Audiobook Review: Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal

The audiobook Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You has been written by and narrated by Ali Abdaal. We think that productivity is all about hard work. That the road to success is lined with endless frustration and toil. But what if there’s another way? Dr Ali Abdaal – the world's most-followed productivity expert – has uncovered an easier and happier path to success. Drawing on decades of psychological research, he has found that the secret to productivity and success isn't grind – it's feeling good. If you can make your work feel good, then productivity takes care of itself. In this audiobook, Ali reveals how the science of feel-good productivity can transform your life. He introduces the three hidden "energizers" that underpin enjoyable productivity, the three "blockers" we must overcome to beat procrastination, and the three "sustainers" that prevent burnout and help us achieve lasting fulfillment. He recounts the inspiring stories of founders, Olympians, and Nobel-winning scientists who embody the principles of Feel-Good Productivity. And he introduces the simple, actionable changes that you can use to achieve more and live better, starting today.

Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You is an interesting and informative book. Abdaal does a great job narrating, and I think that only enhances the audiobook format of this read. I thought that he described the problems that many of up face with motivation and productivity and offers information to help us understand the science and feelings that sometimes make us get in our own way. I thought the examples and information was well chosen and explained, getting the details and inherent nature of them across without getting too technical or dry. The suggestions and tools Abdaal offers are manageable, and I like that he mentions several times that not every tool or method will work for everyone. However, the awareness, effort, and intent can all help us work towards happier and more fulfilling lives. 

Book Review: Striker, Slow Down by Emma Hughes, John Smisson

Striker, Slow Down is a picturebook written by Emma Hughes and illustrated by John Smisson. Striker the cat is unstoppable! He thinks that there is too much fun to be had, and no matter what his mama tells him, he never slows down. One day, a bump to the head brings this busy cat to a standstill. Will Striker finally listen to his mama and learn to make time for a little calmness?

Striker, Slow Down is a charming book about slowing down and taking the time to notice things and clear the head. The illustrations are sweet and charming, capturing the energy Striker has and the reluctance to slow down. As a mom of two very active children I have seen this in real life, the fear of missing out or not taking advantage of every fun possibility that comes their way. I enjoyed that the book show how slowing down and being more aware, more mindful, of their bodies and the world around them. I think there was a nice balance of fun and getting the point across with out getting pushy. I think the concept of thinking of nothing might be hard for some youngsters to grasp, and I felt like there was not much time spent on how to actually relax. Although I do like the idea of starting this conversation and giving parents and caregivers some of these tool, both for themselves and the kids.