Adrian
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Productivity App Trap
- The Power of Physical Objects
- The Essential Physical Productivity Stack
- 1. The Water Bottle: Your Productivity Partner
- 2. The Coffee Mug: Your Daily Ritual
- 3. The Desktop Stand
- 4. The Simple Timer: Your Movement Reminder
- 5. The Block: Your Natural Refresh Button
- 6. The Noise-Canceling Headphones: Your Focus Shield
- 7. The Moleskine Notebook
- Put It to Use
- Conclusion
Introduction
Let me guess: you have at least three productivity apps on your phone right now that you downloaded with great enthusiasm and barely use. Maybe it's that task manager everyone's talking about, or that note-taking app that was supposed to change your life. How's that working out for you?
What if the key to better productivity isn't found in the App Store at all?
In a recent conversation between Mark Manson and productivity expert Ali Abdaal, they discussed how most productivity advice actually makes things worse. While everyone's pursuing the next great productivity hack, they're missing something fundamental: productivity isn't about digital tools—it's about feeling good about your work.
The Productivity App Trap
You're feeling unproductive, so you do what any modern knowledge worker would do: search for a solution on your phone. Before you know it, you're $9.99 poorer and have yet another app promising to revolutionize your workflow. It's similar to the dopamine treadmill—constantly chasing quick fixes rather than finding solutions that actually last.
If you need a dozen productivity apps to constantly motivate you to work, maybe you don't actually like the work you're doing?
Most productivity apps are solutions in search of a problem. They're temporary fixes for deeper issues, and worse, they often add to our cognitive load rather than reducing it. In fact, having more productivity apps on your phone will actually distract you more in the long run. Every new app is another system to maintain, another inbox to check, another notification competing for your attention.
The Power of Physical Objects
Ali Abdaal, in his conversation with Mark Manson, made a fascinating point about productivity: it needs to feel good. He mentioned how even playing video games could be considered "productive" if it's intentional and enjoyable. This got me thinking about the tools we use every day.
Physical objects have power that digital tools can't match. They don't need charging, they don't send notifications, and most importantly, they create tangible, visual reminders of our tasks.
The Essential Physical Productivity Stack
1. The Water Bottle: Your Productivity Partner
That 1 liter water bottle on your desk isn't just for hydration—it's a productivity tool in disguise. Every time you look at it, it reminds you to take care of yourself. Every time you get up to refill it, you're giving your brain a break, and being well-hydrated just makes everything better.
The best part? It doesn't need updating, doesn't crash, and never sends you passive-aggressive notifications about meeting your daily goals.
2. The Coffee Mug: Your Daily Ritual
In the podcast, Ali talks about making work feel good, and what feels better than a perfect cup of coffee? Your coffee mug isn't just a beverage container—it's a ritual starter. It signals to your brain that it's time to focus. It creates natural breaks in your day. And unlike your productivity apps, it genuinely makes you feel good about starting your work.
Plus, walking to get a coffee refill is a perfect excuse for those movement breaks we all need but often overlook.
3. The Desktop Stand
A proper desktop stand (whether for your laptop or monitor) creates an instant workspace anywhere. By raising your screen to eye level, it prevents neck strain and forces you to sit up straighter. More importantly, it transforms any surface—from your kitchen table to a hotel desk—into a proper workstation. When your laptop is elevated and your posture is aligned, you naturally focus better and work longer without fatigue
4. The Simple Timer: Your Movement Reminder
Remember when we didn't need an app to tell us to move? Your computer or phone already has a built-in timer—no fancy app required. Set it for 45-minute intervals, and when it goes off, stretch, walk, or just stand up. If you want to get creative, a basic fitness watch like a Garmin can do this automatically, buzzing every hour to remind you to move.
5. The Block: Your Natural Refresh Button
No, not a digital block—I'm talking about the actual block around your office or home. Taking a walk around it during your lunch break isn't just good for your body; it's a mental reset that can improve your afternoon productivity. As Ali Abdaal points out in the podcast, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is not work at all, at least for a short while.
6. The Noise-Canceling Headphones: Your Focus Shield
Sometimes the most productive thing you can own is a pair of good headphones. They're not just for music—they're a physical signal to others that you're in focus mode, and they create an instant quiet workspace anywhere.
After testing many pairs during long writing sessions, I've found two that consistently help me focus: • The Sony WH-1000XM4: Perfect for deep work with exceptional noise cancellation. I've written most of my articles wearing these.
• The Soundcore Space One by Anker: A surprisingly capable alternative that offers premium features at a more accessible price point.
7. The Moleskine Notebook
Before any AI writing assistant or word processor, there's something irreplaceable about putting pen to paper. I've developed most of my best ideas in my Moleskine notebook before they ever touched a keyboard. When you can't hit delete or let autocorrect fix your mistakes, you think more carefully about each word. It's not just about writing—it's about giving your thoughts room to breathe. No notifications, no distractions, just you and your ideas. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is step away from screens entirely.
Put It to Use
The beauty of physical productivity tools is their simplicity. But here's how to maximize their impact:
- Place your water bottle in a visible location.
- Create a coffee ritual that signals the start of your workday.
- Set up your desktop stand to create a dedicated workspace you want to use.
- Use your basic timer for movement breaks—no special apps needed.
- Make that lunchtime walk non-negotiable—it's as important as any meeting. If you're dealing with stress, you might even consider taking up boxing 🥊 as a more intensive physical reset.
As Ali Abdaal points out in the podcast, productivity isn't about grinding harder—it's about making work feel good. These physical tools help create an environment where good work happens naturally.
If you want to watch the entire episode with Mark Manson and Ali, here it is:
Conclusion
The most powerful productivity tools aren't hiding in the App Store—they're already on your desk. A thoughtfully placed water bottle, a comforting coffee mug, and a proper workspace setup can do more for your productivity than any app. These simple tools work because they create natural rhythms in your day and make work enjoyable—no subscription required.