“We all want to be more productive, right? I first got interested in how productivity can help live happier, healthier, and more efficient lives when I was studying at Cambridge University to become a doctor. I had way too much stuff I wanted to do - student societies, socialising, sports, and that minor niggle of passing all the exams - so discovering the world of productivity really helped me juggle multiple things all at once.
Everyone deserves to have a fantastic 2022, so use these tips to get you started.”
— Ali
Everyone deserves to have a fantastic 2022, so use these tips to get you started.”
— Ali
Optimise for Fun
I take inspiration from a book by Derek Sivers called 'Hell Yeah or No'. Basically, any time I'm presented with a choice, if I don't immediately think 'hell yeah' then I try to say no. This means I end up doing far more of the things I really want to do which are usually fun or interesting. I also find ways to make whatever I'm doing more fun. For example, turning something into a game can make it easier to complete. Having a pleasant working environment can really help you out – adding green plants will boost your mood and creativity, and the right kind of music can make all the difference. I love an epic movie soundtrack to get me going!
I'm writing a book about this actually - it's all about how we can use insights from psychology and neuroscience to make whatever we're doing more enjoyable, because when you're having fun, productivity takes care of itself.
I'm writing a book about this actually - it's all about how we can use insights from psychology and neuroscience to make whatever we're doing more enjoyable, because when you're having fun, productivity takes care of itself.
Invest in Your Space
An ergonomic chair and desk set up really helps to mitigate some of the effects of sitting for extended periods of time. I used to get quite a bit of lower back pain towards the end of a workday, but I bit the bullet and invested in a Herman Miller chair a few years ago, and within a few days of sitting in it, my lower back pain had vanished. I love the Aeron Chair - once adjusted to the right settings, it genuinely feels like I’m not even sitting down, almost like floating on a cloud.
And regularly switching positions is super important too. I got a height-adjustable desk 3 years ago and I’m never looking back. If I feel fatigued from sitting, usually after an hour, I’ll grab a coffee and continue working standing up. Regularly changing working positions is great for our posture and general health.
And regularly switching positions is super important too. I got a height-adjustable desk 3 years ago and I’m never looking back. If I feel fatigued from sitting, usually after an hour, I’ll grab a coffee and continue working standing up. Regularly changing working positions is great for our posture and general health.
