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
Big Live Show Alert!
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 and singing with S.O.B. & The Dangs.
We’ll be sharing the stage with 5 bands, including our friends Ainsley Costello, Just Loud, FM Rodeo, as well as surprise special guests.
And stay tuned, leading up to the show, I’m interviewing fellow artists including Suzanne Santo, Ainsley Costello, Johnny Elrod, and special guests!
Tickets for the concert on Sunday, December 16, 2024 are $10 and are now available for purchase directly from the Antone’s website, AntonesNightclub.com.
What: Adam Curry’s Boostagram Ball LIVE featuring live music by Abel James, S.O.B. & The Dangs, Suzanne Santo, FM Rodeo, Just Loud, Ainsley Costello and more
When: Monday, December 16, 2024 at 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00pm)
Where: Antone’s Nightclub, an iconic blues venue located in downtown Austin at 305 E 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Buy Tickets: AntonesNightclub.com ($10)
I’m also speaking at the “Sats by Southwest” Independent Music Summit at the Bitcoin Commons on Sunday, December 15th.
Event: “Sats by SW” Independent Music Summit
Where: Bitcoin Commons, 601 Congress Avenue, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78701
When: Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 12pm - 5pm
Price: $5.00
>> Get your tickets to the Independent Music Summit on 12/15 here
Both events will also be livestreamed so you can join us wherever you may be. Catch the livestream on:
Adam Curry’s Boostagram Ball podcast: Website | Fountain.fm | Wavlake | Podverse.fm
Tunestr: https://tunestr.io/ (coming soon)
To stay up to date with the latest live shows and events, make sure to sign up for my newsletter at abeljames.com or abeljames.substack.com.
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!
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