1) What do I struggle with most? Being the pilot, plane or the engineer? and why?

One of my greatest challenges lies in navigating the skies of life. My mind often becomes consumed with thoughts of meticulously planning my daily routines and crafting extensive to-do lists. While I excel in the roles of both pilot and engineer, I find myself faltering when it comes to actually embodying the plane and putting forth the necessary effort. This feeling of being lost and stagnant prevents me from making significant progress, and as a result, I often succumb to the temptation of giving up.

Allow me to paint a vivid picture of my specific circumstances. As a third-year medical student hailing from India, my aspirations extend far beyond the boundaries of medicine. My ultimate goal is to harmoniously pursue my diverse passions alongside my medical career, refusing to sacrifice one for the other. I strive to conquer my exams with exceptional proficiency, delve into the realm of scientific research, lead various student body communities, engage in meaningful social work to contribute to society, while also sculpting my physique through rigorous workouts. In addition, I yearn to explore the captivating realms of coding, guitar playing, video editing, cinematography, and even dabble in a few entrepreneurial endeavors. On paper, these ambitions may appear as whimsical fantasies, utterly impossible to manifest. However, a glimmer of hope ignites within me as I witness Ali's accomplishments across seemingly unrelated fields, reminding me that perhaps I, too, can forge a similar path.

To be completely honest, it would be remiss of me to discount the progress I have already made. I have taken steps forward, but I possess an unwavering belief that I am capable of achieving so much more. My efforts, although commendable, fail to align with my full potential. I yearn to tap into the depths of my abilities and soar higher towards my aspirations. In essence, I aspire to transform myself into a more refined and efficient plane, effortlessly surging through the skies of my multifaceted existence.

2) What am I avoiding with the phrase I don't have time?

I find myself consistently avoiding research work, despite recognizing its significance for my career. The excuse of not having enough time becomes my shield. Struggling to maintain a balance between my studies and other interests, I often fail to effectively manage multiple responsibilities. It has become a recurring pattern, where I prioritize everything but studying in the first half of the year, only to be overwhelmed with a substantial backlog of material as exams approach. This leads to heightened stress, causing me to abandon all other activities and solely focus on studying, convinced that I simply don't have the time to juggle them alongside my education. Unfortunately, this pattern has persisted for a long time, and I have been unsuccessful in breaking free from its grip.

Alternatively, there are instances where I feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks at hand, leading me to surrender to time-wasting activities such as Netflix, YouTube, and Instagram. In this scenario, it is research work that consistently suffers the most in comparison to the other pursuits I wish to engage in.

3) What is the goal I want to achieve? How can I make it more pleasurable? Can I increase my odds of hitting the goal by putting money on the line? How can I make the outcomes more tangible and desirable?

My primary objective is to enhance my study skills and excel in my exams. I believe I can adopt a gamification approach, similar to how Ali incorporates it in his workouts. Currently, I utilize tools like Notion and Anki for active recall and spaced repetition, but I struggle with consistency, which undermines their effectiveness. I recently discovered the Forest app through Prerak Juthani, which enables tracking study hours and provides detailed performance statistics over time—a feature that I find intriguing.

However, I encounter a dilemma. I find myself attempting to track various aspects of my life using different apps: macros on Healthify Me, sleep on Sleep Cycle, habits on Notion, steps with Pacer, and even study sessions on Forest. While it's satisfying to witness positive progress and see graphs ascend or macros in the green, I face a significant setback when the numbers decline or turn red. This discomfort discourages me, leading me to abandon tracking altogether.

The question arises: How can I transform the studying process into a pleasurable experience? Perhaps incorporating music while studying could enhance my focus and enjoyment. Additionally, I should consider abandoning the rigid Pomodoro technique, as I struggle to adhere to the prescribed 10-minute breaks. These small losses incurred every four hours gradually chip away at my motivation, ultimately resulting in giving up. Therefore, it is crucial for me to analyze the specific moments and circumstances in which I tend to surrender. These instances often revolve around small, cumulative setbacks that demoralize me, so I need to reframe them as small victories instead.

Another strategy to increase my odds of success is to introduce a monetary incentive. While it's true that placing a financial bet would likely enhance my motivation, I am reluctant to risk my parents' hard-earned money, as I am aware of my tendency to struggle with goal adherence. However, I could explore alternative options, such as entrusting my AirPods or iPad to a trusted friend for a week or two if I fail to complete a task. Nevertheless, deep down, I recognize the unlikelihood of me following through with this arrangement.

In conclusion, I acknowledge the need to address the challenges I face in maintaining consistency and finding motivation throughout the studying process. By exploring different strategies and analyzing my patterns of giving up, I can work towards transforming setbacks into small victories, fostering a more enjoyable and productive approach to my studies.

4) What is one or more situations when I found myself in flow state? What circumstances lead to that? Can I manufacture these conditions in other things that I do?

When it comes to working out, I often find myself entering a state of flow. Although I may struggle with consistency from time to time, I experience a sense of flow during my workouts, which is why it remains the most consistent habit in my life. Several factors contribute to this state:

Music: I blast music at full volume during my workouts, allowing me to drown out the voices and thoughts in my head, as well as the sound of my heavy breathing. This helps me forget about fatigue and exhaustion.

Tracking Progress: I diligently record my workout details, including sets, reps, and weights, in a notebook. Not only does this provide a sense of accomplishment when I improve upon previous sessions, but it also gives me a dopamine hit, reinforcing my motivation. Additionally, I utilize strength workout tracking on my Apple Watch, and completing my activity rings by the end of the day brings me joy.

Post-Workout Energy: After each workout, I feel invigorated and refreshed. Witnessing my body progress and improve each day is a source of great satisfaction.

Now, the question arises: Can I replicate these conditions in other areas of my life? The answer is yes, as the underlying principles remain the same:

Desirable Difficulties: When it comes to using Anki for studying, I find that after a certain point, the decks become burdensome, leading to a passive cramming of information. To attain a state of flow, I should actively engage with the material, either by actively thinking about the answers or considering alternatives like doing more question banks, as suggested by MVP Medical Review (YouTube Channel).

Tracking and Gamification: Similar to how video games motivate players to keep trying until they clear a level, I should track my habits consistently, even when the graph is declining or the metrics are in the red. Simply tracking my progress is a win in itself, and it can serve as a motivator to work towards improving those metrics over time.

Block Distractions: I tend to use multiple apps for studying, using them as an excuse to keep them open, only to find myself easily distracted by Instagram or other platforms. To combat this, I should find ways to minimize app usage. Just as I keep my phone aside while working out, I can create a distraction-free environment by using pen and paper for note-taking and studying, and by keeping my phone away from immediate reach.

By implementing these strategies, I can aim to create conditions that foster a state of flow in various aspects of my life, ultimately making the studying process more enjoyable and productive.

5) Make a list of 3-4 long term tasks you want to do. What would you do if you had only half the time to do? What about if you had 24hrs?

If I had only half the time, I would instill a sense of urgency in my approach. Instead of viewing these tasks as distant aspirations, I would take immediate action. Similar to Ali, who utilized his holiday to create a video, I would utilize my free days to work on these projects and set them in motion. It is crucial to establish systems and determine how to prioritize these objectives within my daily schedule, perhaps allocating dedicated time on a weekly basis. Alongside execution, I would acquire the necessary skills and knowledge through supplementary resources such as books, online courses, or tutorials. As James Clear aptly states, our success is not determined by the magnitude of our goals but by the effectiveness of our systems. Therefore, it is essential to focus on execution, dedicating more time to act, troubleshoot, and adapt along the way, rather than fixating on potential future obstacles without taking any tangible steps.

Now, if I were given a mere 24 hours to work on these goals, it would undoubtedly be an immense challenge. The task may appear insurmountable. However, under such extreme pressure, I would proceed with relentless execution, leveraging the knowledge and skills I currently possess. I would disregard the pursuit of the "best" or most efficient approach and simply focus on executing every second with unwavering determination. While it may seem unlikely to accomplish significant progress within such a limited timeframe, the sheer act of taking continuous action and discarding excessive contemplation could potentially yield more substantial results than years of pondering without tangible action.

In summary, regardless of the available time, cultivating a sense of urgency and embracing a proactive approach is vital to tackle long-term goals. By prioritizing execution, building efficient systems, and troubleshooting along the way, I can make significant strides towards acing exams, publishing scientific articles, developing successful business models, and establishing a thriving personal brand online.

6) What 20% of work is actually driving my useful output? What takes up 80% of my time but does not add much to it?

I believe that the most valuable output comes from the 20% of time spent actually being the "plane," while the remaining 80% of my time is consumed by being the "pilot" and the "engineer." Let's explore specific scenarios:

Workout: I've noticed that 80% of my progress in working out is derived from just 20% of the time I spend actively exercising. It may sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. The majority of my time is often spent browsing through articles, watching workout videos on YouTube, and meticulously planning the perfect workout and diet regimen.

Studying: Similarly, when it comes to studying, I find that only 20% of my time is devoted to actual studying, while the remaining 80% is consumed by watching educational videos from influencers like Ali Abdaal or Medschool Insider. I tend to immerse myself in seeking out the best study techniques and strategies, striving to achieve high scores in exams like the USMLE.

Learning to code: In the pursuit of learning to code, I've noticed a similar pattern. Around 80% of my time is spent researching the best online courses on platforms like edX, Coursera, and Udemy. I meticulously read reviews and watch YouTube videos to find the most suitable course. However, the actual time spent coding accounts for only 20% of my overall efforts.

It's worth acknowledging that I might be reiterating the same point here. The initial purpose of this journal entry was to recognize the need to take action and stop incessantly planning and pondering. The common thread in these scenarios is the urgent need to start doing, rather than getting caught up in endless preparation.

To maximize productivity and achieve tangible results, I must shift my focus from being the "pilot" and the "engineer" to actively being the "plane." This means prioritizing the time I spend on actual workouts, dedicated studying, and practical coding exercises. By embracing a bias towards action and reducing the excessive planning and information consumption, I can make significant strides towards my goals. It's time to break free from the cycle of perpetual planning and immerse myself in the actual execution of tasks.

7) I skipped this step for now

8) 3 Habits that will boost my productivity if I made that my habit? How can I make those habits stick?

1) I think putting my phone away before I sleep would be the first thing I am going to do. I always tell myself oh I have to wake up according to sleep cyle alarm app and try to rationalise having it by my bedside. But I guess I'll save much more time if keep it another room. Use my iPad for reading ebooks (Sorry Ali, Kindle just isn't for me) and use my watch for alarm instead. Similarly I need to work my ways around for things I genuinely need phone for and call myself out on my BS whenever Im trying to rationalise keeping it with me during studying sessions because deep down I very well know Im just gonna end up procrastinating.

2) Using my tracking apps- notion, healthifyfme no matter what. I need to link tracking to my tasks as James Clear has suggested. Think of myself as a productive person and someone who tracks and accounts everything that way tracking itself is a win rather than having all green macros at the end of the day because when 2-3 days in a row I get macros in red I stop tracking all together or simply skip that meal.

3) I think I am going to analyse and incorporate keystone habits in my daily schedule. (Gosh i realise now motivated I felt when I read Atomic Habits and now look at me revisiting the same steps because I didn't implement them, maybe shouldn't have skipped #7 of the class project after all.)

9) What are some chunks of the day in which I find myself wasting time in ways I'd rather not? What useful(small) things could I do with that time instead?

There are certain periods of time in my daily routine that I tend to waste, and two particular instances stand out as significant hindrances to my productivity: mealtime and time spent in the toilet. Whenever I sit down to have a meal, I inevitably find myself reaching for entertainment, whether it's a YouTube video, an episode of a TV show like "The Office" or "Friends." However, once I fall into the rabbit hole of entertainment, it becomes incredibly challenging to pull myself away, and before I know it, several hours have slipped away, lost forever. The same pattern repeats itself when I find a moment of free time, such as in the toilet. I absentmindedly open Instagram, intending to scroll for just a few minutes, but in reality, I end up losing an entire day that could have been spent productively.

Instead of succumbing to these unproductive habits, I realize the need to make better use of these chunks of time. For example, during mealtime, I can utilize flashcards or engage in a fun yet productive form of procrastination, such as learning Spanish on Duolingo or improving my typing speed. By incorporating activities that enhance my skills or knowledge, I can make these seemingly wasted moments more valuable and fulfilling.

(Yes, Ali, I've watched all of your videos, explored your recommended tools, and delved into some of the suggested books. However, I now find myself falling victim to the "shiny new app syndrome" that you mentioned in your newsletter. It's become evident that I must break free from the constant pursuit of new tools, videos, and books on productivity. I deeply regret skipping step 7 and failing to execute on the valuable insights I've gained.)

Moving forward, I am determined to recognize and address these unproductive tendencies, transforming them into opportunities for growth and self-improvement. It's time to let go of mindless entertainment during mealtime and in idle moments, and instead, embrace activities that align with my goals and aspirations. By taking these steps, I can reclaim lost time and make significant progress towards the productive and fulfilling life I envision.

10) What Items on my bucket/task list can I procrastinate my way to progress on? How so?

Certainly! The next topic on the agenda is productive procrastination, a concept I've come across thanks to resources like YouTube and Ali Abdaal. This time, I took a closer look at my own failures and analyzed how and where I tend to stumble. Utilizing the principles of environment design and productive procrastination, I've devised a strategy to address these challenges.

Here are my goals:

Learn to code proficiently, enabling me to build an online app/website or grasp the fundamentals well enough to collaborate effectively with developers for my business ideas.

Master the guitar, gaining the ability to confidently play and sing in front of an audience.

Acquire video editing skills to document and preserve my travels in a captivating manner that can be shared on platforms like YouTube.

Engage in learning Spanish purely for the joy of it.

Improve my typing speed, as it is an area where I currently struggle.

To facilitate productive procrastination, I've created a dedicated folder on my phone called "Productive Procrastination," which I've conveniently placed in my dock for easy access. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media during moments of procrastination, I can now navigate to this folder. Within it, I've included Safari bookmarks leading to YouTube tutorials and other relevant resources. Additionally, I've reorganized my phone's home screen, removing all apps from the first page and populating my dock with only the apps I use or intend to use 80% of the time. By implementing this layout, I hope to reduce the temptation to mindlessly scroll through social media.

With these adjustments, I aim to transform unproductive procrastination into valuable and enjoyable activities that align with my goals. By consciously directing my attention towards these productive pursuits, I can make progress on my coding skills, guitar playing, video editing, Spanish language learning, and typing speed. This strategic approach to productive procrastination not only provides a more fulfilling use of my time but also supports my personal growth and aspirations.

11) What do I have to do in my days that I'm currently not enjoying? If I had to, how would I make this stuff more enjoyable?

Absolutely! This lesson has had the most profound impact on me out of all the videos I've watched. It's interesting because I've come across similar principles and ideas before. Not only have I read about them, but my loved ones have also emphasized them to me repeatedly. Yet, despite being aware of these concepts, I find myself unable to adhere to them consistently. The reason behind this inconsistency is quite simple: I don't find joy in the activities that these principles advocate for. Studying feels like an arduous task, my time at university seems miserable, and the sheer number of pending tasks fills me with anxiety. Consequently, I often succumb to the allure of escapism.

However, it's crucial for me to recognize that I don't actually have to do any of these things. These ambitious goals I've set for myself are my own choices; they haven't been forced upon me. No one is holding a gun to my head. Therefore, it's vital for me to shift my mindset and practice a different approach.

While I understand the importance of these principles and tools, I also recognize that mindset and enjoyment play significant roles in sustaining productive habits. It's not enough to merely know what needs to be done; I must find a way to derive satisfaction from the process. This requires practice and deliberate effort to develop a mindset that aligns my actions with my goals.

By acknowledging that these endeavors are of my own volition and exploring ways to infuse joy into them, I can create a more positive and sustainable approach. This mindset shift will enable me to view these activities as choices I make to pursue my aspirations, rather than burdensome obligations. With time, patience, and practice, I believe I can cultivate a mindset that not only supports my productivity but also allows me to find fulfillment and enjoyment in the pursuit of my goals.

Nima Fatahi

Mechanical Engineer

1

4