Feel-Good Productivity

Feel-Good Productivity book summary

Traditional productivity advice focusing on discipline and "hustling harder" is flawed
When we feel good, we do more and achieve better results
The book introduces three energizers (play, power, people) and three blockers (uncertainty, fear, inertia)
Feel-good productivity works through three mechanisms:
1. Boosts energy through positive hormones (endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin)
2. Reduces stress by counteracting negative emotions
3. Enriches life by creating upward spirals of positivity

Play isn't just for children; it's crucial for productivity and creativity
Three ways to incorporate play:
1. Create adventure by choosing your "play personality" (collector, competitor, explorer, etc.)
2. Find fun in tasks by asking "What would this look like if it were fun?"
3. Lower the stakes by not taking things too seriously while remaining sincere. Reframe failures as learning opportunities.

Power isn't about controlling others but feeling empowered in your own life
Three ways to increase personal power:
1. Boost confidence through self-talk and believing in your abilities
2. Level up skills through continuous learning and teaching others. Apply the "Shoshin" (beginner's mind) approach.
3. Take ownership of your work, even in situations with limited control. Own the process when you can't control outcomes.

Social connections are crucial for energy and productivity
Three ways to harness the power of people:
1. Find your scene and adopt a "comrade mindset" instead of seeing others as competitors. Foster a sense of team spirit even in individual work.
2. Help others and ask for help (the "helper's high")
3. Overcommunicate both good and not-so-good news. Create regular check-ins and feedback loops.

Uncertainty leads to procrastination
Three questions to overcome uncertainty:
1. Why? (Understand your purpose)
2. What? (Set NICE goals: Near-term, Input-based, Controllable, Energizing)
3. When? (Use implementation intentions and time blocking)

Fear is a major blocker to productivity
Three steps to overcome fear:
1. Understand your fear through labeling emotions. Separate rational from irrational fears.
2. Reduce fear through perspective (10/10/10 rule - will this matter in 10 minutes/weeks/years?)
3. Overcome fear by remembering that people aren't focused on you. Build gradual exposure to challenges.

Inertia keeps us stuck in unproductive patterns
Three ways to overcome inertia:
1. Reduce friction in your environment. Create systems that support action.
2. Take action through small, defined steps and track progress.
3. Support yourself with accountability partners. Practice self-forgiveness and celebrate small wins.

Overexertion leads to burnout
Three strategies to conserve energy:
1. Do less by saying no to commitments and focusing on essential priorities.
2. Resist distraction through environmental design
3. Schedule in and take more breaks throughout the day. Make breaks truly restful.

How you rest is as important as how you work
Three ways to recharge:
1. Through creative activities (CALM: Competent, Autonomous, Liberated, Mellow). Pursue hobbies without expectation. Allow for creative expression.
2. Through nature (even brief exposure helps)
3. Through mindless activities (letting your mind wander). Balance active and passive rest.

Alignment between actions and values prevents burnout
Three time horizons to consider:
1. Long-term (what matters at the end of life). Use the eulogy method. Define core values.
2. Medium-term (12-month goals). Use the wheel of life. Set value-based objectives and do regular check-ins.
3. Short-term (daily actions aligned with values). Make values based decisions.