13 Productivity Mistakes I Wish I Fixed Sooner 

Watch the full exclusive companion video covering 10 Things I Do Every Day To Improve Focus Here: nebula.tv/videos/zachhighley-10-things-i-do-everyday-to-improve-focus Watch my next video where I tried waking up at 5 am for 30 days which is already out on Nebula at nebula.tv/videos/zachhighley-i-tried-waking-up-at-500-am-for-30-days. (use these links if you want 20% off)

I'm starting my self improvement journey for personal and academic reasons and you're very very helpful thanks so much at my most depressed and lonely time I'm trying everything to be better and you're a true help thanksss

I started time lapsing my “focus” sessions. It gets you off your phone as going off the time lapse stops it, and also allows you to analyze your habits, posture, and sedentary tendencies. It’s also really satisfying seeing your time lapse and watching straight productive work.

Great video, i've seen hours of video on Productivity, and this was the ONLY that actually gave specific advice on productivity, most talk about general pieces such as "schedule, sleep better, exercise"... I needed this, we all need, Thank you so much Zach!

I really love that you mention your sources unlike many other such videos.

I love the boost in quality in the new videos Zach! Keep it up man love what you do :>

Thanks for making these videos. I love watching them or parts of them for breaks and they do help me be more productive and study better when I flow their advice. Keep changing the world one video at a time!

This is such high quality content, thanks for all the research and putting all this together. You are such an effective communicator also!

I love your YT channel. I already do most of the things you say, but It helps a lot to watch it again when I have a loong day os studies. It gives me an extra push haha maybe it gives me some comfort to know that there is someone with a similar routine, similar hacks 💛 thanks

Another amazing video, Zach! Thanks for sharing! Cheers from Brazil!

Zach, I truely love your content. You make being human so much more peaceful! Sending all the peace your way, friend!

Great video as always! Thank you!

It's 3 am. I got up to prepare for my exam and it's so good to watch your videos before starting thanx bro u're really a positive energy

Hey Zach, any chance your still making that notion video? Super excited for it!

Wow your all videos are so motivated . it's so helpful .thankyou

Love you so much man, your videos is very appreciated🙏🏼❤️

I really appreciate that sleep inertia tip especially as someone who's super not a morning person. Speaking of which. Gotta get out of bed right now and get ready for my morning exercise class

such an excellent and well-thought-out video 👏

Thanks brother Better stuff as every time

I checked your reference for the "sleep" chapter, "Vigilance Alertness, or Sustained Attention". First, it's Oken et al. 2006. Second, you may have misunderstood the "< 6.5 hours a night" (p. 1892), which was mean hours of overnight sleep time that the authors called "insufficient". However, the authors did not recommend how many hours a person should sleep (at least not in the same paragraph). So, the "according to the data" bit in this video may need refining as there was no data presented. Last, while total sleep hours is great, there's also sleep fragmentation (frequent brief disruptions) that could also contribute to feeling sleepy - like you're sleeping on pomodoro time. Side-note, the article specifically refers to effects of feeling sleepy. This ref is a review article, with the main take-away message as re-consolidate current data for re-evaluation. But really fun tips in this video :)

thank you for helping me get through my degree Zach!

Amazing as always... Keep rocking⚡ Love you brother 😇

I love your videos! These are some good tips!

Hi Zach! I love your videos. Thank you for motivating me to start my own RU-vid account.

your videos are so amazing, i really hope you reach 1 million subscribers, you really deserve it

These tips are needed. I have a supplementary chemical thermodynamics exam in 10 days. Act professional towards it, a lightbulb has gone off in my head! Thank you! Keep up the good work with the videos

Great tips, thank you!

This is an astoundingly well done video. It bears repeated viewing.....

He man i just find out 3 things I've been doing wrong and didn't even knew about. Thanks!! And keep making these helpful videos

thanks for the video! so helpful and great as always 😊🙌 Sometimes I struggle with the pomodoro method, the 5 minutes breaks turn into 1 hour of mindless scrolling 🙃It is an excellent tip to choose a different (and planned) activity for those breaks.

🔥Zach you are just Amazing ✨🤗 Thank you so much and lots of love 💕 .

Amazing video Zach! You’ve inspired me so much. Keep killing it with the videos

Amazing video thanks for sharing

Thanks mate 👍

Thank you for this super helpful information!! I realized I have tunnel vision with school, it was something that always helped me perform well, but I'm currently suffering because of it and this video helped me see that.

I can't thank you enough love....It was because of your videos that I started my self improvement journey!! Your videos are so relatable being a medical student. Truly each video is worth watching. Sending lots of Love. 😍P.S : You have beautiful eyes😚

Great video as Always . I started my self improvement journey for academic and persona helpful advice thanks . it came on time ,i am depressed and feel lonley b/c i miss my family didn't saw them since nearly 8 years and some of them.. aren't alive anymore so i can't see them again or tell them in persona that i love them.. I smile when I text with them but it also breaks my heart.😭. i wish i can see them all one day again.I miss them so much. I really love them of million words that I can say😭😭. i trying everything to be better and i hope so.

We appreciate this video. We all hope you continue to inspire and motivate people along the way.

You know right now i'm watching your another video..n got notification of your new video!! I watch your videos all the day! You're amazing and my inspiration! You’ve changed my life :) I'm a dental student

Great video - would love to know where those glasses are from.. though!

Useful 🌟

What's your best tip when having to wake up in the dark? Because sometimes, in the winter, it's still dark when waking up. So bright outside light exposure isn't possible.

Huberman is a beast of an advise author, glad you mentioned him

I'm actually watching RU-vid this morning to get myself motivated 😂 I have a lot to do but needed a push.

Hey Zach... first comment ever here, but wanted to provide some pointers, if they'd be helpful. Actually been familiar with you since you used to post fits on /r/mfa which I really liked... I've got a similar sense of style. Loved love seeing the raws in this video, Momotaro GTB's are awesome, been really wanting a pair recently. Anyways, RE phone screen time management... Apple obviously has their default screen time limitations which are somewhat helpful... but Apple has also opened up their API to allow other apps to manage screen time. I've used Opal and really enjoyed it... it allows you to block apps within certain time frames, or location areas, etc.. to really get the most out of it you have to pay $100/yr which is kinda steep, although you maybe could get a hookup with them as a sponsor or something, idk. Worth looking into if you're trying to manage your time on your phone. Other options are out there too that are less drastic control, just more "pause and think" (both 'one sec' and 'ScreenZen' would be apps in this category). Always have appreciated the videos, keep it up. Got family in Philly, maybe I'll run into you sometime.

Everyone tells you what to do. No one tell you What Not to Do until our boy Zach showed up. Finally a video like this :)

Nice recommendations, Zach. I'm just curious how you came to those conclusions? Some of the tips are really spot on - bull's eye, but… BUT, the fact of the matter is there are very few real ethically-independent, randomized studies meeting the criteria for a scientifically valuable conclusions about those very things you are talking about. The word I have here for you is bio-individuality: what's good for me, might not be appropriate for you at all and vice-versa. In my work I really came across all kind of behavioral patterns, variations, and even utter surprises. When I was in the Naval Academy back in the days I recall having late at night a coke & instant coffee mix (we used to call it ice coffee) supposedly to keep me awake to go on my studies. Guess what, I fell solid asleep first thing when I went back to the campus. I recently read the book WHY WE SLEEP and found out that my adenosine receptors must have been so overwhelmed by melatonin deposits, no caffeine could have kept me awake, anyway. Some people are active in the morning and could do as you advise - out in the bright light. If you do that to my husband - although he's very kind and nice french guy - he's gonna get very mad at you. His chronotype as opposed to yours (and mine) and those people are active later than us and thus he could work under that yellowish orange (not exactly red as you said) light late at night and BE productive. Those are mainly the artists, but not necessarily. Hence, notorious Hollywood image of celebrities with sunglasses in the morning: you can’t make them do that no matter what. Keep the good work, Zach, and Merry Christmas. Love, Nick

Thanks. What do you do for outside light in winter when it’s very cold outside? Alternatives?

Great stuff! I can recommend to switch colors on your phone to grey scale. It's purpose is to make thing less attractive when they are not so colorful and tempting :D

I really love your videos❤🥹 I’m medical student in iran and I think you’re one of my best friends ✌🏻

one of my fav youtubers for med school 😍

Thanks for this vidio🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 I always fallow your useful tips

I have a YT addiction I’m about to break using habit stacking - where I can only watch YT when I’m doing something productive, though typically doesn’t need my brain to engage, like preparing veggies/dinner, putting the washing away, decluttering etc. Essentially, if I want to watch YT I have to do something I would normally swerve or put off, and I have to complete the chore before the end of the chosen video(s). With TV, I choose specific programs - no more than 5 hours per week - plus a bonus film for the weekend if not going out, but everything I need to do has to be completed first and it has to finish an hour before bedtime. (I rarely watch anything when it’s actually scheduled)). Early days, but having to choose is already showing me how much I was watching just because it was on and I didn’t hate it, and the boundaries around when I can watch is a great motivator to make sure I don’t drag work into the evening.

can you do a test of under the desk treadmills and how they work for med students??

On sleep inertia: would be interesting to know the effect of doing math problems of varying quantity, difficulty, and stress immediately after waking. (Alarmy app)

Thanks for these tips Zach. All great advice! My tip for you is, the colour of your glasses isn’t working!! A tortoise-shell would suit you perfectly!!!❤

Please video about how to deal with burnout in exam season🙏🏼

Love it

Awesome tips! The only other thing I would recommend is blue light filter glasses. They are great! Also, instead of candles, I suggest a salt lamp. Candles can be cancerous. It's also helpful to reduce distraction by turning on Focus on your iPhone so that notifications don't interrupt your concentration. I hope this helps!

Hi Zach Saw a video of yours in which you said that before attending a lecture, you should study that thing yourself first So my question is that should I study that thing on my own like from the books or just watch a lecture of my teacher only(see, luckily I have found a YT channel who uploads my teachers lectures so like for eg tomorrow is a lecture on straight lines so should I just watch the lecture from Yt of the things that are goin to be taught tomorrow in the class or should I not do this and instead try to understand that topic on my own? Please reply brother 🙏

Zach, where did you get that cool sweater? If you tell me I will subscribe to your Nebula :D

Productivity increases related to adjusting improving The Big 5 personality dimensions to be consciensious of why I am in premed to be an MD doctor at University .

I didn't understand the caffeine part So is it ok to drink it after crashing in the middle of the day or not

You mention coffee, chemistry, but I've never heard you talk about nootropics, like L-theanine for instance. You might want to research it. They say it "supports mental and physical productivity and is great for studying"

the thing about sleep and productivity. Is there much of a difference between 5-6 hrs (with a few naps in the day)instead of the min 6.5/7 when looking at a smaller span - about 3-4 months? Got entrance exams. Still struggling with forming a routine n all :( along with the massive amount of topics I have left to cover

What helped me with phone usage is the AppBlock app. In which you can choose a few apps and the amount of hours you want them to be blocked so you literally can’t use the apps. Don’t know if you will see this but hope it helps some Volks :) Btw and what is the solution for getting too much sleep, feel like I can’t do less than 9 or 8 hours 😅

I loved the patriotic argument for a good night's sleep. What an idea haha

It's good ❤

your voice is so nice

"ChatGPT, can you summarize the following transcript?" The speaker in the transcript is discussing various techniques and practices that they follow in order to stay productive. They mention the concept of "sleep inertia," which refers to the idea that it takes some time for the brain to fully wake up and reach peak cognitive functioning. They recommend waiting a few hours after waking up to do important work and avoiding caffeine intake in the first hour after waking up. The speaker also suggests positioning the computer at a certain height in order to increase alertness and productivity. Other tips include avoiding multitasking, setting clear goals, and prioritizing important tasks. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and getting enough sleep in order to maintain productivity.

I've tried mapping everything out and making time slots for what to do everyday just like he did in the video, and it worked really well! .....only for about three days though... I don't understand how people don't get burnout with such strict routines...it's so boring, repetitive, and makes me wonder why I even get up in the morning. Maybe these tips are just not for me

do you do do some sort of part time job / or have an income besides medical school?

nebula logo scared the shits out of me on my bass boosted headphones haha

I know this a one off but i worked 72 hours with my only breaks being when i got up to eat. This happened because my thesistimeframe changed suddenly and got placed 4 days earlier than expected. I got a 9.5/10 on the presentation and research. No caffe and no sleep for 3 days. This is extreme but it can work. Im have a masters in geoinformatics engineerig btw if anyone is wondering aobout what.

For light exposure, you say "10 to 30 minutes after waking". Should we wait at least 10 minutes? Also, within that timeframe, is earlier better (10min better than 30min)?

Im 4 years fully caffeine free. Spiritual work in the morning does just fine.

7:23 say that to residents still working 30 hr straight

May not be the view or comment but big fan here!!

guess you said exercise increases anxiety and depression too💀💀 .....kinda funny....and i love your content

What if when you wake up there is no daylight? Like early morning?

"I never sacrifice sleep [...] for a little bit of extra work or study time." Me, watching this at 01:36 o'clock, after staying up long working on a project: "Haha, I would nEVER-"

10:04 peace, freedom, justice, freedom, and security to his new empire.

Where am I going to get bright outdoor light if I always wake up in darkness?

Zack I have been talking to you through Whats App. I just wanted to make sure it wasnt somebody else impersonating you. I have no idea weather you are a millenial or Gen Z . If it was you who helped me with my videos I wanted to thank you from rhe bottom of my heart. Rarely do other RU-vidrs want to know the real me.

hey facing the same problem mate,i study for 4 hours with a short break each hour ,after a cycle i take a long break like watching yt or shows and i never feel like getting my arse back to study...any tips?

When your exhausted and have no motivation, just do what this guy does and think of your nations GDP!! GET UP. GO BE PRODUCTIVE FOR GDP!!

Tip: Remove social media apps from your homescreen on your phone

human body and brain really adapts to anything capable of sitting and reading for 5 minutes to 50 to (1period of my class) 90 minutes and lifting 5 kg to 50 kg

Love ruined my productivity

The part about the screen is definitely wrong. Working at a screen that is directly across or, especially, up from you wrecks your eyes, drying them out more quickly and making them vulnerable to damage or need for corrective vision. Setting your monitor lower ensures your eyes stay mostly covered and moisturized. This info comes from optometrists. If you're having trouble staying alert in front of your screen, consider getting a fidget for your feet or a standing desk over a treadmill or cycle. In lieu of being able to afford such things, take frequent breaks to move and stretch and make sure you're drinking plenty of water or other hydrating fluids while working. And take CARE of your eyes!!

i mean i ruin my own productivity when i naturally wake up at 11 AM every morning-

hmm nice advice

anyone else got a RU-vid ad when he said take a break?

1 Quán tính giấc ngủ 1h khi vừa thức, não vẫn chưa nóng tốt nhất là sau 2 h đến 4h khi vừa thức những người giải tốt nhất từ 2h đến 4h khi vừa thức cortisol tiếp tục tăng khi ta vừa thức cho đến khi đạt đỉnh tại một điểm nhất định, điểm này là khoảng 30 đến 40 phút sau khi bạn thức dậy đỉnh, nhận thức cao hơn khi đạt được điểm đó màn hình nhìn lên 1 chút or nhìn thẳng it vận động là hút thuốc mới chuyển động, không chỉ đứng hay ngồi sử dụng ánh sáng không chính xác

I'll draw you one-day ✨

I procrastinated watching this video.

3:01 but i need to look down to study....

What if I wake up when it's still dark?

u should have more visuals, like for example when you were tlaking about how you block out your goals for the week. it would have been nice to see how you would did it rather than you and your face just talking about it.

❤❤❤