Not Today

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, staying productive can be a real challenge. With countless distractions vying for our attention, it's easy to lose focus and struggle to get things done. But what if there was a way to dramatically boost your productivity, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles?

Enter Mike and Erica Schultz, a couple who learned the secrets of extreme productivity while navigating one of life's most difficult challenges. Their book, "Not Today," shares the invaluable lessons they learned while juggling a thriving business with caring for their seriously ill son, Ari.

This summary will explore the key ideas and strategies presented in "Not Today," offering practical advice on how to become extremely productive in both your personal and professional life. We'll delve into the nine habits that form the Productivity Code, a system developed by the authors to help anyone achieve extraordinary levels of productivity.

The Schultz Family's Journey

Before we dive into the productivity strategies, it's important to understand the context in which Mike and Erica Schultz developed these techniques. Their story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, serving as a powerful backdrop to the lessons they share.

Mike and Erica were living a busy but fulfilling life, running a successful small business and renovating their dream home by Lake Boon in Massachusetts. When Erica became pregnant, they were overjoyed at the prospect of starting a family. However, their world was turned upside down during a routine ultrasound when they learned that their unborn son, Ari, had a serious heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

From that moment on, the Schultzes' lives became a delicate balancing act between managing their business and caring for their critically ill child. Ari was born in a critical state and underwent two major operations in his first seven months of life. Despite his health challenges, Ari was a vibrant and precocious child who loved sports, particularly basketball and golf.

Over the course of Ari's five and a half years of life, he spent more than a full year in hospital care. This meant that Mike and Erica had to find ways to run their business from hospital waiting rooms while their son fought for his life. The stakes were high – taking a break from work wasn't an option, as it would have meant losing their health insurance.

Remarkably, during this incredibly challenging period, Mike and Erica not only kept their business afloat but managed to expand it into nine international offices. They also wrote four books, including a bestseller, and had two more children, Lexi and Eli.

Their extraordinary ability to remain productive under such extreme circumstances led them to research productivity habits. They surveyed thousands of professionals and identified a group they called the Extremely Productive, or XP, who exhibited notably different work habits that allowed them to accomplish far more than their peers.

The lessons and strategies outlined in "Not Today" are the result of the Schultzes' personal experiences and their research into the habits of highly productive individuals. These techniques are not innate talents but learnable skills that anyone can develop to boost their productivity and achieve their goals.

Understanding TIME: The Foundation of Productivity

One of the key insights Mike and Erica gained during their challenging journey was a new way of looking at time. They developed an acronym, TIME, which stands for four distinct categories of time:

1. Treasured time (T)
2. Investment time (I)
3. Mandatory time (M)
4. Empty time (E)

Understanding and managing these four types of time is crucial for becoming extremely productive. Let's explore each category in more detail:

Treasured Time (T)

Treasured time is the most personally valuable and meaningful time in your life. For Mike and Erica, this often meant moments spent with Ari in the hospital, watching hockey together or playing baseball in the play area. It also included activities like attending jujitsu class or relaxing with a favorite TV show.

It's important to recognize that treasured time isn't just "time off" – it's time to be cherished and protected. Extremely productive people understand the value of this time and make sure to prioritize it in their schedules.

Investment Time (I)

Investment time is spent on activities that generate returns exceeding the work put in, much like a financial investment. This is where you should aim to spend most of your work time. Investment time activities lead to new possibilities, opportunities for expansion, and long-term benefits.

Examples of investment time might include strategic planning, skill development, networking, or working on high-impact projects that drive your business or career forward.

Mandatory Time (M)

Mandatory time consists of day-to-day tasks and obligations that you feel you must do, even if you don't particularly want to. While some mandatory activities are unavoidable, the goal is to minimize this type of time as much as possible.

Strategies for dealing with mandatory time include:

1. Outsourcing tasks when possible
2. Finding ways to turn mandatory activities into investment time (e.g., listening to relevant podcasts during your commute)
3. Streamlining or automating repetitive tasks

Empty Time (E)

Empty time is essentially wasted time – activities that add no value to your life or work. This might include mindless web surfing, excessive social media use, or simply staring into space. The goal with empty time is clear: eliminate it as much as possible.

By breaking down your day into these four categories of TIME, you can start to make more intentional choices about how you spend your hours. This awareness is the first step towards becoming extremely productive.

The Nine Habits of Extreme Productivity

Now that we understand the concept of TIME, let's explore the nine habits that form the Productivity Code. These habits, developed by Mike and Erica Schultz through their personal experiences and research, can help anyone achieve extraordinary levels of productivity.

Habit 1: Recruit Your Drive

The first step in becoming extremely productive is finding your motivation. This habit is all about connecting with your sense of purpose and understanding the "why" behind your goals and actions.

To recruit your drive:

1. Identify goals that genuinely motivate you
2. Write down your goals and break them into manageable chunks
3. Connect your goals to a larger sense of purpose

The authors found that extremely productive people are much more likely to write down their goals. This simple act can significantly increase your chances of achieving them.

To put this habit into practice, break your year down into quarters, months, and weeks. Then, decide on your annual goals and break them down into smaller targets spread across these time periods. This approach makes your goals feel more achievable and helps you maintain focus throughout the year.

Habit 2: Ignite Your Proactivity

This habit focuses on structuring your days for maximum productivity. It involves prioritizing important activities and developing routines that set you up for success.

Key strategies for igniting your proactivity include:

1. Fill your daily calendar with investment time activities
2. Identify and prioritize your Greatest Impact Activity (GIA) for each day
3. Work on your GIA early in the day when your mind is fresh
4. Use the "3, 2, 1, go!" technique to build momentum on difficult days

The authors share an example from their time in the hospital with Ari. They developed a morning routine of walking around the hospital and greeting everyone they met. This simple habit dramatically improved Ari's mood and set a positive tone for the entire day.

Habit 3: Reengineer Your Habits

This habit is about identifying unproductive behaviors and upgrading them to more beneficial ones. It applies to both large-scale routines and small, everyday actions.

To reengineer your habits:

1. Identify unproductive or empty-time habits
2. Develop strategies to replace them with more productive behaviors
3. Make small changes to your environment to support better habits

For example, if you find yourself constantly distracted by phone notifications, try turning off unnecessary alerts or training yourself to react differently when they occur. Similarly, assess your work environment and make changes that support better focus and productivity.

Habit 4: Obsess Over TIME

This habit involves becoming hyper-aware of how you spend your time and ensuring that your daily activities align with your priorities.

To obsess over TIME:

1. Categorize all your activities into the four TIME categories (Treasured, Investment, Mandatory, Empty)
2. Increase your investment time
3. Protect and prioritize your treasured time
4. Minimize mandatory time where possible
5. Eliminate empty time as much as you can

By consistently evaluating how you spend your time, you can make more intentional choices and align your daily activities with your long-term goals.

Habit 5: Say No

Learning to say no is crucial for protecting your time and energy for what truly matters. This habit involves having a clear understanding of your priorities and the courage to decline requests that don't align with them.

To practice saying no:

1. Clearly define your priorities and goals
2. Evaluate requests against these priorities
3. Politely but firmly decline activities that don't contribute to your objectives

Remember, every time you say yes to something, you're implicitly saying no to something else. Make sure you're saying yes to the right things.

Habit 6: Play Hard to Get

This habit is about managing your availability and creating uninterrupted blocks of time for focused work. In today's hyper-connected world, it's easy to fall into the trap of constant availability, which can severely hamper productivity.

To play hard to get:

1. Set specific times for dealing with emails and other communications
2. Create blocks of uninterrupted time for deep work
3. Find a quiet workspace where you can focus without distractions
4. Communicate your availability clearly to others

Remember, your time is your most valuable resource. Protect it fiercely and use it wisely.

Habit 7: Get in the Zone

Getting "in the zone" refers to that state of deep focus and productivity where you're fully engaged with your work and tuned out from distractions. This habit is about developing techniques to enter this state consistently.

Strategies for getting in the zone include:

1. Use the "sprint" technique: Set aside 20 to 90 minutes for focused work
2. Try a "relay": Four sprints in a row with short breaks in between
3. Use a physical stopwatch to time your sprints (avoid using your phone)
4. Eliminate potential distractions before starting your sprint

With practice, you can train yourself to enter this highly productive state more easily and frequently.

Habit 8: Sustain Your Energy

Maintaining high energy levels is crucial for consistent productivity. This habit focuses on nurturing your mind, body, and spirit to ensure you have the energy to perform at your best.

To sustain your energy:

1. Practice positive self-talk and minimize decision fatigue
2. Maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly
3. Engage in meaningful work and protect your treasured time
4. Develop routines that support your energy levels throughout the day

Remember, productivity isn't just about time management – it's also about energy management.

Habit 9: Right the Ship

The final habit is about resilience and the ability to get back on track when life throws you off course. Even the most productive people face setbacks and challenges; the key is how quickly they can recover and refocus.

Strategies for righting the ship include:

1. Use your "free won't" to resist destructive habits
2. Make micro-changes to build momentum
3. Create contracts with yourself to stay accountable

This habit is particularly important when facing major life challenges or setbacks. The authors share their personal experience of coping with the loss of their son Ari, demonstrating how these techniques can help even in the most difficult circumstances.

Putting It All Together: The Productivity Code in Action

Now that we've explored the nine habits of extreme productivity, let's look at how they work together to form the Productivity Code.

The first three habits – recruiting your drive, igniting your proactivity, and reengineering your habits – form the foundation. They're about getting motivated, structuring your days effectively, and developing better routines.

The next three habits – obsessing over TIME, saying no, and playing hard to get – focus on managing your time and protecting your focus. They help you prioritize what's truly important and create the space you need for productive work.

The final three habits – getting in the zone, sustaining your energy, and righting the ship – are about execution and resilience. They help you perform at your best and bounce back from setbacks.

By implementing these habits consistently, you can dramatically increase your productivity and achieve goals that might have seemed impossible before.

Real-World Application: Lessons from the Schultz Family

Throughout "Not Today," Mike and Erica Schultz provide numerous examples of how they applied these productivity techniques in their own lives, often under incredibly challenging circumstances.

One particularly poignant example is how they managed to organize a charity fundraiser while Ari was awaiting a heart transplant. Despite the overwhelming stress and uncertainty they were facing, they were able to recruit their drive by focusing on their desire to help other families in similar situations. They obsessed over their TIME, carving out moments to work on the fundraiser while still prioritizing their treasured time with Ari.

Another example is how Mike righted the ship after Ari's passing. Faced with grief and struggling with unhealthy coping mechanisms, he used the techniques of free won't and micro-changes to give up alcohol, start exercising, and regain his physical and mental health.

These real-life applications demonstrate that the Productivity Code isn't just theoretical – it's a practical set of tools that can be applied even in the most challenging life circumstances.

The Power of Micro-Changes

One of the most empowering ideas in "Not Today" is the concept of micro-changes. The authors emphasize that you don't need to overhaul your entire life overnight to become more productive. Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements over time.

For example, if you want to start exercising regularly but find the idea overwhelming, start with just 15 minutes a day. If you want to write a book, commit to writing just 500 words each day. These small, manageable goals are much easier to stick to, and they create momentum that can lead to bigger changes.

The power of micro-changes is that they're sustainable. Unlike dramatic lifestyle overhauls that often fail because they're too difficult to maintain, micro-changes gradually become habits, leading to lasting improvements in productivity and overall life satisfaction.

The Importance of Flexibility

While the Productivity Code provides a robust framework for increasing productivity, the authors also stress the importance of flexibility. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes even the best-laid plans need to be adjusted.

Mike and Erica learned this lesson repeatedly during Ari's illness. They had to constantly adapt their schedules and priorities based on Ari's changing medical needs. This experience taught them that true productivity isn't about rigidly sticking to a plan, but about having the tools and mindset to adapt quickly when circumstances change.

This flexibility extends to how you apply the Productivity Code in your own life. While all nine habits are important, you might find that some resonate more strongly with you than others, or that you need to adapt them to fit your specific circumstances. The key is to use these tools in a way that works for you, always keeping your ultimate goals and priorities in mind.

The Role of Technology in Productivity

In today's digital age, technology plays a significant role in productivity. While "Not Today" doesn't focus exclusively on tech tools, the authors do address how to manage technology to enhance rather than hinder productivity.

They emphasize the importance of controlling your relationship with technology, rather than letting it control you. This might mean turning off notifications during focused work periods, using productivity apps to track your time and tasks, or leveraging automation tools to handle routine tasks.

However, they also caution against relying too heavily on technology. Sometimes, low-tech solutions like a physical notebook for goal-setting or a simple stopwatch for timing work sprints can be more effective than digital alternatives.

The Bigger Picture: Productivity and Life Satisfaction

While "Not Today" is primarily focused on increasing productivity, the authors make it clear that productivity isn't an end in itself. The ultimate goal is to create a life that's not just productive, but also meaningful and satisfying.

This is where the concept of treasured time becomes particularly important. By identifying and prioritizing the activities and relationships that truly matter to you, you ensure that your increased productivity is serving your larger life goals, not just helping you tick more items off your to-do list.

The authors' own story is a powerful testament to this principle. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, they were able to not only keep their business thriving but also cherish the time they had with Ari and create lasting memories as a family.

Final Thoughts: The Journey to Extreme Productivity

"Not Today" offers a comprehensive and deeply personal guide to achieving extreme productivity. Through their own experiences and extensive research, Mike and Erica Schultz have developed a system that can help anyone dramatically increase their productivity, regardless of their current circumstances.

The nine habits of the Productivity Code provide a practical framework for managing your time, energy, and focus more effectively. From recruiting your drive to righting the ship when things go off course, these habits cover every aspect of what it takes to be consistently productive.

But perhaps the most powerful message of "Not Today" is that extreme productivity isn't about superhuman abilities or endless hustle. It's about making intentional choices, developing supportive habits, and maintaining a clear focus on what truly matters in your life.

The authors' journey with Ari serves as a poignant reminder that life is unpredictable and often challenging. But with the right tools and mindset, it's possible to navigate even the most difficult circumstances while still achieving your goals and cherishing what's most important.

As you apply these lessons in your own life, remember that becoming extremely productive is a journey, not a destination. It requires consistent effort and a willingness to adapt and learn. But with persistence and the strategies outlined in "Not Today," you can unlock levels of productivity you might never have thought possible – and use that productivity to create a life that's not just busy, but truly fulfilling.