Ali Abdaal — The Productivity Creator’s Toolkit

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"Integrating enjoyable tools and systems into one's workflow can transform work into a more engaging and fulfilling experience." – Ali Abdaal

Ali Abdaal is a former UK doctor turned productivity educator, podcaster, YouTuber, and entrepreneur. Through his content empire, he helps millions of people study smarter, work better, and build scalable, creative businesses. His workflow is a seamless combination of smart systems and tools that remove friction and maximize creative flow.

This is a breakdown of the digital and physical tools Ali uses to create content and grow his brand.

Content Creation

• Final Cut Pro
• His primary editing tool for long-form videos. Fast rendering, smooth UX for Mac users.
• As a Mac user, Ali prefers Final Cut Pro for video editing.
• It offers powerful features and smooth performance that allow him to edit long videos efficiently.
• The magnetic timeline speeds up arranging clips, helping Ali maintain his productivity and consistency
• Sony FX3
• A mirrorless full-frame beast used for high-quality cinematic YouTube videos.
• Ali uses the Sony FX3 because it delivers professional-quality cinematic footage while being compact and user-friendly for solo creators.
• Its excellent low-light performance and autofocus make shooting consistent, polished videos easier, which is crucial for his high-output YouTube channel.
• Sennheiser MKE 600
• Shotgun mic for crisp, professional-quality sound — a must-have in studio settings.
• Clear audio is vital for retaining viewer attention.
• The shotgun mic reduces background noise and captures crisp dialogue, elevating video professionalism without needing a large studio setup.
• Shure MV7
• Ali often recommends the Shure MV7 for creators and podcasters. It’s a hybrid USB/XLR microphone, making it beginner-friendly yet professional-grade.
• With clear, rich vocal tones and great background noise rejection, it’s ideal for both YouTube and audio recording.
• Elgato Key Light
• His lighting setup of choice is for consistently flattering shots without overexposure.
• Good lighting can make or break video quality.
• Ali’s use of the Elgato Key Light provides bright, adjustable, and flicker-free illumination that enhances his on-camera presence with minimal setup hassle.
• Notion
• He writes, refines, and organizes video scripts and outlines.
• Ali plans and scripts videos in Notion, appreciating its flexibility for outlining, research storage, and collaboration with his team.
• Its databases and linked pages help him keep his ideas organized and accessible.
• Logitech MX Master 3S
• The MX Master 3S is Ali Abdaal’s go-to productivity mouse, known for its ergonomic shape, whisper-quiet clicks, and seamless multi-device switching — perfect for creators who want speed and comfort in one package.
• Quieter clicks—about 90% less noise than its predecessor, perfect for long sessions or library-like environments.
• 8K DPI tracking, ideal for multi-monitor setups and 4K–8K editing.
• Multi-device flow, enabling seamless switching between Mac and iPad—great for creators working across devices
• Ergonomic design, with thumb controls and sculpted support to reduce wrist strain—Ali highlights this balance of comfort and precision in his setup.

Perfect for creators who alternate between rough editing and precision tasks.

• Apple MacBook Pro
• For video editing, writing, and multitasking, Ali uses a MacBook Pro.
• The MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 chip offers long battery life, smooth Final Cut editing, and fast performance for creators working across video, code, and design.
• It’s a powerhouse Ali often references in his productivity stack.

Growth & Side Hustle Tools Ali Uses

• ConvertKit
• Ali uses ConvertKit for his email marketing because it’s simple yet powerful for building an engaged audience.
• It helps him automate newsletters, segment subscribers, and deliver personalized content—all critical for nurturing his community and promoting products.
• ConvertKit’s intuitive interface makes managing campaigns straightforward, even for non-techies.
• Teachable
• To sell online courses and grow his side business, Ali relies on Teachable.
• It offers a smooth platform for hosting courses, processing payments, and engaging with students.
• The ease of use lets him focus on content creation instead of technical headaches.
• Anchor.fm
• For podcasting, Ali uses Anchor.fm to distribute his shows across platforms effortlessly.
• It’s free and beginner-friendly, which lowers the barrier to growing an audience through audio content.

How Ali Abdaal Plans His Day (Morning Routine)

A simple 3-step system Ali uses each morning to stay focused, intentional, and productive.

Step 1: Choose a Daily Highlight

Ali starts his day by identifying one single task that matters most. This becomes his "Daily Highlight"—a small, achievable win that gives the day direction and purpose.

It could be anything from writing a newsletter to going for a quick run, as long as it’s clear, actionable, and realistic. The key? Keep it specific, start with a verb, and aim low if needed. Getting one meaningful thing done daily adds up to serious progress over time.

Step 2: Time-Block the Highlight

Once the highlight is chosen, Ali schedules it directly into his calendar. That block of time becomes sacred—no meetings, no distractions.

This gives his "future self" a clear mission and ensures that the most important task doesn’t get buried under busyness. Planning like this helps reduce decision fatigue and protects deep work time.

Step 3: Brain-Dump a Might-Do List

As a final (optional) step, Ali creates a “might-do” list—just a casual collection of other tasks he could do if there’s time or energy.

There’s no pressure to finish them, but having them written down clears mental clutter and reinforces that his Daily Highlight is still the top priority.

It’s a low-effort way to stay organized and stress-free throughout the day.

Favorite Books

These books and courses deeply influence his thinking and teaching:

• Make Time by Jake Knapp – A framework he refers to often
• Deep Work by Cal Newport – Inspiration for focus rituals
• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant – Thinking in leverage and long-term games
• A Pathless Path By Paul Millerd - Reflective guide for those questioning their current life direction
• Bonus - Feel-Good Productivity – Ali’s best-selling book on motivation and doing more of what matters.

How to Use This Stack

Ali’s stack isn’t just about having great tools — it’s about reducing friction, working with intention, and scaling creativity without burnout. Whether you’re just starting or optimizing your content flow, this toolkit is a powerful place to begin.