HOw Ali And I Manage our time now

After watching hours of productivity content online, I came to realize that around 80% of it is unrealistic, unnecessary, or pure BS by someone trying to game the algorithm - more likely to give you anxiety than to get rid of it.

One of the rare exceptions, however, is a video explaining the Trident Method of time management by Ali Abdaal. I watched it two years ago, set up the system for myself right after, and, with a few tweaks here and there, have been using it ever since.

This has, by far, been the single best system I’ve put in place for myself. It not only helps me stay productive but also allows me to allocate my time and energy to what truly matters to me, instead of wasting it on what doesn’t. I also came to learn that this time allocation is what helps me stay feeling fulfilled and less susceptible to mental health problems - nice bonus. 

It might seem like the nerdiest thing you’ve ever seen, and you might be wondering what kind of geek would actually do this. Well, firstly - me. But more importantly, the reason I still use this method isn’t because I’m obsessed with staying on top of deadlines. I use it to keep my work within the time boundaries I consider reasonable, so I can enjoy time with friends, cook myself good meals, and go on the occasional adventure, without constantly worrying about missing a deadline.

The Trident Method gives you space to sit down, reflect on your values, and decide how much time you want to dedicate to each activity to best reflect these values. You then set up an ideal version of your calendar that reflects those priorities. It’s not about being perfectly “on schedule” all the time, it’s about knowing where you’re heading and whether you’re spending your limited time the way you truly want to.

I cannot recommend this enough. Try it, just for a month! Don’t be too hard on yourself, and you’ll feel the relief.

Let me know how it goes.

Enjoy!