My 3 Favourite Productivity Newsletters

A significant part of my writing routine involves reading for inspiration and ideas. There are a bazillion publications out there, all with their own flavours. Some lean more into the tips and tricks side of things, which is less my jam. Others, like the ones I’m sharing today, align more with my philosophy on productivity. They are not about becoming better worker-bees, with the purpose of cramming more and more into your life, but instead to think about productivity through the lens of living better and with joy. They inspire me regularly, and I hope they inspire you too!

Here are my top three favourite productivity newsletters.

1. The Imperfectionist by Oliver Burkeman

I originally came across Oliver Burkeman through his book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, which I have quoted several times in past articles. It was one of the first books I read about productivity that wasn’t focused on doing more. In fact, its entire premise is on accepting that you can’t do it all and your time is finite, so the most important thing is to be intentional about what you choose to do. In many ways, it’s more of a sociological commentary on productivity culture and how toxic it has become. It was a significant influence in the development of my productivity philosophy and has stuck with me. His latest book, Meditations for Mortals, is high on my to-read list.

Burkeman's newsletter, The Imperfectionist, continues in the same vein, with his dry, British humour and grounded, open perspective on what it means to be productive. He describes it as a “twice-monthly email on productivity, mortality, the power of limits, and building a meaningful life in an age of bewilderment,” and it’s always a welcome sight in my inbox.

2. Ness Labs by Anne-Laure Le Cunff 

I have also referenced Ness Labs many times, most recently in Why Traditional Goal Setting Doesn't Always Work and What To Do Instead. Le Cunff is a neuroscientist, and her team of writers, who are also doctors and researchers, ensures that articles from Ness Labs are always approached from a scientific mindset. Her website describes the newsletter as a way to apply “evidence-based strategies to your daily life, run your own tiny experiments and connect with fellow curious minds,” with the goal “to help people achieve more without sacrificing their mental health.”

The articles are well-researched, science-backed, and presented in easy-to-digest ways. I appreciate their overarching theme of approaching life with curiosity and openness. Le Cunff's new book, Tiny Experiments, was recently published, and I’m looking forward to reading it.

3. LifeNotes by Ali Abdaal

Abdaal is well-known as a medical doctor who left the field of medicine to build his (wildly successful) YouTube channel and later podcast and consulting business. He is considered the “world's most-followed productivity expert.” His LifeNotes newsletter leans a bit more towards more standard productivity-related fodder but includes ideas and approaches from various corners of the internet and is also science-backed. I appreciate that it takes a personal slant from Abdaal’s real-life experiences in what is a fairly remarkable journey.

He also has a book out (do you see a pattern?!) called Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You. Does the messaging sound familiar?!

Other newsletters I enjoy

Beyond those three, I have a collection of other newsletters I read and enjoy on a variety of topics unrelated to productivity that I thought I would share as well:

Culture Study by Anne Helen Petersen

Petersen is one of the writers I admire most. She is incredibly smart and thoughtful, and the depth and breadth of her writing are fascinating. She interviews interesting people in a wide range of areas, shares her own insights and investigations, and has built an exceptional community (as part of the paid subscription). 

Making Time by Siri Mitnik

Making Time is like a cozy hug from a good friend. It dips into crafting, sewing, and other creative endeavours, which are outside my skill set, but everything Mitnik shares is from a place of cultivating calm and actively appreciating the simple joys of life. It’s a delight to read.

Good Morning It’s Basketball by Tom Ziller

For the basketball lovers out there, this daily newsletter is an awesome way to keep up with all the happenings in the NBA. Best read over coffee, as is my habit!

Some shoutouts to friends who also write newsletters!

Truth Be Told by Paul D'Arcy

Paul is a friend I met through an online story-writing course a few years ago. He writes memoir-based fiction based on his remarkable real-life experiences, which are sometimes harrowing but always compelling to read.

Make Songs You Love by Michael Averill

I met Michael in the same course as Paul. Michael is an exceptional musician who writes wonderful “stories about the heart and craft of songwriting.” If you follow him on social, you also get to hear him perform, which is always a treat!

With the deluge of options available on the internet, these are the places I most often go to learn something or find some delight.

What are your favourite newsletters? I would love to hear about them!

If you are struggling with overwhelm, get in touch. I would love to chat about how I can help.