Over the past few years Iโve built a system/framework for remembering everything I read and listen to - here are the 5 apps that make it work ๐
๐งโโ๏ธ The magic insight logging framework has 3 layers. 1. Consumption layer - the 3 apps I use to gather information 2. Integration layer - the app I use to bring everything together 3. Second Brain - the app I use to organise my life
This is a "read it later" app. The idea is that anytime I come across an article or blog post I want to read, but don't want to read there and then, I will share it to Instapaper. Again, we can highlight the text as we read.
This is how I consume all the podcasts I listen to. The truly magical thing about it is that you can create 'AirQuotes' - basically a quick way to automatically save the parts I like in written form. A game-changer.
This brings all my highlights together from the 3 consumption apps into one place. Everything that resonates with me is automatically synced into the app.
My second brain is my central note-taking system that I used to organise my entire life. The best thing is that Readwise automatically exports into Notion, which creates a really cool library to quickly find everything I've saved.
If you want to see the 'behind the scenes' of my magical system, then make sure you check out my video ๐
Also make sure you follow me - @AliAbdaal - for more productivity/learning tips.
Here are 5 quotes from stoicism that changed my life + a few lessons๐
๐ 1. "Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: some things are within our control and some things are not"
Lesson - I don't set numerical goals in life as I can't control the result. Instead I focus on what is in my control: the process.
โ๏ธ 2. "It is not events that disturb people, it is their judgements concerning them"
Lesson - we often think negative emotions are caused by external events. But it's actually the story we tell ourselves about the event that makes us feel bad.
These days itโs pretty much impossible to quit your phone. We rely on so many apps in our day-to-day lives.
Hereโs a full list of my favourite iPhone apps that I use pretty much every day ๐
๐ @audible_com - one of the best $7.95/month that I spend on anything. Whenever Iโm driving the car, cleaning the house, or getting ready for bed, I listen to audiobooks on 2x speed. Very easy way to use time more productively and make each of these activities more enjoyable.
๐ค @JoinClubhouse - if Iโm bringing my phone to bed with me I usually end up talking to my US friends and YouTubers over on Clubhouse. Sort-of like Discord audio rooms with conversations on all sorts of topics. Follow me @AliAbdaal.
Starting a YouTube channel is the single best thing I've ever done in my life.
Here are my top 10 tips on how to get started on YouTube ๐
๐ 1. Don't worry about what other people will say - the number one fear people have is always the same: "I'm worried about what my friends and family will think." The truth is, everyone's too worried about their own lives to care what youโre doing.
๐ท2. Gear doesn't matter at the start - when I started my channel I filmed everything on my iPhone and only bought fancy gear when I decided to take YouTube more seriously. It's like when you're learning to write: it doesn't matter what pen you use as long as you write something.
Last year, I read over 50 books. Here are my Top 15 recommendations from that list ๐
๐ฅ A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by @donaldmiller - really, really good book that made me cry (a lot) and also made me reconsider how Iโm living my life. Itโs about changing oneโs story and embracing risk, change, and challenge.
๐ How to Think More About Sex by @alaindebotton - very insightful book that, I honestly believe, should be read by everyone. On the surface itโs a book about sex but, in reality, itโs about things like human connection, intimacy, and authenticity.
Creating my personal website was one of the best decisions Iโve ever made. It ultimately led to my YouTube channel and making 7-figures online.
So, if you want to set up a personal website hereโs a step-by-step guide (with little or no coding). ๐
There are 6 main reasons why I think everyone should create their own personal website:
๐ก It helps you develop your own ideas. If you want to become a better writer, thinker, or communicator, creating your own personal website is likely the best way to achieve that.
๐ It can help you with your professional life. A personal website is a 21st-century version of a CV. Your potential employers will google your name and you can โcontrolโ that search result by having your own website.
One of my superpowers is having a ridiculously โก fast typing speed (157 WPM). I believe everyone can get at least 2x more productive just by improving how fast they type.
Here are the 8 tips that I used to double my typing speed over the past 10 years ๐
โ๏ธ Learn Keyboard Shortcuts - Absolute game-changer for fixing mistakes. If you have to hit backspace twice, thereโs a problem. Instead, use either (1) Option/CTRL + Backspace to delete an entire word or (2) CMD + Backspace to delete an entire line.
โก Practice On @10FastFingers_ - 1 minute-long typing tests where all you have to do is type as many words in a minute as you can. Even semi-regular practice will help you ramp up your typing speed.