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Do you feel a constant pressure to optimize every aspect of your life?
What if hyper-optimization protocols actually do more harm than good?
The glorification of hustle culture has given many of us the nagging feeling that no matter how much we do or accomplish, it’s never quite enough.
Living in a cloud of frantic, urgent, reactive energy can even cause us to lose sight of who we are and why we’re working so hard.
If you want to reclaim your time, energy and purpose in life, you need to rebel against cultural norms and conditioning that does not serve you.
You’ll be in good company. Studies have shown that no matter their field or area of expertise, peak performers share a unique characteristic: they take time for complete rest and recovery.
So when was the last time you created space for rest, or experienced the unexpected joys of under-committing and doing nothing for a minute?
If your identity is in any way defined by over-achievement, hyper-optimization, perfectionism, or an obsession with productivity, this episode is for you.
And listen, I may be behind the microphone, but I’m just as guilty of all of this tomfoolery as the rest of you!
Today, we’re here with Israa Nasir, a New York City-based psychotherapist, author, and the founder of WellGuide—a digital community for mental health awareness. Israa’s new book, “Toxic Productivity” is strong medicine for anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to be constantly busy, constantly achieving, and constantly proving their worth.
In this episode with Israa, you’ll hear:
- Why hyper-optimization protocols often do more harm than good
- Why chasing and achieving the next big win can eventually lead to feeling more empty and disconnected than ever before
- How to break free from the constant pressure to achieve and optimize every aspect of your life
- How to build meaningful relationships in a hyperconnected but lonely world
- And much more…
One quick note. Israa recorded this from a hotel room in the middle of her book tour, and her wifi connection was low-quality and dropped a few times, so we did our best to cobble it back together. Apologies in advance for any audio or video issues.
As a recovering perfectionist myself, perhaps releasing an imperfect show is indeed part of the recovery process. 🙂
Where To Find Israa Nasir
Pick up Israa Nasir’s book, “Toxic Productivity” wherever books are sold, including Amazon, Bookshop, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and more.
Keep in touch and follow Israa Nasir:
- Website: IsraaNasir.com
- Toxic Productivity: israanasir.com/toxic-productivity
- Instagram: @well.guide
- TikTok: @israajnasir
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/israanasir
Quick News
Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and hold onto your hats!
If you’re into podcasting or independent music, I’m thrilled and honored to be playing the opening set LIVE at Austin’s legendary home of the blues, Antone’s Nightclub on December 16th and hope you can join us.
Hosted by Adam Curry, the Podfather himself, this show will also be livestreamed on Adam’s Boostagram Ball podcast and Tunestr so you can listen and watch wherever you are.
I’ll be premiering a brand-new original tune on acoustic and then shredding some electric guitar with S.O.B. & The Dangs.
We’ll be sharing the stage with 5 bands, including our friends Ainsley Costello, FM Rodeo, Henry Invisible as well as surprise special guests.
And stay tuned, leading up to the show, I’m interviewing fellow artists (including artists that we can’t yet announce publicly, but trust me when I say they’re incredible).
Tickets for the concert on Monday, December 16, 2024 are $10 and are now available for purchase directly from the Antone’s website, AntonesNightclub.com. The concert will also be livestreamed so you can join us wherever you may be.
Event: Adam Curry’s Boostagram Ball featuring LIVE music by Abel James, S.O.B. & The Dangs, FM Rodeo, Ainsley Costello, Henry Invisible and more
When: Monday, December 16, 2024 at 6:00pm Central (Be there at 6pm sharp, as we’ll be kicking off the set shortly after doors open)
Where: Antone’s Nightclub, an iconic blues venue located in downtown Austin at 305 E 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Price: $10
>> Get your tickets: AntonesNightclub.com
>> Or join the Livestream on Tunestr or Adam Curry’s Boostagram Ball podcast (Show starts at 6pm Central / 7pm Eastern / 4pm Pacific on Monday, December 16)
I’m also speaking at the “Sats by Southwest” Independent Music Summit at the Bitcoin Commons on Sunday, December 15th. Join us at the event, or join the livestream!
Event: “Sats by SW” Independent Music Summit featuring an afternoon of panel discussions followed by an evening of food and drinks
When: Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 12pm – 5pm Central
Where: Bitcoin Commons, 601 Congress Avenue, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78701
Price: $5
>> Or join the Livestream on Tunestr or Adam Curry’s Boostagram Ball podcast (12pm – 5pm Central / 1pm – 6pm Eastern / 10am – 3pm Pacific on Sunday, December 15)
To stay up to date with the latest live shows and events, make sure to sign up for my newsletter.
See you there!
This episode is brought to you by:
Our Substack channel at abeljames.substack.com
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What did you think of this conversation with Israa Nasir?
How do you balance work, play and recovery?
Drop a note in the Comments below!
Hello, is there anyway to have an mp3 download link like before? Thanks for the consideration.