THE RPro FORMULA

This introduction to the RPro formula is provided early in this blog to give you an overview of what to expect and to make it easier to navigate through the upcoming posts. It will be further explored in my upcoming book (stay tuned) ;)

The image above showcases the RPro formula, built upon four key pillars essential for achieving ultimate productivity and success.

Its purpose is to provide a concise and tangible representation of productivity, emphasizing that it is not only about time management. It could be translated to this equation:

Efficiency = Time * Intensity underscores the notion that higher efficiency could be increased by increasing the intensity (time is fixed). This results in greater achievements within shorter durations. Intensity can manifest in various forms, as I will outline below, highlighting why solely measuring productivity by time overlooks crucial aspects.

Time is not all there is

The picture above illustrates the top parameters for increased productivity. Often, the only parameter we then focus on is time. We tend to measure tasks in terms of time; if something takes three hours for one person, we assume it will take the same amount of hours for others. However, this perspective overlooks individual differences in skill levels and the natural fluctuations in our abilities over time.

While machines can predict the quantity of toys produced per minute, humans exhibit dynamic performance. Despite recognizing this variability, we often expect specific outputs within predetermined timeframes.

A crucial difference between the wealthy and the less affluent lies in how they earn—wealthy individuals generate income through their ideas, while others rely on trading their time for money. Consider this: given an hour, how many great and implementable ideas could you generate?

Chances are, you might not have a definite answer. The unpredictable nature of time makes it challenging to precisely determine when a breakthrough will occur. So why do we frequently measure everything in terms of time? Influential figures like Oprah Winfrey or Elon Musk likely don’t base their output solely on ideas per unit of time. Ideas can strike us unexpectedly and without warning. For instance, I might accomplish more in one hour of writing than I would in days of sporadic efforts.

To illustrate further, while it may take a year to write a book by dedicating one hour per day (totaling 365 hours), attempting to write the same book in a single uninterrupted session (365/24, approximately 16 days) would be impractical.

Energy without Redbull

Next is the aspect of energy; not all hours of the day hold the same value in terms of productivity. Consider the clarity of your thoughts upon waking versus post-lunch, or the difference in energy levels between Wednesday and Friday afternoons. As a Moroccan-Swedish individual, I’m well aware of how a Friday couscous lunch can impact my productivity in the afternoon (it spells food coma).

By recognizing your varying energy levels throughout the day, you can strategize when to tackle specific tasks. For example, I prioritize demanding focus-intensive tasks in the morning until lunch, reserving afternoons for more social activities like meetings, email correspondence, and reading. It’s also crucial to acknowledge that both time and environment have varying levels. Additionally, the setting in which you work influences the energy you bring to the task at hand; for instance, your bedroom may evoke a different energy than your office.

In situations with tight deadlines, I know that changing my environment to a coffee shop for a focused deep work session can help maintain high energy levels. By setting a two-hour timer (without bringing a charger to create urgency), I’m motivated to work with maximum intensity until my battery runs out. Similarly, the initial ideas for this book were conceived in various airport lounges and during flights, where the environment inspired creativity.

Here’s how to determine your productivity energy levels (more about this later):

1. 
   Throughout the week, maintain an hourly schedule and rank your focus level from 1 to 10 for each hour worked.
   
2. 
   Include a comment section to note any relevant factors influencing your energy level.
   
3. 
   Evaluate each day to identify the hours with the highest and lowest energy levels.
   
4. 
   At the end of the week, analyze the data to identify trends and patterns.
   
5. 
   Use this information to schedule activities based on your energy levels,
   
   prioritizing challenging tasks during peak focus times.
   

By aligning your tasks with your energy levels, you can optimize productivity and enhance overall efficiency.

The underestimated focus

What is a workout without focus? What is your family time without focus? What is your life without focus?

The third pillar is focus, the most valuable currency in today’s distracted world. Embracing deep work and making it a consistent practice enhances your focus. Establishing systems and habits also demands your attention. As highlighted earlier in this book, it’s these habits that shape your future. Once you’ve identified your goals, maintain unwavering focus on them, and success will follow.

Focus is empowered when you prioritize self-care and dedicate time to your “super five” (food, water, exercise, meditation and sun).
Can you truly concentrate without proper nutrition? Hydration is equally vital; many of us consume less water than necessary, leading to headaches and mental fatigue. Exposure to sunlight also influences focus—can you achieve your peak potential without it? And what about meditation and subconscious awareness? These practices are essential for unlocking your full focus potential.

In essence, focus may seem like a simple concept, but it encompasses multiple factors. Its significance cannot be overstated.

God bless a great attitude

Attitude—the fourth pillar that ultimately propels you toward your goals and elevates you to the summit. How many times have we disregarded opportunities or solutions due to a negative attitude? Sometimes, when everything seems to go south, a positive attitude can be the key to overcoming challenges and triumphing over adversity.

Consider how often we default to saying “I can’t” when faced with new circumstances, problems, or opportunities. Subconsciously, this sets a limit on our potential, trapping us within an illusory boundary. It’s not merely about forcing positivity but rather mastering emotional control. Even when every fiber of our being urges us to turn left, we consciously choose to go right because we know it’s the right path.

When it comes to attitude, it also entails your mental beliefs and mental models. Are you actually going for X hours dedicated to that project when in reality it could be less than X hours spent? Do your mental beliefs limit you from reaching the progress that you want?

Emotional control holds immense power, requiring heightened self- awareness to harness its benefits. Have you ever pondered how anger can cripple one person while acting as fuel for another? Or how the same situation can elicit drastically different reactions—one sees it as the beginning, while another perceives it as the end? Indeed, attitude is the force that propels us forward.

As Napoleon Hill stated in his book Think and Grow Rich; “Whether you can or can’t, you are right.” The aim of these four pillars is to hover a concrete understanding of productivity, which can be broken down into smaller components. By embracing strategies aligned with each pillar, you can accomplish more in less time, providing you the opportunity to focus on other meaningful pursuits.

When it comes to entrepreneurship, perhaps you already have a system for delegation, outsourcing, and prioritizing Pareto activities. However, true productivity extends beyond business success to encompass overall well- being. Many entrepreneurs excel professionally yet struggle to find balance in their personal lives. They may delay starting a family, believing they must sacrifice one aspect for the other. However, sometimes, embracing personal commitments can enhance overall richness and fulfillment.

Consider the story of Steve Korey, bringing home the achievement as a successful entrepreneur on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, who later revealed his battle with suicidal thoughts. Similarly, numerous women in executive and entrepreneurial roles struggle with severe anxiety. Success in life transcends professional achievements; it entails mastering the symphony of existence and harmonizing various aspects to create a fulfilling life. Only you can strike that balance, navigating life’s challenges while striving for greatness.