“You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. You just have to be the most disciplined.” — Mel Robbins
Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about having the courage to do what actually matters. It’s easy to fill a day with emails, meetings, and low-value tasks that make us feel productive. But true productivity? It requires focus, discipline, and the willingness to eliminate distractions.
Strip Away the Excuses
In the 1800s, Victor Hugo had a problem. His publisher gave him a strict deadline to finish The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but he kept procrastinating. Instead of writing, he filled his days with social events, distractions, and anything except the work.
So he came up with an extreme solution: He locked away all his clothes.
He gave his assistants strict instructions to take every piece of clothing he owned—except a thin shawl—so he wouldn’t be tempted to leave the house. With nothing to do but write, he forced himself into deep focus.
The result? He finished the book two weeks early.
Hugo understood something most people ignore: Productivity isn’t about motivation—it’s about eliminating the option to waste time.
The Truth About Productivity
Most people believe productivity is about getting more done. The truth? Productivity is about doing less—but doing it with complete focus.
• Productivity is not answering 100 emails. It’s finishing the one task that moves you forward.
• Productivity is not multitasking. It’s blocking distractions and going all in.
• Productivity is not working more hours. It’s working smarter, with intention.
The most productive people in the world don’t wait to “feel ready.” They create an environment where distractions don’t stand a chance.
Dash of Courage: The Productivity Prison
This week, trap yourself with no escape—just like Victor Hugo did.
1. Pick one mission-critical task—the thing that actually moves you forward.
2. Create your own “productivity prison”—Remove every escape route. Shut the door. Hide your phone. Close every unnecessary tab.
3. Set a “release time”—Work for 60 minutes with zero distractions before you “free” yourself.
No exits. No shortcuts. Just pure focus.
Because the most productive people don’t wait for inspiration.
They eliminate the exits and make progress impossible to ignore.
@Copyright Garrett Gravesen 2024. All Rights received
