The fact that you even have a "dark" why or sometimes harness anger to motivate yourself really says a lot. It shows that you are someone who _actually_ does struggle with productivity to the point that you are willing to use any tool at your disposal that produces results. It's a nice break from the "productivity gurus" who just automatically wake up ready and willing, never allowing their body to tire or feel lackadaisical. Stay genuine!

The "it's ugly until the last 5 minutes" rule is SO TRUE! It took me years of quitting projects before I realized I needed to just push through until the end and realize that it turned out ok. For fellow artists out there.... Keep going!

"Relaxing is not looking at your phone" is just what I needed to hear. Thanks, man.

I didn’t even realise I had a dark why, but I quite literally finished my PhD because I wanted to be able to say “no, it’s Dr. actually”, to my old boss who consistently told me I was stupid. I haven’t even seen her, but the thought that I could do that if I needed to was a REAL motivation when it was difficult at the end 😂

the reason he gets me every time is that he is not some fake inspirational guru or something... he is 'me', he is 'us', he is normal people all around us, just making us understand that being normal and successful is possible.

“Trying to do stuff before the microwave dings” - such a perfect analogy I did get something out of this video bro, thank you for your creative, productive and positive inspiration

Whenever I feel lost in life, I always invariably see an upload from you. Keep up the lovely work. Thanks for being there for all of us ❤️

I’ve been having the roughest year I’ve ever had , literally lost everything I had this year and watching your videos gives me comfort and I immediately start creating a plan after your videos . Thank you for giving me mental clarity without even knowing you’re doing so haha

Dude, I also have "a wall". Yours is SICK though! I'm definitely taking some inspiration from that. Also, thanks for always being so relatable in general.

I loved this. I feel like I'm generally a pretty productive person but I still am taking things away from this video. Amazing!

this is quiet frankly some life changing methodology

These videos help boost my mood and enthusiasm SO much, I am extremely grateful for your content, man. Thank you.

0:44 Healthy Productivity System 1 - 1:39 Birds eye view 2 - 4:01 The dark why 7:47 Write what makes you angry 8:10 Turn off your phone 8:27 How to finish your work 9:27 Rewards

So much amazing advice in this video. I wish I had this 5 years ago.

You introduced me to the 70% rule years(?) ago and it has CHANGED EVERYTHING!!! I even have a 70% sign hanging on my inspiration wall as a reminder. I also embrace the idea of "half-assing" something. I actually half-assed vacuuming the house last week. The world did not end. My Mother did not call me to chew me out. NO ONE IN MY HOUSE NOTICED!!! The 70% Rule is a REVELATION!!!

“If you know yourself, you can play yourself” That is the most genius thing anyone has ever said out loud!!!!! YAAAAAASssssssss!!!

Maaaaaannn I really needed this at the moment. Like I ***REALLY*** struggle to get my shit sorted, with ADHD being a real bitch to work with. Def will be taking this in with bullet journaling AND overview of all my shit. Pomodoro timers is something that's helped me a ton too, with small rewards for each cycle (5 mins of games/walk etc) and a big reward when finished or done like 6 cycles (food/sneaky smonk/buy something cool)

Your "dark why" made me LOL and choke on my soup. That's how my mind works a lot and I always feel so ashamed that I'm not more grandiose and "giving" minded.

You are literally the only KZfaqr I dedicatedly follow and even have my notifications turned on from! I really enjoy every single one of your videos. They’re extremely helpful and inspiring and it’s been a blast watching you grow other the last few years! Thanks Cam. I hope you’re proud of the things you’re accomplishing!

This is a much better way to approach productivity rather than "crushing it" all day long. Great post.

9:51 I laughed so hard when he apologized this imaginary friend 😂😂😂 these tips are freaking amazing btw ! Especially the timer tip... Gonna try that .

The dark why reminds me of the JP Morgan quote: we have 2 reasons for doing anything. The right (ethical) reason we tell others...and the real reason(!)

This is SO GOOOD Its like I could feel the crippling depression and anxiety starting to leave my body. This literally gave me hope. 10 min ago I was crying my eyes out and I forced myself to watch something to distract me. Now, I'm sitting here with a smile on my face and I feel so understood and hopefull!! I have no words. I wish someone told me this 10 years ago. I am gonna bookmark and come back and watch this video regularly to get my ADHD brain going. Holy shit, I cannot thank you enough. The whole idea with the "Dark why" is revolutionary. I'm in awe.

I was feeling depressed and then I deleted my social media apps. After just 2 days I didn't feel depressed and actually felt really motivated. Being a person who doesn't even use social media much, it really scared me how much we're addicted and the toll its having on our minds.

It's so great to hear someone say that downtime/resting your mind does not include electronic devices.

My “dark why” is proving my verbally abusive ex wrong one accomplishment at a time.

I feel kinda bad for saying this, but… the “dark why” is genius

Two reasons people are productive: 1) For survival 2) For pleasure The best and most fun way to be productive, is to find something that feels like play to you, but looks like work to others.

My phone not being downtime for my brain is something I needed to hear. The embarrassing problem becomes: what do you do for an hour? All the ideal self help stuff you thankfully call out of course would say something like meditating, and I know I have mental health programs I should work on; but if those things are new things you're trying to develop, they're not going to feel like rest and become another overwhelming-feeling responsibility because your mind isn't rested enough for them. In constantly being in go-go-go mode, I end up squeezing in "productive rest" and of course it doesn't recharge me for other stuff I need to do. Struth, you're the only realistic self-helper that provides suggestions of varying feelings of doability that I've found. Please teach us how to rest 😭

This is the first time I watch a video and I don’t feel like complete shit after and filling my mind with unmanageable tasks, thank you for these videos I just subscribed I can’t wait to binge watch your channel right now haha really needed this at this point in my life of foggy feelings and blocked creativity with my anxiety and depression just making every task IMPOSSIBLE, hope you have a good weekend !!!!

Frekin love this man! I always felt like I need to out my projects on a wall, and here you are! I'm gonna use the 'Wall' technique.

This video has come with almost supernatural timing for me. I've spent the last few weeks floundering and not getting anything done mainly because I've taken on too much at once and failed to organise myself properly. I've also burned myself out because when I do plan things, I never give myself downtime.

Just like with anything there is a balance with being productive. You want to make the most use out of your time, but taking a break and relaxing also makes you more productive when you are working.

I saw this a day ago. I took a screenshot of your wall and started going through projects replicating the gameification. I wanted to cry when I felt the anxiety of that in my head be all out on paper. Really appreciate the openness of your feelings around making art. And this is the video that gave me an actionable thing but I wish I could give love on all your videos because of the honesty in the journey. It's not all roses and pancakes. It's not all shit and hate either. Your perspectives really hit home. After sitting at my table for the last 16 hours making this out, I had to go buy your book. Seriously, Thanks!

this is quality advice, much better than the usual videos that are basically "just do it" "just wake up early" "just tell yourself to do it" like wtf when did that ever work for anyone normal

Thank you for this. I've been off work for 8 months following an emotional burnout. Through professional help and support I'm starting to get back on my feet. I found this video at the right time and it has been really insightful - like having the perfect pub conversation at the perfect time. I hope all your projects come to fruition.

An old friend gave me advice on productivity. "Strive for the bare minimum and everything more than that is overachieving" which made me pushing myself further on some days better because I know I overachieved which in my brain is a good thing.

"Know yourself so you can play yourself" is such a good idea. Sometimes I get so stuck on the 'normal' way of doing things that I just wind up not doing what I need to because it's hard. But it's cool seeing someone lean into new creative ways of tricking their mind into getting stuff done. I love games and competition so why no game-ify tasks and give myself points to make things fun? The wall idea seems so cool and a fun art project to make the planning process easier. Btw congratulations on your book! I need to grab a copy because your videos always has great tips.

That 70% rule is freaking amazing. I learned pretty early on when it came to writing/making videos that wanting a 1st draft to be 100% clean/good is not practical. So for a first draft of my writing I shoot for 60-70% so I have a solid foundation to polish from into a 80% or better. I also try to do something similar with my videos and that helps a lot. Also, writing down what you could do better, and the lessons you've pulled away from the project can really help improve the workflow/production of your next project. These are great videos, and have really helped me out recently. It's all solid advise and you deliver it in a very casual and personable way.

At 27 ive recently made a big decision to leave my current career in networking and pursue something im passionate about (3D art/environment art) rather than solely chasing the money doing a job I dont really enjoy. I thought hard about it and for the first time in my life, I've actually thought about myself rather than suppressing it with games and other media, which opened up a whole can of worms and I'm currently in the process of councilling and an ADHD diagnosis. I just wanted to say I feel like you're the only person on youtube who is almost directly talking to me, everything you say makes sense and I cant wait to watch more videos and hopefully I'll improve from now on. Thank you dude

"If you know yourself, you can play yourself." QOTD - quote of the day. Brilliant!

"Know yourself so you can play yourself" - Yess, I do this all the time😂 Also, will there ever be an ebook release for your book. I'm really interested in the book but I'm from India and the price of the book goes real high when converted to INR. I can't spend that much money on a book right now but ebooks generally come cheaper.

I like the scheduled downtime suggestion a lot, because what I've noticed is that when I don't give my brain downtime, it will eventually get it somehow, usually in a way that's very impulsive and much more time-wastey than if I had just scheduled in some breaks throughout the day and week. If I'm not allowing myself to recharge a bit throughout each day, my willpower and energy reserves get depleted to the point where it becomes almost impossible to not work half-heartedly and eventually to start fucking off and wasting time on mindless compulsions.

Having a dark why is nothing to be ashamed of. Spite, anger, jealousy, are just tools you can use. Feelings are neutral. Obviously overdoing any emotion is bad, but I think suppressing so called "negative" emotions prevents productivity. You gotta address how you're feeling and be honest with yourself! Also, I LOVE THE WALL SYSTEM. I'm definitely trying that technique!

I really like the thought that (paraphrasing) "an hour is going to pass either way, so which 'me' do I want to be in an hour -- the one with more stress, or the one with less?" As someone with zero intrinsic motivation to do my job, that's a good reminder that I while I can't make myself happier by working, I can at least make myself less miserable.

Here's what I got from you (also using stuff from other authors): - Getting a Bird's-eye view = I'm Ok with that. It works. ;) - The Wall: - Sort each goal - Find your why for each goal - Find your "dark why" for each goal - Break each goal into small tasks that you complete weekly ("the 12 week year" system) - Score your task executions weekly ("The 12 week year system", again; results don't matter. Only the number of executions! So keep them high.) - Schedule ONLY what you're afraid of forgetting - Have an Accountability Partner (if you feel it helps you getting your work done) - The 40% Rule (or 70%): Based on the book "Can't Hurt Me", by David Goggins. Go beyond 40% of accomplishments (meaning: do not leave half things done or half of an effort!! Go beyond that.) And THANK YOU! This video is a very helpful one.

“ action comes before motivation, “so true

Productivity for productivity sake is super dark. This man has spoken.

Man I'm really not one for worshipping internet personalities or harbouring parasocial relationships with youtubers but I sincerely want to see you succeed in all you do, because you come across as a thoughtful person who considers their audience as more than revenue and understands the value of vulnerability and sharing. It's nice to see that content creation doesn't need to be a soullness grind and you don't seem interested in taking advantage of people. Keep up the great work :)

I have literally never been this excited when a youtuber uploads as I am when you do. 🤩

The Dark Why. You're absolutely right, it works when nothing else will. I'm making an indie game because "I want to create worlds for people to enjoy", but also "I need everyone to see this tangible proof of my value". it's not healthy to live there all the time, but it helps kick me back into an upwards spiral.

Thanks for these videos! I just passed the 365 day mark on my three things journaling. (From "ADVICE FOR CREATIVES: 7 Life Lessons I've Learned from 2019 so far" 1. What made me excited. 2. What drained me of energy. 3. What did I learn.) I've missed several days here and there, but, as far as I can tell, I haven't yet missed two days in a row. Has definitely helped my recall of recent good things, as without journaling I tend to find memories of recent depressing things easier to access. Some great advice in the new video here, I definitely enjoy the productivity wall - nice work making it multimedia with your sketches mixed in with your notecards :D

Bro I think you truly have lived your advice, I can genuinely see that. I've never seen self-help stuff delivered in such an easy, fun & relaxing way to consume. I really admire you & hope you crush it on your ventures!!

Dude just showed up in my recommendations with probably the best time possible and now I can't stop watching him

I like the bare minimum vs great day lists. Also, knowing yourself so you can play yourself is genius

Thank you! This is exactly what I needed. If it's possible can you walk through how the content project on your "the wall" works? To me content doesn't feel like a linear process, I feel like it is linear but then it repeats?

Ty! This was very helpful and so well explaining. I'm incorporating this. In addition to a "to do" list I have a "NOT to do" list. So, like, work on art on weekdays only, work on POD F-Sun only. It helps with the need to do everything daily. Also, man you're so right about that last five minutes thing. Pancake batter stage, all lumpy and gross, the suddenly you make the last flip and it's a golden delicious pancake. Good to know it's a normal thing.

"Know yourself so you can play yourself" is SUCH good advice. It can be worded in lots of other ways, so I know I've come across the same idea somewhere else, but seeing it worded THIS way is quite inspiring. I really enjoyed the video!!!

Man I got your book delivered today after pre ordering it months ago (honestly forgot I order it) I've been in a fucking shit place mentally for the last few months. I got 2 chapters in and felt compelled to Journal for the first time in months. Got through pages worth of thoughts and noticed some defining relationships I've built with them pesky freeloaders of the mind. So from the bottom of my heart, thaaaanks Sturthless ya lad.

whoa dude "productivity is a by-product of direction, mental clarity and a balanced life" absolutely beautiful lol

I 100% believe productivity is a result of health and wellness. For years I was struggling to get by and always beating myself up on not accomplishing what I wanted to outside keeping myself employed and bathed. But as I've gotten into a better position in life- a healthier work environment, healthier chosen family, more financial stability, etc... the mental health improvements means I'm able to allot bandwidth to other goals- More Productivity.

Thank you! So awesome, particularly the projects visually out on the walls. My mind gets so muddled when I have multiple projects on the go.

my wall is about to become a MAP of PRODUCTIVITY

I’m watching this on my couch and I gotta say, I feel more productive already.

1:45 3:06 3:38 4:50 6:04 6:30 9:46 I been watching this video like everyday lol. This comment is just for me to get around faster. Oh BTW thank you for having the interest, making the effort, and taking the time to film, edit, and upload this video. Your videos are extremely appreciated lol

2:23 you’ve genuinely been one of (if not THE ) biggest inspirations to me to get creative and arty again during all these lockdowns and quarantines and I honestly don’t know where I would be without finding passion and enthusiasm for art again because of your videos!! And even better, because I’ve been more creative lately I’ve somehow managed to help my friends express their feelings through art as well and I can see it really working for them too so I can tell you right now that’s 3 lives you’ve already helped change and I seriously can’t thank you enough!!

I like how you seem to be flexible with your way of life and most importantly that you always give those disclaimers. Everybody has their needs and they can be the same but do not necessarily need to be.

So good, you have a great talent at making these videos! “Relaxing is NOT looking at ur phone” 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

having a dark “WHY” is so real HA thanks for being honest about it. I can’t wait to use some of these techniques. I’m very visual person so I think having that visual timeline of your goal is so helpful. having ADHD has meant me relying on my day planners and writing out step lists. I think the timeline will help me take it to the next level

*timestamps! 🕰️* 0:00 intro 0:07 storytime 1:16 disclaimer 1:37 my healthy productivity system 1:40 part one: getting a bird’s eye view 4:57 part two: switch off 5:56 part three: how to actually get work done 9:41 final words 10:23 announcement time

One thing that helps me with a work deadline, you don't have to feel enthusiastic doing the task to get it done, you can still sit with those unpleasant feeling and get the task done (it is still possible for us to complete a task). And when you do complete it you feel a sense of accomplishment :)

You really are helping. Like I finally feel like someone understands. Like reallly understand how I’m feeling. And that I can actually do something. Thank you for your videos. THEY ARE ALL AMAZING. You are beyond great. Wow

Just peeking in the comment section to say I’m sooooo eager for your book! Asked my brother to preorder it for my birthday, I hope that little bastard took note 🥲 wishing u the best with the launch Cam!!! 💛 (and thanks for another consistently awesome video 🤠)

I just found your channel and admit I've been bingeing it a bit. I'm really grateful for not just your tips and sharing your thought processes, but your bigger outlook. So refreshing to hear productivity talk about it in a healthy, creative, and empowering way. It's one of those things where, I *know* these tips and use them, but hearing you put it all together is a really great reminder at a time when I'm dragging my feet. Thanks dude!

This is so smart, the whole big course about artist’s productivity is condensed in one short video!

Your description is so clear, "simple", funny .... encouraging and motivating!!

Omg!!! Ive just paused the video after seeing «the wall»! My jaw dropped!! I rely sooo much on visuals to get clarity on demand, it is exactly what I need and what I have been trying to envision as a system. Thank you!!!!!

Um I love doing things out of "spite" AND the "right" reason. Both work together and haven't let me down yet. I'm learning rest is super important. I'm 💯 more productive when I chill a little.

I've used to get stuck with writing and not knowing how to start sections. The "write what makes you angry" method is a lot like the freewriting I do. Basically, it just is my mind dumping out thoughts on the paper and that gets the words flowing for the stories.

This has basically put all my current thoughts of getting back on the productive streak in one very concise video. I've actually had to piece together a lot of these myself, or from random sources, I was going to make my own videos to describe the process, but this is basically PERFECT! So I'll just link this in my stuff so I can focus on other videos :) Thanks so much for having a one stop shop for all of the ways to get on top of getting stuff done!

I've loved your videos for a long time, you've helped me to find something I actually want to do in life, something to be productive for. your passion is inspirational. On top of that, your advice is so so legit, and the amazingly non judgemental and real way in which you deliver it is honestly so refreshing. The world needs more people like you dude, thank you.

Yep, got something out of this video, you say more in 11 minutes than most videos I wasted 60 minutes on; there's a line in a song "...anger is an energy..." and it has helped me to work out negativity in a productive way. I love that you keep it real and, never figured you as a wall guy! That's great, thnx for showing that, I have used 3x5 cards and post-its like that for 40+ years. And when I see someone rates you with a thumbs down, well I figure they are jealous. Keep up the great work, do not burn out though:)

I’m gonna be 1000% honest with you please don’t ever stop making videos cause I was the edge of everything like ready to die and I’m only 18 and I shouldn’t be feeling like this 24/7 your videos have given me a sense of enlightenment in my life for once I couldn’t ask for more man your like the older brother I never had

4 minutes in and I already know I’ll have to watch this at least 3 more times. Thank you for helping me become an adult

Oooo also another tip that helps me to write is to talk to myself in the shower or when I’m driving and record it 😂 much of my thesis was written by just talking to myself to get ideas and sentences (and sometimes paragraphs) formed, without all that time spent just staring at the words on the screen. The added benefit of that is also that I’m just really good at presenting and talking about my research (and my PhD viva went really well) because my default communication just ends up being talking.

your videos are so practical i feel like i'm being hugged by sense and possibility. like I can actually do this. wow. thank you.

My god man, you have been a saving grace in my life for quite some time now. It's scary how much I can relate to you. This video is exactly what I was looking for. All this time I knew something was missing, I have a bunch of files with to do lists, writing prompts, budget, and priority lists. I like using my computer but I didn't like how it wasn't in my room. I like having copy's of these lists on my phone but just like the computer I hated how limited I was using a word document and just like the computer. I knew I needed something bigger, something more tangible that was always on display, something physical I could edit/use quickly and easily. You idea on the wall is EXACTLY what I have been thinking of but couldn't quite grasp. I remember saying to myself I just need a really big piece of paper where I mix and match different ideas, that was on full display that I could reference whenever I walked by. But I new that wasn't practical not necessarily want due to the actual logistics of it. It was kind of a one and done kind of deal. Growing up my dad suggested sticky notes. I couldn't stand the idea of sticky notes accumulating and cluttering my environment also it would produce a lot of waste. I tried it one time, the sticky note fell and I found it days later, it was a complete failure. When examining your wall. I noticed you used, cut outs you had drawn, and flash cards. Absolutely brilliant, I didn't like the idea of sticking them to my actual wall, one it's kind of tacky (no offense, I really like the way you made it look, especially the way you incorporated your art around it. It's just not for me) two I didn't want to actually accidentally ruin my wall. (I rent) I was trying to think of a bunch of ways to get stay to the wall, that looked, neat and orderly. Tape might ruin the paint, or at the very least leave a sticky residue, also the tape would lose its ability to stick over time again producing a lot of waste like the sticky notes. Then I remember when I lived with my brother while he was in college he had a HUGE white board and we used it to talk back and forth as well as right down reminders, due dates, video ideas, and projects. It never stuck with me because I hated the idea of constantly writing and erasing which often caused a blotchy stain to form overtime (Also my handwriting sucks) is...but it was magnetic. BOOM! Then it hit me 🤯 I could use the magnets with clips to hold my flash cards, multiple flash cards, instead just trying to stick a magnet to one or two and hope they stay I can clip a group together and keep using the same flash cards over and over again for certain categories and use color coded dot magnets as bullet points and to mark my completion. I can store stacks of flash cards in my office and set the board up based on my needs for a certain week, projects, and so on make more as I go and combine them with my other cards I made previously. Also I can cycle out the ones with terrible hand writing with ones I prefer that I were able to take my time with and best of all. I don't have to worry about writing and erasing the same stuff over and over again or worrying about leaving some on there for so long it stains the board. It's like a cork board but you don't have to worrying about filling it with holes and destroying over time. It's brilliant and I love it. I'm sure everyone reading this like...well duh 🙄 But you helped me come up with the idea, and I couldn't be anymore thankful. I'm so excited, I love the functionality of it I love the look. So I just wanted to take the time to share this idea with you and your audience that you all can enjoy it as well. Best of luck to all of you, you guys got this 🤘

I've tried so much of what is offered up, and in terms of tools I'm trying to just use what I always have with me, thoughts, for example- "They can because they think they can." Virgil; breathing & eye movement, see Andrew Huberman- etc. in short, simplifying. Here, though, is something I can use to modify something I already do, a daily sheet. The Bare Minimum List & The Great Day List are things I'm going to start doing. Thanks.

I pre-ordered your book! Thanks for inviting us to do it. One comment, on the reward yourself, we should get creative beyond just rewarding ourselves with a drink. Maybe a bike ride? Some thing that helps us celebrate while not depleting us. “ know yourself to play yourself” good one ‼️‼️

Most days of this year have been introspective and asking myself why I'm doing what I do and how did I put myself in the place I am. Some days been depressing, the most of them confusing, and not so many were just ok. And some of that 'ok' moments were when I sit down and watch your videos. I can listen to you as a really close person to me, speaking with all your experience and truth without even let me worry about how are you, just to help me think about myself. And I can't be more grateful for that, man. Sometimes I don't even understand what are you talking about, let alone understand what I want... but just hearing how do you work in your most intimate self helps a lot. I understood that whatever happen in life the most important thing is how you react about it, how you choose to move after. It could be unconscious, yet, but practicing this thing of watching yourself acting in life from an outside view, you can ask yourself, why? Why am I so mad about this? Now I choose to face it with a whole different attitude. I choose to be a better person everyday, for me and for the people around me. Doesn't matter if I don't work on my projects everyday, but the times I do it, I choose to do it with all my best. Of course it takes work, a lot more I would want. But taking full responsability about were are you putting yourself in life is one of the most valuable things I understood with your videos. Life happens, you choose. Thank you so much and keep doing. Cheers from a little place in the other side of earth! Uruguay☺

I’m gonna rewatch this 6 times before I do any of it but I’m so grateful it exists so that I have the chance to do even that

I can't get enough of your channel. Thanks for all you do!

wtf !! I'm falling love with this guy. Your journaling video helped me soo much. Can I hug u ?

I'm sooo glad I came across your channel recently. You are so relatable, give some of the best and freaking real advice and you're also funny! Can't wait to implement some of the things you talk about. Especially all your journaling tips! Keep doing what you're doing, it's great!

I am SO STINKIN GRATEFUL for your videos!!!!

I love how you talk about breaking down tasks.

I've struggled with anxiety, depression and ADHD for many years and only recently got on medication. Now I have the capacity to be more productive in a healthy way for myself and my family and your videos are helping me to hit that perfect sweet spot. Thanks for doing what you do. Oh and I just pre-ordered the book super stoked to check it out :)

Thank you for sharing your process. I really appreciate your perspective. Also, congrats on creating so much this year. It is very inspiring to see your growth!

I genuinely appreciate ur advice and u seem like an awesome guy, thx for helping out

I don't ever use youtube for inspiration because it's all just denzel washington quotes recited over cheesy music but man this was inspiring, thanks