22 April 2021

Life Hacks 204 - #311

0Frameworks

10Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Tool· 5

Tool02:00

Clear Whey: Juice-Like Hydrolyzed Protein

Johnny recommends Myprotein's clear whey, a hydrolyzed whey protein that mixes into a juice-like consistency. Unlike traditional protein shakes, it's easy to digest, tastes great (e.g., watermelon, peach tea), and avoids the 'congealed' texture when left to sit for 2–3 minutes after mixing.

Hydrolyzed whey is easier to digest than isolate or concentrate.
Tastes like fruit juice (e.g., orange, mango) rather than a milkshake.
One scoop in 3/4 full shaker with water; let it sit 2–3 minutes before drinking.
Helps make morning protein consumption effortless and enjoyable.

“Clear whey from Myprotein is excellent. This is a more kind of juice consistency compared to the milkshake type.”
Johnny · 02:00

“If you get like the orange and mango one, for example, it just tastes like having orange juice in the morning.”
Johnny · 04:30

#nutrition#protein#fitness#supplements

Tool12:30

YouTube Premium for Ad-Free Workout Playlists

Chris explains how YouTube Premium eliminates ads and allows background playback, making it ideal for listening to live music during workouts. It also enables offline downloads and integrates with shared accounts.

Ad-free playback saves 10–15 seconds per video, adding up over time.
Background listening lets you train without watching the screen.
Useful for accessing live music sets (e.g., Architects, Beartooth) on YouTube.
Can be shared across devices under one channel account.

“No adverts is saving me at least 10 seconds to 15 seconds per video.”
Chris · 14:00

“Being able to play while it's off... you get free access to YouTube Music.”
Chris · 15:00

#productivity#fitness#music#apps

Tool25:00

Alfred + IINA: Ad-Free YouTube Without Premium

Yousef offers a technical alternative to YouTube Premium using Alfred (macOS launcher) and IINA (media player) to search, play, and skip ads on YouTube videos without needing the app or paying for Premium.

Search and play YouTube videos directly from Alfred.
IINA loads entire videos to avoid buffering and skips ads automatically.
Plays in background with keyboard shortcuts and remembers playback position.
Ideal for users with time over money who want full control.

“You can search and then find a video within Alfred... play it through IINA.”
Yousef · 25:00

“If you've got more time than money, use IINA and Alfred.”
Yousef · 27:30

#productivity#tech#apps#macos

Tool28:30

Typefully.app: Write Tweet Threads Like a Pro

Johnny recommends Typefully.app, a free tool that simplifies creating long-form tweet threads with live previews, proper formatting, and one-click publishing—eliminating the hassle of manual thread management.

Write entire threads in a single text block with formatting.
Live preview shows exactly how it will appear on Twitter.
Automatically splits content without cutting mid-sentence.
One-click send function streamlines publishing.

“Typefully allows you to write out the entire tweet thread... it'll automatically do it.”
Johnny · 28:45

#productivity#writing#social-media#apps

Tool29:30

Wod Welder: Hand Care for Lifters

Johnny shares Wod Welder, a skincare kit with lanolin balm, pumice stone, and stick applicator designed to prevent and heal calluses from weightlifting, especially useful for CrossFitters and powerlifters.

Lanolin-based balm softens skin and prevents tearing.
Pumice stone smooths rough edges of calluses.
Stick applicator makes on-the-go use easy and clean.
Prevents pain that can interfere with grip and training.

“It's fixed my hands so quickly. By the next week, they were getting back to usable again.”
Johnny · 31:30

#fitness#recovery#supplements#hand-care

Takeaway· 5

Takeaway07:30

The 'Last Time I Wear This' Clothing Test

Yousef shares a minimalist approach to clothing: every time you wear an item, ask if it could be the last time. This helps identify unnecessary possessions and encourages intentional ownership by questioning whether you'd buy it again today.

Ask: 'Would I buy this today if I didn't already own it?'
Challenges the brain's bias for valuing owned items more highly.
Helps eliminate clutter by focusing on current preferences, not past decisions.
Applies to all clothing, especially undergarments and frequently worn items.

“Whenever you put on a T-shirt or a sock or something, I'm like, 'Mhm, could this be the last time that I wear this?'”
Yousef · 07:50

#minimalism#productivity#decision-making#lifestyle

Takeaway53:30

Don't Practice What You Don't Want to Become

Chris shares a James Clear-inspired mantra: every action reinforces a habit, even inaction. Choosing short-term ease (like hitting snooze) trains you to become someone who avoids discipline.

Every behavior reinforces a version of yourself—good or bad.
Skipping discipline today makes it harder to start tomorrow.
Ask: 'Is this the person I want to become?'
Even 'not doing' something is a practiced habit.

“Don't practice what you do not want to become. You're always embedding some form of habit.”
Chris · 53:45

#mindset#habits#self-discipline#philosophy

Takeaway70:00

Answer Emails While Waiting

Chris recommends using short waiting periods (e.g., at the mechanic, food delivery) to clear shallow, repetitive emails instead of scrolling—turning dead time into productive time.

Use waiting time for low-cognitive-load tasks like email.
Avoids procrastination and builds consistency.
Best for quick replies, not complex projects.
Turns passive waiting into active progress.

“You don't make me wait. I'm going to use this time to answer emails.”
Chris · 70:45

#productivity#time-management#email

Takeaway74:00

Mini-Win Goals Beat Boring Process Goals

Johnny suggests replacing abstract process goals (e.g., 'meditate 30 days') with mini-win goals—small, measurable achievements (e.g., new meditation streak, weight milestone) that provide dopamine and sustain motivation.

Mini-wins (e.g., new PR, low weight) keep you engaged.
Focus on metrics that reflect progress, even if indirect.
Makes consistency enjoyable, not burdensome.
Applies to fitness, productivity, and personal growth.

“If you can just focus on the little things, it gives you that little dopamine kick of like, 'Yeah, this is fun. More of this.'”
Johnny · 75:15

#motivation#goals#productivity#psychology

Takeaway78:30

Smart Gift-Giving: Reminders & Double-Ups

Seth shares a two-part system: log birthdays and gift ideas in Apple Contacts, and double up on gifts (buy two at once) to reduce last-minute stress and build a gift reserve.

Store gift ideas in contact notes for easy access.
Set calendar reminders before birthdays.
Buy two of a good gift—one to give, one to save.
Reduces anxiety around holidays and birthdays.

“Put their birthday in their Apple contact card. In the notes section, put lots of potential gift ideas.”
Seth · 78:45

“Double up. Get another one, too... in case you're caught out.”
Seth · 79:15

#productivity#gifts#planning#life-hacks