# Stop Wasting Life - 8 Productivity Rules of The Top 1% ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0hOrbnA_1JI/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Design Versus Default - Successful people do not rely on discipline or willpower to be more productive, but instead follow specific rules that enable them to accomplish tasks even when they don't feel like it [(00:00:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=7s). - The first rule is "design versus default," which means designing one's life instead of defaulting to it, and this philosophy can be applied to overcome challenges such as ADHD [(00:00:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=20s). - People with ADHD, like the example given, can become dependent on medication, but by focusing on habits and designing their life, they can reduce their reliance on medication and show up as themselves without the downside [(00:00:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=52s). - To design one's life, it's essential to focus on building habits and creating a life that doesn't require discipline, and this can be achieved by scheduling tasks with other people, as having commitments to others can increase motivation [(00:01:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=83s). ## Planning a Perfect Week - Planning a perfect week is another crucial aspect, which involves starting with big priorities, reoccurring items, meeting rhythms, and goals to ensure the week is aligned with objectives [(00:01:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=105s). - Batching work is also an effective strategy, which involves theming days of the week to focus on similar tasks, as context switching can be inefficient and decrease productivity [(00:02:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=133s). - The concept of "FOCUS" stands for "follow one course until successful," which means doing similar types of work and focusing on it to maintain energy and complete tasks at a high level [(00:02:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=175s). - Managing energy is more important than managing time, as people's energy levels can vary throughout the day, and it's essential to prioritize tasks accordingly [(00:03:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=187s). - A morning ritual is followed to produce and create the best work, rather than saving it for when tired in the afternoon [(00:03:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=197s). - Meetings are scheduled in the afternoon as they energize and provide the right type of energy for that activity [(00:03:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=206s). - The day is split up with a workout to reset energy and come into the next meeting focused [(00:03:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=223s). - Understanding that calendar design creates reality is key to designing life, rather than defaulting to a set routine [(00:03:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=233s). - A template for the perfect week can be used to help with this, but discipline is also necessary [(00:04:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=240s). ## Building Habits and Flow State - Building habits is crucial, as habits determine the future, and looking at what someone does every day can indicate what their future will look like [(00:04:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=274s). - Being in a flow state feels like being able to do anything, as it provides energy and focus, and building habits can help achieve this state [(00:04:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=282s). - Habits can be broken down into rituals and triggers, which can help get into a flow state, such as using a specific chair or location as a trigger [(00:05:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=314s). - Using rituals, such as putting on headphones and listening to music, can also help get into a flow state and allow for deep work [(00:05:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=336s). - Location can be used as a trigger, such as using the door frame of an office to remind oneself of the kind of work to be done [(00:05:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=351s). - Reviewing goals regularly, such as when sitting in a car, can help stay focused and ensure the calendar reflects those goals [(00:06:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=371s). ## Systematize Everything - To be highly productive, it's essential to change one's thinking and systematize everything, as having a system in place can save time, energy, and money [(00:06:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=394s). - Having a system for repetitive tasks can help avoid forgetting important items, such as packing clothes for a trip, and can be applied to various aspects of life [(00:06:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=396s). - A mental quote to consider is: if you find yourself doing something more than twice, create a system for it, as this can help streamline tasks and increase efficiency [(00:07:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=436s). - Checklists are a useful tool for systematizing tasks, as they eliminate procrastination and confusion, create consistency, and avoid rework [(00:07:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=447s). - The benefits of using checklists include eliminating procrastination and confusion, creating consistency, and avoiding rework, which can save time and energy [(00:07:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=452s). - Checklists can be used to delegate tasks to others, such as virtual assistants or house managers, allowing individuals to buy back their time [(00:08:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=524s). - A pro tip for using checklists effectively is to add them to your calendar with context, so that when a notification pops up, you know exactly what needs to be done [(00:09:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=542s). - Having a system in place and using checklists can help individuals avoid wasting time and energy on rework and defects, as seen in the example of Elon Musk's first car launch [(00:08:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=509s). - The concept of not repeating oneself is crucial for productivity, as it allows individuals to avoid doing tasks that others can do, and instead, focus on creating blueprints, templates, and stencils for others to follow, [(00:09:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=562s). - Stencils are exponential improvements, providing a template or structure for others to achieve the same results, [(00:10:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=613s). - Having checklists creates a process, and having a system for creating systems is essential for efficiency, [(00:10:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=622s). - Packing lists are useful, but a stencil is a complete copy, providing a comprehensive solution, [(00:10:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=643s). - Using AI to create stencils is an advanced move, allowing individuals to generate specific outputs and copy-paste them in the future, [(00:11:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=667s). ## Calling Your Shot - Sometimes, despite systematization, there may be something holding you back, and that's where calling your shot comes in, [(00:11:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=686s). - Calling your shot involves making a commitment, setting a clear goal, having a time frame, and having stakes, [(00:11:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=690s). - Having a clear goal, a time frame, and stakes, and calling your shot, can help individuals achieve their objectives, as seen in the example of Project Visible ABS, [(00:12:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=730s). - Verbalizing goals out loud is crucial to activate them, as people who share their goals and dreams publicly, such as [[Elon Musk]] and [[Gary Vaynerchuk]], tend to achieve them [(00:12:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=763s). - Committing to others and using a positive peer group for accountability can help individuals stay on track with their goals, as friends and peers can provide encouragement and motivation [(00:13:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=790s). - Having a stake or reward for achieving a goal can make the process more enjoyable and increase motivation, as seen in the example of entering a fitness competition or buying a desired car [(00:13:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=827s). - Making a public commitment on social media can provide an added level of accountability and motivation, as it allows others to track progress and provide support [(00:14:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=862s). - Compressing the timeline for achieving a goal can help individuals stay focused and motivated, as it provides a sense of urgency and helps to prioritize tasks [(00:14:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=884s). - Parkinson's Law states that work expands to fill the time available, so setting a shorter deadline can help individuals stay on track and avoid procrastination [(00:15:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=919s). - Having a clear plan and timeline for achieving a goal is essential, as it helps to create a sense of accountability and motivation [(00:12:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=745s). - Using accountability and responsibility to drive success is a key principle, as individuals who are accountable for their actions are more likely to take responsibility and achieve their goals [(00:12:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=754s). - Setting aggressive timelines can increase motivation and productivity, as seen in the example of a private client who was asked if they could accomplish their 10-year goal in one year, and their confidence level changed from 3 or 4 to 10 when faced with the possibility of losing their business if they didn't meet the goal [(00:15:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=950s). - Parkinson's Law states that work will expand to the time given, and most people are scared to choose aggressive timelines, but doing so can actually give you the creativity to come up with answers and force simplicity [(00:16:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=988s). - Having shorter timelines forces simplicity, which is essential for success, as complexity often stops people from being successful, and simplicity scales, whereas complexity fails [(00:16:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1015s). - Many people struggle in business because they do 1,400 different things instead of choosing the one to three things that actually make them money, that they love to do, and that the customer wants [(00:17:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1027s). - A goal without a deadline is just a dream, and having a deadline is essential for activating the execution of a project [(00:17:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1043s). ## Cut Out Distractions - To be insanely productive, it's essential to cut out distractions, such as turning off all notifications on your phone, as they can disrupt your life and decrease your focus [(00:17:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1067s). - Your inbox is nothing more than a public to-do list for strangers on your time, and turning off notifications can help you save your time, energy, and focus [(00:18:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1096s). - [[Richard Branson]] is an example of someone who refuses to have distractions, such as a phone, and has a process for managing inbound requests on his time, which allows him to stay focused [(00:18:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1107s). - A highly productive individual filters tasks through their assistant, only focusing on tasks that require their unique perspective, and delegates the rest to others, allowing them to have more time for other activities [(00:18:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1122s). - The concept of "zero inbox" is introduced, where one's inbox is managed through a GPS process, breaking down distractions into three types: digital, physical, and internal [(00:18:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1139s). - Digital distractions include phone notifications, apps, and access to entertainment platforms, which can hinder productivity and should be eliminated or limited [(00:19:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1149s). - Physical distractions encompass a messy workspace, lack of focus-enhancing tools like headphones, and interruptions from others, which can be mitigated by creating a conducive work environment [(00:19:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1175s). - Internal distractions arise from lack of clarity, excessive stress, and overwhelm, often stemming from poor planning, vision, or prioritization, and can be addressed through practices like meditation, writing, and productivity apps [(00:20:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1216s). - Engaging in activities like exercise can help clear one's mind and reduce internal distractions, as it allows for mental clarity and focus [(00:20:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1230s). ## Know Your Purpose - Knowing one's purpose is crucial for productivity, as it provides a sense of direction and motivation, and many successful individuals, such as [[Oliver Anthony]], [[Oprah Winfrey | Oprah]], and Elon, have achieved success by shifting their focus from personal gain to serving others [(00:20:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1255s). - Oliver Anthony's story illustrates the transformative power of discovering one's purpose, as he overcame struggles with addiction and poverty after finding his purpose in serving others through his music [(00:21:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1270s). - Having a purpose that is bigger than one's fears can drive productivity and success, as it provides a sense of direction and motivation [(00:21:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1311s). - Most people focus on the "how" instead of the "why," but the bigger the "why," the easier the "how" becomes [(00:21:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1315s). - Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional, and having a purpose is the antidote that makes dealing with life's challenges easier [(00:22:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1335s). - A vision board can help keep purpose front of mind, and reviewing goals annually, 5 years, and 25 years out can help stay on track [(00:22:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1345s). - Visualizing goals and making progress visible through dashboards, habit tracking, or apps can help achieve them [(00:23:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1397s). - Creating and attracting a desired future into life requires 300% focus, consisting of 100% clarity, 100% belief, and 100% of the time believing and having clarity [(00:23:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1411s). - True purpose in life often sits next to the worst thing that's ever happened, and exploring this can reveal a drive to support others who have gone through similar experiences [(00:23:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1434s). - Fulfillment is more important than happiness, and it comes from striving to be the best version of oneself and sharing that with the world [(00:24:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1457s). - Waking up every day to try to be the 10.0 version of oneself, the person one needed most in their darkest days, and sharing that with the world can bring fulfillment [(00:24:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1465s). ## Getting Started and Next Steps - To get started quickly with creating a perfect week, one can head over to D Martel's [[Instagram]] account, @DMartelTW, and message the word "perfect" to receive the necessary information [(00:25:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1510s). - By doing so, the individual will receive the perfect week plan directly from D Martel [(00:25:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1516s). - Additionally, there is an option to learn how to be more productive than 99% of people by watching a subsequent video [(00:25:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOrbnA_1JI&t=1519s).