Saturday 25 Rajab 1446 AH / 25 January 2025

ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ

Welcome to the Optimized Muslim Newsletter on all things self-development for Muslims. I synthesize and filter insights, ideas, quotes, resources and more so we can become Optimized Muslims إن شاء الله

In today's email: Mindset reframes, Productive Mornings & the usual good stuff

Probably a 3-4 Minute read

What's happening at Optimized Muslim?

Something I re-heard earlier today that I resonated with:

Entrepreneurship is a personal growth engine disguised as a business pursuit - James Clear

If you're naturally curious, entrepreneurship transforms curiosity into a dynamic learning laboratory, where skill stacking creates rapid feedback loops on different levels. e.g on an EQ level from dealing with clients or contractors, but also from the various mini-experiments you run day to day. Constant micro-failures that over time build you into a more resilient person.

---

I help Muslim executives, entrepreneurs & CEOs overcome procrastination and overwhelm to achieve productivity breakthroughs in both their worldly and spiritual goals through optimizing their mindset & building rock-solid habits.

See if you're a fit for my bespoke1:1 high performance program. Find out more, see many testimonials and book a free call to explore further here:

---

Qur'an Ayah

"But those who believe and do good deeds - We do not burden any soul beyond its capacity. Those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally" [7:42]

Hadith

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of morning:

"O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings " [Ibn Majah]

"I am a Muslim, and therefore I do not do X.

Regardless of the few instances where one might be inclined to adopt a minority opinion - ultimately, living as a practicing Muslim, especially in the West, but anywhere to varying degrees, inherently involves struggle, enduring discomfort, and often standing out or not fitting in.

At some point, there will be moments where you'll have to candidly declare,

"I am a Muslim, and therefore I do not do X."

The critical question then becomes: What factors are shaping where we draw that line in our minds?

More importantly, is that line aligned with our ultimate purpose, the fleeting nature of this life, and the permanence of the hereafter?

What's this got to do with self-development? A lot. Your identity, your sense of "self", how you view yourself in society is the foundation upon which there's "development".

Adopt a meek, ideologically subservient identity and see what it does for you and generations to come. (Phrasing it this way so it hits you)

Practical Tips for Productive Mornings ⏱️

• Wake up for Tahajjud, even if briefly. Lower the activation energy required to habituate this by rising 30 or so minutes before fajr start time. (last 1/3 of the night)

• Recite morning adhkar before checking your phone

• Set one important task to complete before breakfast

Quotes🧠

The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything." - Warren Buffett

"Your potential is the sum of all the possibilities Allah has for your life."

Mindset Reframes through the Islamic Paradigm

The concept of decision fatigue in modern psychology aligns beautifully with Islamic practices. Our Deen provides built-in routines that reduce decision fatigue in almost all aspects of life.

This is particularly powerful when dealing with life's biggest challenges - from existential questions to handling difficulties.

As the Prophet ﷺ said: "How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him." (Sahih Muslim)

Through this prophetic wisdom and Islamic guidance, we truly have the tools to build an unshakeable mindset.

A practical ChatGPT prompt for Muslims

"Help me create a daily schedule that incorporates both my worldly responsibilities and Islamic duties. Include specific times for:

• Five daily prayers
• Work/study
• Family time
• Personal development
• Physical exercise"

Question to ask ourselves

When was the last time I reflected deeply on a verse of Quran beyond just reading its translation?

Take Action:

Choose one small habit you can start today that aligns with both your dunya and akhirah goals. Remember, consistency over intensity.

Forwarded this and would like to get this straight to your inbox?

Click Here!

👉Like to read all previous newsletters like this? Click here👈

Thanks for reading . Please forward it to a like-minded friend if you benefit.

Aadil

Work with me 1:1

PS

Please give The Optimized Muslim Podcast a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Email me if you do because then I know you're special 😎