How to Stop Wasting Your Life (Avoid These 5 Things)

Head over to Brilliant to start your 30 day free trial (and if you're one of the first 200 people to click the link you'll get an extra 20% off too): brilliant.org/AliAbdaal 😃
Hey friends, this is the second of 3 videos in a series about how to manage your time better when you have a full time job. I feel really passionate about this stuff because being able to manage my time well when I was a full time doctor here in the UK, allowed me to start and grow my KZbin channel and business on the side. So I really hope there's some useful takeaways for you in here. Enjoy x
Get my 7 Day Focus Crash Course here: aliabdaal.com/7-day-focus-cra...
📖 Check out my New York Times Bestselling book Feel-Good Productivity: go.feelgoodproductivity.com/t...
✍️ If you've read the book, share your thoughts here: aliabdaal.com/fgp-rating/
🍿 WATCH NEXT:
Part 1 of this series - 5 Time Management Mindsets: • How to Find Time for E...
How I Manage My Time - The Trident Method: • How I Manage My Time -...
My 10 Favourite Time Management Tips: • How I Manage My Time -...
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:
One Sec app: go.aliabdaal.com/onesec
Opal app: www.opal.so/
Someday is Today by Mathew Dicks: geni.us/45yDzy
📈 If you want to start or grow a KZbin channel: go.aliabdaal.com/exp
💌 Free Weekly Productivity Insights: www.aliabdaal.com/sunday
MY FAVOURITE TOOLS & GEAR
⏰ Rize - How I track my time and stay productive - rize.io/aliabdaal
📩 Superhuman - My favourite email app - go.aliabdaal.com/superhuman
✍️ Shortform - My favourite place for book summaries - go.aliabdaal.com/shortform
📚 Readwise - How I remember everything I read - go.aliabdaal.com/readwise
🎵 Epidemic Sound - Music & SFX in my videos - go.aliabdaal.com/epidemicsound
⚙️ Notion - How I manage my life and business - go.aliabdaal.com/notion
💰Trading212 - How I invest my money - www.trading212.com/promocodes...
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Deep Dive - / deepdivewithaliabdaal
🌍 My website / blog - www.aliabdaal.com/
🐦 Twitter - / aliabdaal
📸 Instagram - / aliabdaal
📱 TikTok - / aliabdaal
👨‍💻 Linkedin - / ali-abdaal
🎥 Facebook - / aliabdaal
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 - Introduction
0:51 - Social Media
5:28 - The News
6:14 - TV
8:07 - Chores
10:33 - The Spare Minutes

[@aliabdaal]

Lots of people have been enjoying my new book Feel-Good Productivity to improve their overall productivity and do more of what matters to them. If you'd like a copy check it out here! go.feelgoodproductivity.com/timevid2.

[@aliabul4990]

How is this comment posted one day before the video publishes?

[@user-fc8nq5sj2h]

Thank you

[@mohanadelsayed5942]

6:53 Abu Huraira reported Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) as saying: Do not curse Time, for it is Allah Who is Time.

[@fizzcrafts9004]

I always like all your video Ali, I wanted you to make a video on STUDYING IN ABROAD cuz there are lot of people who are going out for studies but still suffering after wasting lot of money still not getting jobs, some are suffering for VISA programs as well as loneliness and depression. Maximum of my friends went out for higher studies cuz there are lot filters in out country to get a good job and get married soon. I watched all your videos thought I wish I could have a life like you but I feel it's not easy for everyone being from middle class family spending so much and not getting at least a decent job. I wanted you to make a genuine video on studying in abroad and getting a job. What a people can do by just building his skills without wasting money a lot to agents and studies in abroad. 😀

[@damianryan3791]

I read it and and loved it.

[@FoysalSiamOfficial]

We can always make more money but we can never make more time." So true!💯

[@C0nquered]

but money gives you time anyway

[@FoysalSiamOfficial]

@@C0nquered it isn't possible

[@arinalowery7167]

But in order to make more money, you *surprise* need more time

[@thePrinceOfPurpose]

^ this is what's wrong with this channel.

[@Dr_Ayman_1]

0:00 - Introduction 0:51 - Social Media 5:28 - The News 6:14 - TV 8:07 - Chores 10:33 - The Spare Minutes

[@husainjagani]

Thanks!!

[@chilledvibes8482]

a wise man once said "not all heroes wear capes"😁

[@kyawzayarwin8027]

Thx

[@karlau1084]

I really like this format where you break the deep dive down into shorter related videos! Because I often watch you or listen to you in those between times or when I’m doing things that are not otherwise productive, and those things often come in 10 or 15 minutes intervals. Thanks for your continued great content. Enjoyed your book!

[@JohnCarlosMartinez]

One of your best videos. Raw, and not generic. Practical and helpful.

[@lifewithanshey35]

Thank you, Ali! You always come up with such inspiration video, and it's very useful. Sometimes, I forget my productivity, and I after I watch your videos, it's helping me to get back on track. Thank you!

[@karemmalek7290]

انت شخص ناجح جدا واول مرة اسمعك سنة ٢٠٢٣ مبروك لترجمة اللغة العربية كنت اريد كتابة تعليق بالعربية

[@kanyshbektashova4709]

Али, I find your videos quite helpful 🩵 Thank you. I am 41 going through emotional physical exhaustion. When I hear you saying using time wisely it makes me sad. I feel I am wasting it big time because I simply can’t do stuff more like I used to. Yet keep watching your videos

[@it_is_d-mighty_hero]

Thank you soo much Ali. This taught me so much on time management. I've got so much more time in my life since I watched your channel.

[@Osiskskdn]

Honestly Ali is such a big motivation for me and has always created great videos for me to try some new "experiments" and break my bad habits. I really appreciate you Ali!

[@maelynayala]

I can totally relate! It's been 7 years that I didn't have TV and haven't watched the news and I don't feel like I missed anything! I also hire someone to do the laundry and clean the house 2x a week I work from home and I have 2 little kids. Thank you fir this video! You have inspired me to create my own KZbin channel! And that is my biggest procrastination at the moment!

[@MultiverseWizard]

Thanks Ali, you're a huge inspiration and help on my road to a more productive life. Keep up the good work!

[@AlexanderFYoung]

Great video. I think the most important point is avoiding overwhelm and task-induced anxiety due to overloading our brains with things that aren’t actually helping us grow. There needs to be a conscious focus on where we want to be going and on what we actually enjoy.

[@ET76001]

agreed, except this concept is not in any way featuring in the video

[@ibraheemmonks8866]

As a student I'd highly recommend meal prepping as a way to save yourself tonnes of time during the week. By meal prepping I don't mean making boxes of boring chicken and rice. I cook a massive chicken curry during the weekend which takes about 2 hours and divide it into containers. I freeze about half and refrigerate the other half. It will last me about a fortnight and tastes great, mix with some tildas or uncle bens rice to make it last even longer.

[@sirmanabond173]

That sound like a good idea for me though I most make buns or dumplings cause it takes less time and eat it like a snack while studying to save more time

[@DishWithDina]

I’m the campus dietitian at our school’s health center and I love this guidance. Some of the students have challenges with this, so we’ve redefined how meal planning can fit in their routines by asking them to have an idea of where, when, and what they could eat during class days. 💚

[@HomeWorkouts_Leslie]

Do you actually eat the same meal for two weeks or you mean you do this multiple times a week?

[@ibraheemmonks8866]

@@HomeWorkouts_Leslie I have a very boring diet tbh, I basically eat the same breakfast and dinner everyday and change lunches. The curry I will eat every day for 2 weeks for dinner, and then make it again and continue the cycle. Lunch will also be meal prepped but I have some more variation in that. I've learnt its a sacrifice worth taking. If I'm not thinking about and planning my meals everyday I've saved that mental energy and time to devote to other more important and fulfilling tasks.

[@illuminatetv1821]

89

[@Jingweltblade]

GREAT VIDEOOOOO!!! they are all things one might be aware off but not to this extent. its always great to be reminded of these things.

[@SusheeNzeutem]

i love that series. It's very refreshing, motivating and educational. Keep up the good work. The quality and topics are TOP! thanks

[@anshikaanand7843]

What an impactful video it's !! You always come up with such inspiring and self help videos. ❤

[@mgalanteonline]

Brilliant as always, thanks for taking the time to make this video. It was very helpful.

[@WillBrownCars]

These videos are helping me so much when trying to balance my channel with a full time job!

[@marvinthompson9010]

Suggestions for chores Chores = audiobook time. Chores = prayer time. Chores = jobs delegated to the children so they can learn responsibilities. Chores = jobs you can do with your kids, making the jobs a bit more fun.

[@notus299]

podcast as well

[@heyclisa]

Music…

[@sourgreendolly7685]

@@heyclisa💯 Chores = personal concert time

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

@@sourgreendolly7685Great for mental health too! We are meant to sing. 👏👏

[@einekleineente1]

One of the best videos you ever made! Eye opening. I love it!

[@sulabhmathur4734]

Hey Ali!! I always get motivated by you. Presently facing challenging times on personal front. So nice to watch you and add some perspective. To mention, I use screen time and have deleted social media apps from my phone to plug time drain. Although, long way to go in achieving goals I have set for myself.

[@ElijahStewy]

Just got done reading your book! Huge impact on how i look at productivity and how i manage my time! Thanks Ali

[@thamama-rh5oe]

It's well a needed lesson Thanks Ali ❤

[@pierresbuys]

Excellent the way you articulate your thoughts, great arguments around time management. Makes sense to me.

[@user-vz3bs9fu6p]

I kinda needed this today. Thank you Ali

[@sumaiyaqureshiofficial]

Thanks Ali Your videos are really helpful.❤

[@chion2477]

I know watching KZbin is mostly 'a waste of time'.. Many people that want to get productive will watch a lot videos, but wont actually do anything about it.. Ali, you're one of the very few channels where I don't feel like I am wasting my time and you inspire me. Thank you. Will order your book soon :)

[@Dondillilochevrolet]

That’s a trap lol

[@dennisaarts7924]

Exactly what ​ @Dondillilochevrolet says. There is a lot of money to be made in the self help industry. And like with the Goldrush, The ones who make money out of this are the ones who sell the "shovels and pickaxes". And although he is right about a lot of stuff, Ali is good in selling those shovels and pickaxes.

[@baum7des7lebens7]

I listen to KZbin more than I watch. While listening I can move around and do stuff.

[@user-yd5xf1vt5x]

i totally agree with all what u said except for the chores one , because cleaning is my therapy

[@tangdaniel2956]

yeah!!!

[@themomvlogger1856]

I love these videos! I just received your book Feel Good Productivity that I ordered and I’m so excited to start reading it. ❤

[@lauracatalini1879]

Hello Ali and Ali's team. This is my first video from your channel in a while. I have truly missed you. I hope you realise how useful and meaningful your work is. You have help me so much in the past and have helped me today with this video once again. Ali, you seem like a super optimistic person and it's contagious. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@kaartheikgeiyan6004]

Hey Ali ! Great video as are most of your others. I have been implementing all these recommendations for years and the outcomes have been exponential. What's left to master is overthinking Existential questions and turning all the efficiency into tangible monetary gain. You're an inspiration with this sentiment coming all the way from Malaysia.

[@Promodhyaa]

I've been doing the first 3 for a while now and those have been saving so much time for me. As per chores.... That's when i really relax. I love.... Cooking in silence. Still working on the final point. Has been a caveat of time blocking for me which I'm trying to work around now. Thank you for this.

[@user-wu9kn1ub4z]

Hi, Ali .. I subscribed to your channel last year, wish I had known it earlier... I tried your study tips methods and I went from 3.5 to 3.78 in my GPA... I already have deleted all the social apps to focus Thanks, a lot dr Ali ... keep healthy and save

[@DeenCentre]

thanks for the content ali 🔥

[@nasiramos6326]

Great content. Thank you Ali

[@lauracolleen]

I love that you added the news and tv into this videos. I think the older generation is so judgemental towards people who use social media as a distraction for life, but they constantly watch tv and read newspapers etc etc. I agree with what you said about the news: it isn't intentional and informative anymore.

[@akterhosen7547]

Thank you sooo much sir❤

[@nidazehra39]

Thanks Ali as always ❤

[@mehenazmithila3945]

You inspired me in so many ways. Thank you

[@oscarhinostroza4216]

Every time I see one of your videos I get extremely motivated to work my life and get actual work done, this motivation continues for the next 4-5 days and then it washes off, but the good thing there is always another video to watch. Please don’t stop uploading videos my productivity depends on you 😬

[@xamdimgxmohamud4074]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@leandrog2785]

You can rewatch

[@tavo3853]

😂😂😂😂

[@L-Wong]

Love all your tips! I will implement the ones relating to limiting screen time. Your explanation helps me to understand my dopamine issue better. Where chores are concerned, my time cost per hour isn't high enough to justify hiring a cleaner and I often find that cleaners don't always deliver on total cleanliness LOL. What I do find important when it comes to only spending as little time as necessary on chores is to simplify them and my surroundings so that things get done swiftly with minimal effort. Minimalism is key for fast cleaning because getting around the clutter takes time and effort. Having little systems/hacks to streamline chores really help too. (Example: place large piece of paper underneath chopping board and push peelings etc on to the paper. Then wrap up and discard) Lastly, just keeping clean and tidy as one goes.

[@kalpeshrathod3710]

I’m a fan of your work Ali…you are truly an avid reader and capture tiny details of living productive life …those quick wisdoms surely save our time from going that path and figuring out on our own…however I tend to disagree on not to watch TV…those who are already busy active they comeback home only during those hours they have access to TV…rest of the day outside they have a constant companion called cell phone which carries all the distractions that we need to worry about….even when back home the phone is always there so typically 16-17 waking hours we are exposed to distractions it’s a matter of thumb pressing on that app or avoiding….while TV accessible only 4-5 waking hours that too you can switch off as you don’t carry everywhere like cellphones with you…

[@skwinss]

love your videos. you call out on all the lazy things that we all do and show us how what you're saying totally makes sense. I really wish I had a teacher like you in School and college.

[@isalutfi]

Hi Ali, Thank you!

[@sahyasamson]

"value the minutes" - love that!

[@similoluwaadebayo5529]

They look simple but when it is consistent, the longtime returns are massive. Thank you, Ali.

[@nezzy4853]

I really like this series, can’t wait for episode 3! ☺️

[@Rawi888]

Damn, I really hate being lazy. What a terrible way to live, I have truly squandered my life thus far. That said, I WILL overcome and succeed, and you will too my friends.

[@KavindaDeAlwisOfficial]

No clutter and BS, straight to the point with stuff you can actually put into practice.. Well done..

[@douglaschester2097]

Ali is beyond amazing. “Mistake young people make”

[@douglaschester2097]

Making money is action, keeping money is behavior and Growing money is knowIedge.

[@douglaschester2097]

I am fortunate I made productive decisions that changed my life forever (accumuIated over a MiI) through my finance-mentor. I'm a single parent, bought my house in January and hoping to retire at 53 by next year.

[@douglaschester2097]

sear ch the name, lf you care.

[@douglaschester2097]

*Rebecca Martin Watson*

[@svenoliver6040]

l’m amazed to partake on this, lt has rekindled the fire to my goals

[@FinancewithGrace]

Your videos are always on point

[@richhands5269]

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

[@carolschneid]

Thanks for sharing I am always looking for suggestions based on creators I like. This was really helpful to me

[@sabueso777]

I reviewed the channel how money works and in one of the videos the cult of productivity, it shows us the obsession of some youtubers talking about productivity, one of them is ali abdaal. and in the video about how trying to be more productive often ends up being worse.

[@adtc]

I think this is a bot comment. I remember seeing the exact same comment in another channel, except it was that channel's name instead of "Ali Abdaal". It's trying to promote the other two channels.

[@helterskelter7507]

Thank you for the recommendations. I am impressed.

[@rishabh5346]

A Big Thank you For Audio Track language translation ❤❤

[@mohammedtabrez9887]

Amazing loved the content ❤❤

[@user-mq4ju3mx7c]

Thank you fir this video! You have inspired me to create my own KZbin channel! And that is my biggest procrastination at the moment!

[@zachraymond1727]

The quality of your videos has gone up exponentially, not to say they were bad a few years ago. You make really insightful content that is so enjoyable to watch. Keep it up Ali😄

[@Irvin1]

As always, well said Ali!

[@anwarALobede-kf3zr]

Thanks for Your efforts to help us❤

[@TetianaLisova]

such simple, obvious, but useful tips! thanks for this video. I already installed the "1 sec" app and went to look for the "someday is today" book I really liked the idea of Spare Minutes. it changes a lot

[@ManojSalgar55]

Another great masterpiece video, Ali. One more challenge is when we come back from 9 to 5 job and if we get some time we open a laptop and do more work and get extended. How to restrict 9 to 5 job to 9 to 5 will be a good topic for this series to make a video about. Thank you for your videos, it feels like we have a life-changing idea.

[@veronicavids]

Watching your videos is the best way to start the day 🎉

[@Wise-me1]

I really liked your ideas!!! Very practical, thanks!!!!

[@Ulviulyani]

Thank you Ali 🎉🎉🎉

[@batmanbtch958]

hi Ali . as i told you before that im learning german and i bought ur book because i belive that the only ay to read something in german is for me to read an interesting book about something that i am passionate about . i bought ur book with some skewptik view and i thought that it might be worth it readig ur book . but bro you are changing completely my way of thinking as im reading ur book and benefiting from your gold experiences .thank you so much for writing and publishing thius book . i love it . i watch ur vyoutube rarely but man i would like to read any other book of urs. love u man

[@layanfaiad1532]

THAT WAS REALLY HELPFUL ❤

[@feelingsintheabyss470]

Dude, One Sec is a game changer!!! Thank you so much for the recommendation! And the home screen thing, I already do that and it’s so usefulll. Out of sight out of mind.

[@Simon-us4bn]

It’s surprising how much simply removing apps from view helps with the temptation. I put a ‘useful’ app in place too so when muscle memory kicks in I’ve found myself in an app that actually benefits me

[@thorn_princess]

Wow, everything makes sense! I didn't realize how much time I could have saved all these years 🤧 thank you !!!🎉❤

[@youngandindependentcommunity]

Great video Ali.. i really enjoyed this information and it woke me from slumber 😮

[@samirakdim985]

thanks a million dear all your videos are whorthwhile thanks again

[@davidr4523]

Excellent video! What prevents people from achieving success is that they do not complete enough high value activities at an productive level on a daily basis. Our days get distracted and wasted so easily that the days just slip away. The challenge is not just staying focused but knowing: 1. What are your highest level activity you can achieve each day? 2. What process do you have for remembering these activities during the day? 3. How do you attain a level of mastery in these activities that you can perform them well? 4. You have the physical/mental energy to perform these activities along with the strong motivation/dedication. If you can answer the questions above and perform the required task you will be successful over time.

[@mihaylo_kovin]

Thanks for sharing!

[@user-ul3uf9mq7v]

from my experience .. this advices can change your life and productivity 360 degree

[@workfaith6846]

Too busy but you keep having real plants🎉 hats off

[@izb1275]

“Brilliant is truly brilliant! It’s going to be my secret weapon for acing my upcoming exams. With its practical examples, it makes learning less of an academic chore and more of an engaging experience.

[@BookMattic]

This is my second comment because I just wanted to say I watched it all, and I really love your last point as well. Every second literally does count, and I found myself. Forgetting that the in-between times can also be used for intentional actions or rest as you say.

[@alihaidaroooo]

This information will help me a lot to do some my Goals

[@sunriselotus]

Hi Ali, can you please make a video on what to do about toxicity and if we are jealous of someone’s success and achievements. I am holding on to a lot of resentment. And also I 100% agree with social media. Because it has ruined my life in a lot of ways.

[@CasWald]

Thanks. Great video idea 🎉

[@chrustyee]

with every video dropping the video quality gets significantly better holy shit

[@LetsBeHealthy_]

This video delivers essential tips to prevent wasting precious time and missing out on life's opportunities. The advice is practical, actionable, and serves as a wake-up call for those unintentionally falling into unproductive habits. A must-watch for anyone looking to make the most of their time and prioritize meaningful pursuits.

[@huongduonghoa3594]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@NathanJohnnyVilla]

I learned a lot from this video and was taking my notes on pen and paper very deliberately. From now on I will not scroll on KZbin, I will only use KZbin if I have a question like how I found this video. Also thanks for the ideas as well I took from my note pad thank you you really inspired me I’m 16 in highschool and I have dreams and goals to be proud and rich. Thank you again for teaching me how much “Time” is important

[@user-mt7bg2kl3e]

Hi Ali, I really like watching your videos❤

[@ayshadiyaah7917]

Ali, I've been watching ur video for past few months and really want to appreciate how ur videos are concise yet really effective and love how now ur making parts (It's really helpful) + wanna tell you how the minutes count experiment had a huge impact in me as a student , It was told by my brother and initially i took it lightly but, once started really mattering.. it was super efficacious.

[@-niemand-6848]

I’ve also thought about implementing a no tv alone rule 👀 i think it also makes sense because you share the story with someone else, so it gives you something to talk about.. when you watch it on your own then it can be kind of an isolating experience when you have noone to talk about it (which is likely nowadays because there is just too many options)

[@Cerdick]

This is very helpful 💯

[@dirkhartlage]

A good trick I use for KZbin is to disable the watch history. It disables all tailored recommendations. Your start page only says "Your watch history is off" and has no videos then. You can still search explicitly for things you are interested in or go to the channels you subbed, but you won't be urged to click on that catchy "top 10 ways to open a beer" (I just made that up, but I could imagine it exists) video on your starting page. The recommendations next to the videoplayer will also stay rather clear of things like that, if you are watching educational content at the moment for example.

[@noahark4832]

Nice one. An additional benefit of this trick is since there aren't tailored recommendations anymore, it will not bloat your "watch later" list, which probably many people won't watch anyway

[@firebird5817]

I would like to try that, but if you turn it back on will it remember the stuff that you like? Cause I totally see your point, but I'm trying to follow a lot of different channels (artist mostly) at a time, so it's kind of good when it shoves up a random new video from someone I totally forgot to check on, if you know what I mean.

[@TheScholarshipFunda]

Exploring evidence-backed methods to enhance productivity and happiness is truly enlightening. Your channel is a beacon of wisdom in a sea of information overload!

[@toobluman]

FGP is the first book that I've ever read and that too in just 3 days. what an experience it was!l

[@alicelee9192]

I love keeping up with my favorite shows, but find it to be a time drain. to keep up with my friends in talking about the latest shows, i now overlap TV time with my laundry folding time -- which has been huge! thanks for these tips

[@Hugo14319]

It's crazy how ali's channel grows this much over a short period. I started following him when he's reached only 2.5 million. Now you see. Keep up👍

[@runaakter9669]

Thanks a lot.. Hope so these tips Will be useful ❤

[@ranjinirajainfilm]

Ali just asking : do you think at this point that you are too regimental in being productive and missing out on actually living? Could you share what do you do for fun without being productive about it or your love life? How does your partner feel on these productive discipline ? I’d like a more overall practical picture for the real world for someone with a job, partner and a child?

[@UGAASKA_]

Wow amazing thanks

[@vany4050]

Excellent video, I am surprised that it is also in Spanish, thank you for thinking about Spanish speakers, this video helped me 👌🏼❤

[@marianaduranfranco6248]

I realize I'm down the great path when I know the tools you've mentioned!

[@mokhtarawwad6291]

Thanks for sharing

[@user-mx2kr4qm4l]

Hi Ali! Thank you for your videos! Do you have any videos about how to pick up the content? How to filter the incoming information? How to create your “content field”, that will bring you quality information and joy rather than just wasting time? Would absolutely love to hear your thoughts about that.

[@sachinkmehta]

TV and Social media is top of my list to eradicate to get more time. Can ponder upon analysis paralysis and over thinking instead of doing things?