@lacyramos9106]

ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ

[@RyanHarville]

Existence isn't a coincidence, but this is something I definitely needed to hear today.

[@SaraMakesArt]

I like the idea of working on personal projects first and of finding things to intentionally fail at, or rather, forgiving ourselves for not succeeding in every "important" thing in life. Maybe I can accept now that I'll probably never get to inbox 0. Also, I think it's really cool, Ali, that you pay your employees to essentially spend an hour of their workday working for themselves.

[@user-pc4mm9ug7h]

Write me up on whatsapp I will introduce you to nice investment plan it will help you

[@jackrobertson5423]

Action come from stillness. Fear based action is called activity and most of us are just steeped in activity, rather than taking right action from a place of peace

[@jowiens32]

I feel like this works awesome for people like myself. However for others who struggle to get off the couch it might just encourage them to accept they’re going to fail as some things? I can see that being taken too far maybe. Regardless, I’m getting that book! Time is my biggest struggle. Thank you!

[@sacdaabdurhman]

“You are the only one who can define your success”.

[@AntonetteJefferson]

Prepositions, articles, and conjunctions - I typically also write them in lower case too (noticing your titling/title). 😘

[@kanay_norie]

What I’ve found out observing my own productivity is that you also have to factor in energy level (physical and mental energy). Low stamina and brain fog just ruin whatever discipline you have with time. I worked with improving my energy (I read “Energy Paradox” by dr. Gundry), and productivity followed.

[@dannylowney]

I'm in the middle of this book right now and absolutely love it! I had just finished The Power of Now as I picked it up too and there are a bunch of really interesting overlaps. If anyone reads this and is unsure whether or not to give the book a read, I'd really encourage you give it 10 mins :)

[@divoramedia]

kzbin.info/door/U1_tYX049Wg4aC6gElz8VQ

[@jonesjermaine4387]

Cool, I've been reading Tropic of Cancer except I like to pretend the character Van Norden is like a Bailey Jay, mite write my own book think I'll call it "Beyond the Valley of Penises"

[@Angelo-wg2kb]

been thinking about reading that since I'm almost done with A new earth

[@dannylowney]

@@Angelo-wg2kb ooo love that one too! I'd definitely recommend :)

[@V4Gaming]

Thanks for this productive tip😊😊😊

[@junayedkabir9050]

I like your productive vedios very much your explain style is too good ever 🥰

[@jessicaelisa9791]

there is a Brazilian book translated would be called something like "society of tiredness" and talks about how we just dont know how to rest and thats why burnout is just inevitable nowadays.. rediscover how to rest is something more challenging than we can imagine

[@justtuhinathings]

Love this video

[@FinancialShinanigan]

On the other end, so many of my friends don't make time to enjoy their lives now. Planning, saving, investing for the future is great but don't forget to live.

[@nataliesoutlet]

Just added to audible! Sold.

[@shukriyahussain1717]

I'm reading this book 📖, I started it yesterday 😇

[@lacyramos9106]

ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ

[@dabi_]

The MrWhoseTheBoss influence is strong haha - liking the new videographic style.

[@anxen]

Sounds good 👍. Watched this whilst ruining my eyesight over cream cotton crochet project. #relaxing 😂

[@StephenRinggold]

Even If I were to be a mediocre musician, it would be worth my time to review this material. Our time, rhythm can be considered paramount in some situations. Thank-you for directing my attention here.

[@lacyramos9106]

ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ

[@fy4729]

This is so hard for me to do. Everyday I feel in discomfort and I’m trying desperately to escape it. But the reality is it has to be laid one brick at a time. I’m trying to learn to live with that and practice patience.

[@somevetrano5796]

You can do it 🙏🏼

[@shannicedavidson2702]

Awwwww I feel your pain too love , been in that shoes a million times .....but you e just to keep on thriving ok ?

[@shannicedavidson2702]

You can reach out to me I’ll give you some insight into my money making methods which will benefit you , I don’t normally do this but sorry ok

[@Gmkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk]

Quite important to know that we can't do everything.

[@adzzz1777]

Mate u need to upload more often. love your content btw

[@lacyramos9106]

ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ ᴡʜᴀᴛꜱᴀᴘᴘ

[@silentopedia]

"It's okay to really embrace our limits"

[@sychro8978]

this is the only channel that I don't feel guilty about watching

[@lacyramos9106]

ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ

[@CamberHill]

this is brilliant.

[@thecovidtimes4890]

There is power in being still :)

[@bendandoSotfware]

Great, just great

[@nafixer]

" PRODUCTIVITY FOLLOWS PASSION " - Always keep this in mind

[@rongitmukherjee]

Damn, loved this video!

[@user-pc4mm9ug7h]

Write me up on whatsapp I will introduce you to nice investment plan it will help you

[@royalchesstashkent]

During the video, I checked twice my Playback speed, and was sure that it is ×1.0, not a ×1.5 😆 Mr. Ali thank you for content!

[@therubygore]

Thank you so much for the content you put out and for recommending this book, it’s without a doubt the best I’ve consumed in a very long time. 😊

[@lacyramos9106]

ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ

[@kylevasulka8568]

Great video. I am still strugling with most of the concepts discussed here. -I agree that there is not enough time in our lives to do everything we want -Accepting defeat has been drilled into me to never be the answer. -Deciding what matters is the whole issue, how do I simply just “decide what matters” by giving up? -Comparing situation to not living at all seems like great advice -I think that things having meaning because they only happen a few times as a requirement to enjoy something is a falacy. We often assume that things will continue to happen in the future and still enjoy them. -The difference between doing something to just enjoy it and procrastinating seems very thin -Spending time to make the tough decisions seems to take an infinite ammount of time as no matter whatI choose it feels like a lose situation Any advice about any of this would be much appreciated.

[@tonykirk8295]

Choosing between things is not the same as giving up

[@MrRinre]

Wow Ali is a great boss letting his employees have their first hour free for themselves. In the long run, I'm sure it will pay off immensely. I would love to work for him.

[@MilesLeslie]

Wishing everyone the best on their productive journeys if you’re reading this message you got this. ❤️

[@myne8034]

Wowww you are gem of a person 👍👍👍

[@arielzshell]

Accept defeat is something I’m still learning

[@arielzshell]

It’s very hard

[@lydiaw]

great video~ I am now in confusion. not knowing how to improve my time management

[@siddhantkothari9580]

hey Ali! I just had a request. I tend to follow things you say (well most of them). I just want a video from you based around OVERTHINKING. (after watching the confidence one :) I just would really appreciate that. Thank you !

[@keithprice6581]

I love seeing an 8 year old Tim Urban article turning into a book and then turning into a KZbin video.

[@stevetorster]

nearly 3M!!

[@gabriel_augustob]

This book is amazing