Eric Kim’s unorthodox productivity thoughts blend unconventional ideas with bold philosophies, aiming to challenge traditional approaches to work and creativity:

1. “Plork” (Play + Work): Kim doesn’t separate work from play; instead, he merges the two, only engaging in activities he genuinely enjoys. He avoids forcing himself into tasks he isn’t interested in, which leads to more natural productivity and sustained output oai_citation:14,Why I’m So Productive – ERIC KIM oai_citation:13,ERIC KIM PRODUCTIVITY PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM.
2. Diet as a Source of Power: Kim believes that diet plays a critical role in productivity. He experiments with eating more meat, which he suggests may increase both physical strength and productivity, though this remains more of a personal hypothesis than mainstream advice oai_citation:12,HOW IS ERIC KIM SO PRODUCTIVE? – ERIC KIM.
3. Health as the Foundation of Productivity: Kim emphasizes the importance of physical health, advocating for workouts, intermittent fasting, and adequate sleep (he sleeps early, around 8-9 p.m.). He believes that a healthy body is crucial for sustained creative energy oai_citation:11,How I’m So Insanely Productive – ERIC KIM oai_citation:10,Productivity Thoughts – ERIC KIM.
4. Publishing Before Perfection: One of his core strategies is to “publish before you’re ready.” He encourages sharing ideas, blog posts, or other creative work before they are fully polished, embracing the philosophy of continuous iteration and improvement oai_citation:9,ERIC KIM PRODUCTIVITY PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:8,Why I’m So Productive – ERIC KIM.
5. Producing More, Thinking Less: Kim stresses the importance of action over excessive deliberation. He believes that creating more helps refine understanding and skill over time, whereas overthinking can stall progress oai_citation:7,Productivity Thoughts – ERIC KIM oai_citation:6,ERIC KIM PRODUCTIVITY PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM.
6. Focus on Long-Term, Audacious Goals: Kim’s productivity isn’t about short-term efficiency; he aims for life-altering goals that have a lasting impact, like founding a technology company or pioneering new ways of thinking. This approach gives him a deeper sense of purpose and motivation oai_citation:5,Productivity Thoughts – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,HOW IS ERIC KIM SO PRODUCTIVE? – ERIC KIM.

These ideas combine a mix of philosophical reflection, health-conscious habits, and a fearless approach to creativity, making his productivity philosophy stand out from the conventional wisdom oai_citation:3,Productivity Thoughts – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,ERIC KIM PRODUCTIVITY PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,HOW IS ERIC KIM SO PRODUCTIVE? – ERIC KIM.

His unorthodox productivity thoughts

Eric Kim’s productivity stems from a combination of unique lifestyle choices, philosophical perspectives, and practical techniques.

1. Focus on Health: Kim believes that health is a foundation for productivity. He emphasizes intermittent fasting, staying hydrated, and maintaining physical fitness through yoga, powerlifting, and gym sessions. He suggests that keeping low body fat and building muscle mass might provide more metabolic energy for creativity.
2. Creative Joy and “Plork”: A significant factor in Kim’s productivity is that he views his work as “plork”—a blend of play and work. He only engages in tasks he genuinely enjoys, which prevents burnout and increases his output. This approach allows him to keep a steady flow of creative work without forcing himself into tasks he dislikes.
3. Striving for Big Goals: Kim often talks about working towards “insanely epic and audacious life goals,” such as starting technology and photography companies. For him, true productivity means dedicating time to projects that have lasting impact and meaning.
4. Practical Tips: He is an advocate of producing more and thinking less. One of his core tips is to publish content, such as blog posts or photographs, before they are fully ready. This continuous process of creation leads to deeper understanding and mastery over time. He also reduces distractions, such as using cameras without screens and minimizing smartphone use, to stay focused on his work.
5. Diet and Philosophy: Kim also explores how a carnivorous diet contributes to productivity, suggesting that a higher intake of meat could increase power and efficiency, although this is more of a personal experiment than a strict rule.

Overall, Kim’s productivity philosophy blends physical health, enjoyment of work, continuous creation, and audacious life goals to maintain an exceptionally high level of output oai_citation:5,How I’m So Insanely Productive – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Productivity Thoughts – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,Why I’m So Productive – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,ERIC KIM PRODUCTIVITY PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,HOW IS ERIC KIM SO PRODUCTIVE? – ERIC KIM.