
Ali Abdaal's Best X Posts
@AliAbdaalFormer Doctor turned Productivity influencer.
Ali Abdaal has grown a big (and profitable) audience on X.
One of the reasons? The ability to create engaging content that got a lot of engagement.
Here are the 10 best posts (and why they worked):
Post #1
Why This Post Performed Well
This post works by making productivity accessible and affordable. The price point ($20) removes financial barriers. "Skyrocket" promises dramatic results. The number 12 suggests comprehensive but digestible content. Visual element increases engagement. Challenges the notion that productivity requires expensive tools. Practical, actionable advice anyone can implement. Price-conscious approach resonates in tough economy. Clear value proposition in the opening line. Simple format makes complex topic approachable.
Post #2
Why This Post Performed Well
This post grabs attention right out of the gate. Why? It hits a universal pain point: feeling tired all the time. By saying "Studies show adults wake up tired 3-4 days a week," it immediately makes people think, *“Yep, that’s me.”* It's relatable, and relatability hooks people. Then it teases a solution without giving it all away: *"But it can be avoided."* That sentence is gold—it plants hope in the reader’s mind and makes them want to know more. The curiosity deepens with the promise to “Avoid these 7 sleep myths.” Who doesn’t love a good list? It’s specific, easy to scan, and promises actionable value. Finally, the phrase “never wake up tired again” is aspirational. It paints a picture of the ideal outcome. Together, the pain point, promise of solutions, and bite-sized list format make this a scroll-stopper. People love clarity, and this delivers.
Post #3
Why This Post Performed Well
This post works because it taps into authority, curiosity, and FOMO all at once. Starting with *“I’ve read close to 1000 books”* immediately establishes credibility—this isn’t just someone throwing out random recommendations. Readers think, *“Whoa, they’ve done the work for me.”* It’s impressive and builds trust. The second line, *“I’ve narrowed it down to 15 books everyone needs to read,”* is like dangling a carrot. It promises exclusivity—these aren’t just *any* books, but the *must-reads*. The specificity of “15 books” makes it feel digestible and curated, which people love. Adding “(2023)” gives it a fresh, up-to-date vibe, making readers feel like they’re getting relevant info they can use now. It also sparks curiosity: *What books made the cut?* Combine that with the subtle FOMO—*Am I missing out if I don’t read these?*—and you’ve got a recipe for high engagement. It’s irresistible for bookworms and self-improvement junkies alike.
Post #4
Why This Post Performed Well
This post nails it because it combines authority, curiosity, and practicality in one punch. Leading with *“I have 4,391,728 YouTube Subscribers”* grabs attention instantly—it’s a flex, but an earned one. People see that number and immediately think, *“This person knows what they’re talking about.”* The second line, *“If I were to start from 0 in 2023,”* hits the curiosity button hard. It flips the script: what would someone *that* successful do differently if they were starting fresh? It’s a relatable scenario for beginners and intriguing for seasoned creators looking for insights. Finally, *“here’s exactly what I’d do”* is the clincher. It promises a clear, actionable plan. The word “exactly” feels precise and no-fluff, which makes it even more appealing. People want shortcuts from those who’ve already succeeded, and this post delivers the perfect setup to make them stick around and learn.
Post #5
Why This Post Performed Well
This post hooks readers immediately by starting with an unexpected, high-stakes personal decision: *“The book that made me quit my career as a Doctor.”* It’s shocking, intriguing, and loaded with emotional weight. People are wired to wonder, *“What could possibly be so powerful to cause that kind of change?”* Mentioning the book title, *“The Pathless Path,”* builds credibility and curiosity. It implies the book holds deep, unconventional wisdom—perfect bait for anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled. The next line, *“Here are 10 lessons from the book that will make you rethink everything,”* seals the deal. It promises readers transformative insights in an easy-to-digest list. The phrase “rethink everything” hits hard, appealing to anyone craving change or clarity. It’s a personal, dramatic setup paired with practical takeaways. Readers are drawn in by the story and stay for the lessons. The perfect mix of emotion and utility.
Post #6
Why This Post Performed Well
This post works because it blends authority, exclusivity, and practicality. Starting with *“I’ve interviewed 100s of the top 1% of people in the world”* immediately establishes credibility. It positions the writer as someone with insider access to wisdom most people can only dream of. The follow-up line, *“Here are 7 lessons they taught me,”* teases value. Readers know they’re about to get actionable insights straight from the best. It’s specific, easy to follow, and framed as a shortcut to knowledge that took the writer years to gather. The kicker, *“that I wish they taught in school,”* adds a layer of relatability and urgency. It hints that these lessons are life-changing but overlooked by traditional education. This resonates deeply with anyone who feels like school didn’t prepare them for real life. It’s intriguing, high-value, and perfectly framed to make readers curious and eager to learn.
Post #7
Why This Post Performed Well
This post hooks readers by making the problem personal and relatable. Starting with *“I used to wake up tired every morning”* immediately connects with anyone who struggles with fatigue. It’s vulnerable and makes the writer seem approachable, like someone who’s been in the same boat. The next line, *“This 9-step sleep routine saved my life,”* adds intrigue. It implies a dramatic transformation and promises a solution that worked so well it feels life-changing. The specificity of “9-step” makes it feel structured and achievable, while “saved my life” amps up the emotional stakes. Finally, *“(Based on science)”* gives the routine credibility. It’s not just anecdotal; it’s grounded in evidence, which appeals to skeptical readers who want facts, not fluff. This post grabs attention with a relatable struggle, keeps readers with a promise of transformation, and seals the deal with authority. It’s a winning combo.
Post #8
Why This Post Performed Well
This opening is powerful in its profound simplicity. Here's why it resonates: Starting with "A great piece of advice" from a medical school professor immediately establishes credibility - doctors are associated with discipline and high achievement. The quotation's brilliance lies in its: - Mathematical precision ("an hour" vs "two hours") - Specific times that everyone recognizes (9 and 5) - Easy-to-remember formula - Clear comparison that makes the value proposition obvious The wisdom lands so well because it: - Validates early risers while motivating others - Quantifies the return on early-morning effort - Challenges conventional work patterns - Packs deep productivity wisdom into one memorable line The medical school context adds extra weight - if this works for doctors handling life-and-death situations, it likely works for everyone else too. This opening works because it delivers profound productivity wisdom in a memorable, quotable package while borrowing authority from the medical profession.
Post #9
Why This Post Performed Well
"8 weeks" is specific enough to be credible while suggesting thorough research - it's not just a quick list thrown together. Using "looking for" rather than "researching" makes it feel more authentic and relatable - like a genuine journey of discovery rather than academic study. "Best AI tools" hits a sweet spot because it: - Addresses massive current interest in AI - Promises practical value - Suggests curation (solving the overwhelm problem) - Implies these tools are tested/verified The phrase "on the internet" suggests comprehensive scope - these aren't just the obvious tools everyone knows about. The arrow emoji and thread emoji combination is strategic: - Signals more value coming - Makes the post visually pop in feeds - Feels modern and tech-savvy (fitting for AI content) This opening works because it promises carefully curated, practical AI solutions at a time when many people feel overwhelmed by the rapid emergence of AI tools.
Post #10
Why This Post Performed Well
This opening is deceptively powerful in its simplicity. Here's why it works: The personal touch of "my favourite" is crucial because it: - Feels authentic rather than algorithmic - Suggests genuine value rather than clickbait - Creates connection through shared experience Adding "that I think you should read too" is strategic because it: - Makes it feel like a recommendation from a friend - Implies the content is universally valuable - Creates gentle urgency without being pushy Using "2022" gives it specificity and context - these aren't random articles but a curated best-of collection from a defined period. And you could use it for ANY year or even month. The casual, conversational tone makes the recommendations feel more like helpful suggestions than authoritative commands. This opening works because it combines personal endorsement with implied value, while maintaining an approachable, friendly tone that invites rather than demands engagement.
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