Small adjustments can lead to big results—especially when it comes to performance and productivity. In this first edition of Curbside, Shehzad Batliwala, DO, shares the three game-changing tools that help him maximize time, streamline tasks, and stay sharp—whether in the clinic or beyond.
Time is every physician’s most limited resource—but what if you could stretch it? Shehz, a practicing physician, real estate investor, podcaster, and even stand-up comedian, has mastered the art of maximizing productivity while avoiding burnout.
His secret? Leveraging the right tools to optimize mental clarity, streamline tasks, and free up time for high-impact work. Here are the three game-changing tools he swears by, broken down by investment level—so you can work smarter, not harder.
1️⃣ Leverage AI as Your Thinking Partner
💰 Cost: $20/month
"By far and away, under a hundred dollars, the best tool is ChatGPT. It's a huge productivity boost for me. I use AI as a thought partner—to generate ideas and think through strategies." — Shehz
Instead of staring at a blank page or getting stuck in decision fatigue, Shehz uses ChatGPT to brainstorm, clarify ideas, and accelerate workflow. Whether drafting an email, prepping for a talk, or strategizing a new project, AI helps him move faster.
✅ Pro Tips:
- Use ChatGPT to draft emails, summarize research, or outline presentations in secondsminutes.
- Experiment with voice-to-text tools to dictate ideas and let AI refine them.
- Ask AI to role-play as a patient, investor, or audience member to test communication strategies.
2️⃣ Reset Your Mind with Sensory Deprivation
💰 Cost: A few hundred dollars per session
"I go to a flotation tank—it's a sensory deprivation tank where you float in salt water in complete darkness. It helps ground me and brings clarity because there are always so many things going through my mind." — Shehz
High-performance thinking requires mental clarity. To avoid burnout and reset after demanding work, Shehz swears by sensory deprivation tanks. These floating sessions help him quiet mental noise, de-stress, and think more creatively.
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✅ Pro Tips:
- If a flotation tank isn’t available, try meditation apps like Headspace or Calm for a similar mental reset.
- Use noise-canceling headphones and a dark room for a DIY sensory break.
- Stack this habit after a high-stress clinical day to transition into deep work or creative thinking.
🔗 Find a float center near you
3️⃣ Scale Your Time with Virtual Assistants
💰 Cost: $1,000+ per month
"I have two full-time virtual assistants. They handle my calendar, book my flights, manage my real estate investments, edit my podcast, and even apply for speaking engagements. This allows me to focus on the high-impact work that only I can do." — Shehz
What's the biggest bottleneck to scaling productivity? Trying to do everything yourself. Instead of wasting time on admin tasks, Shehz delegates everything that doesn’t require his expertise—allowing him to focus on clinical work, creative projects, and business growth.
✅ Pro Tips:
- Start small: Outsource one repetitive task (e.g., scheduling or inbox management).
- Use platforms like Upwork or Belay to find experienced VAs.
- Give clear instructions and document your processes for smooth handoffs.
🔗 Explore VA options on Upwork
Work Smarter, Expand Your Impact
Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about freeing yourself for what matters most. By leveraging AI, prioritizing mental clarity, and outsourcing low-value tasks, Shehz has built a system that maximizes time, performance, and well-being.
👉 Want to connect with innovative doctors like Shehz? Apply to join Lucens—the private network for ambitious physicians.
