Did you hear about Elon Musk’s recipe for global domination?

Is it revolutionizing transportation both on Earth, through electric cars - and in space, via new-and-improved rockets?

Nope, it's 80-hour workweeks. Musk said that a person needs to work 80 to 100 hours per week to change the world. He himself has said he works 120 hours per week.

Yet, working that much is counterproductive for most people. Which means just because Elon Musk does it, doesn’t mean you should.

How to Get More Done

In the 19th century, when organized labor first compelled factory owners to limit workdays to 10 hours, management was shocked to discover that output actually increased. Say what?

You can get more done by working less? Yes, it’s true. And I’ve found that when I get into "focus mode," I instantly become more productive. It's as simple as removing interruptions for a block of time, so you can concentrate on the task at hand.

After coaching for 25+ years, I’ve found most of my audience doesn’t have this insatiable thirst to become a billionaire or take over the world. You don't want to spend hours at the gym every single day either, like a hamster scampering on its wheel.

If you’re anything like me, you want to be mindful with nutrition, so you aren't overweight or obese.

That's because so many preventable diseases are linked to having too much bodyfat... heart problems, cancer, and diabetes to name a few. You want to be lean and strong. You want enough to have a happy and healthy life. You want enough to take care of your children and perhaps a few more generations.

Which means you don’t need to destroy yourself (and your relationships) working eighty hours per week, no matter what anyone tells you.

You don't need to endure two-hour "apocalyptic" workouts that break your body. Because the only things that matter are the results. And if you can get the same results in half the time, what’s the difference?

That’s the key behind my “focus mode” mentality and it’s the complete opposite of what Elon Musk is telling you to do. Because you don’t need to work as hard as you think to achieve your goals. You just need to become more productive.

Actionable Strategies to Get More Done Expanded

1. Use the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, states that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. To apply this to productivity, you need to identify the high-impact tasks that yield the most significant results and focus on them. For instance, if you are an entrepreneur, you might notice that 80% of your revenue comes from 20% of your customers. Instead of spending time on low-yielding activities, prioritize the ones that bring real growth.

Start by listing out all your daily and weekly tasks. Then, identify which of these tasks contribute the most to your goals. Once you pinpoint your high-impact activities, schedule them during your peak productivity hours. For example, if you are most productive in the morning, dedicate that time to your most critical tasks. Eliminate or delegate the rest.

This principle also applies to fitness. If you’re spending hours in the gym but not seeing results, it’s time to reassess. Focus on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses, which activate multiple muscle groups and maximize efficiency. Cut out the unnecessary fluff and stick to what works.

By consistently applying the 80/20 rule, you’ll accomplish more with less effort, freeing up time for things that truly matter.

2. Schedule Deep Work Sessions

Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks. This is where real productivity happens. If you spend your days responding to emails, checking social media, and constantly multitasking, you’re never giving your brain the space it needs to focus deeply on meaningful work.

To implement deep work, first, schedule dedicated blocks of time for focused work. These should be uninterrupted periods where you eliminate distractions. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and communicate to others that you are unavailable during these sessions.

A good rule of thumb is to schedule at least two deep work sessions a day, lasting between 60 to 90 minutes each. During this time, focus solely on one task. Whether it’s writing, problem-solving, or strategizing, immerse yourself fully.

Deep work is also applicable to fitness. Instead of distractedly checking your phone between sets or engaging in small talk at the gym, create a focused workout plan and execute it with intensity.

By making deep work a habit, you will significantly improve your efficiency and the quality of your output.

3. Time Block Your Day

Time blocking is the practice of assigning specific time slots to different activities throughout the day. Rather than working reactively, you proactively plan your schedule, ensuring that everything important gets done.

Start by outlining your day the night before. Allocate specific blocks of time for work, exercise, meals, and relaxation. Stick to this schedule as closely as possible. For example, dedicate the first two hours of your morning to your most important task, followed by an hour for emails and meetings.

Time blocking also applies to fitness. If working out is important to you, schedule it as a non-negotiable event in your calendar. Treat it like a meeting you can’t cancel.

With time blocking, you eliminate decision fatigue and boost productivity by giving each activity a dedicated space in your day.

4. Batch Similar Tasks Together

Task switching is mentally draining. Every time you shift focus, your brain requires time to adjust, which decreases efficiency. Instead of constantly jumping between different tasks, batch similar ones together.

For example, rather than responding to emails throughout the day, dedicate a specific time block to answering them. The same applies to meetings—schedule all your calls back-to-back rather than spreading them out.

In fitness, batching applies to workouts. Instead of doing separate workouts for different muscle groups every day, incorporate full-body workouts or muscle group splits to maximize results.

By batching tasks, you streamline your workflow, reduce wasted time, and enhance focus.

The Four Agreements is a Book You Should Add to Your Reading List

There are a lot of self-help books out there, but The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is one that you should absolutely add to your reading list. Why? Because it’s not some 500-page manifesto telling you to drink green juice and meditate for 12 hours a day. It's four simple rules that, if you actually follow them, will make your life—and your fitness journey—a whole lot better.

The title refers to the four agreements that everyone needs to keep in mind and take action on. These are the four things that create love and happiness in our lives. Understanding these commitments is easy and simple, but actually living and keeping these agreements? That’s the hard part. It’s like knowing that broccoli is good for you but still ordering the fries.

Integrate these four agreements into your life and every area will improve—your health, your relationships, your work, and even your ability to stay consistent with your workouts. Now, they may not replace your fitness or career goals, but they are the foundation to achieve any goal. They’re also the foundation to being a good human being, which—let’s be honest—is sometimes just as hard as sticking to a diet.

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word

This is all about integrity. Doing what you said you were going to do, when you said you were going to do it. You know, like when you tell yourself, "I'm waking up at 5 AM to hit the gym," but then the alarm goes off and suddenly your bed feels like a five-star resort.

Being impeccable with your word isn’t just about following through on promises to other people—it’s about following through on promises to yourself. You said you were going to eat healthy, so don’t be in the drive-thru at Taco Bell ordering the whole menu. You said you were going to work out, so don't be on your couch watching a six-hour Netflix marathon.

But there’s another side to this: Watch what you say, especially to yourself. If you keep saying, "I’m so out of shape" or "I’ll never lose this weight," guess what? Your brain starts to believe it. Use your words to drive happiness and love, not negativity. Instead of saying, "I can’t do this," say, "I’m working on getting better." Instead of, "I’m too tired to work out," say, "I’ll feel better once I move my body." Words matter.

Actionable Strategies:

• Keep a promise journal: Write down commitments you make to yourself and others. If you say you're going to the gym, write it down. If you say you’re eating clean, write it down.

• Eliminate negative self-talk: Every time you catch yourself saying something negative, replace it with a positive version.

• Avoid gossip: Don’t waste time talking negatively about others. It drags you down and adds nothing to your life.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

What others say and do is a projection of their own reality. Nothing others do is because of you. I mean, if someone cuts you off in traffic, it’s not because they saw you and thought, "Oh, that guy? Yeah, I’m gonna ruin his day." They’re just a bad driver.

This agreement is especially important in your fitness journey. Ever had this happen? You're out at dinner, you order grilled chicken and a salad, and your friend looks at you and says, "Oh come on, Sue, what are you trying to eat healthy or something? Just get the burger and beer!"

Look, just because other people feel guilty about their food choices doesn’t mean you have to cave. Peer pressure is real, but it’s also just their insecurity talking. Don’t take it personally.

Actionable Strategies:

• Practice the "three-second rule": When someone criticizes you, pause for three seconds before responding. Most of the time, you’ll realize it’s not even worth engaging.

• Surround yourself with supportive people: If your friends always sabotage your healthy choices, it might be time to find a new dinner crew.

• Focus on your goals: Remind yourself why you started. Their opinions won’t matter when you’re hitting your personal bests.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as possible to avoid misunderstandings. I can’t tell you how many people assume they know everything about fitness and never ask a single question.

You ever see that guy at the gym using the leg press machine like he’s trying to launch himself into orbit? If he just asked someone how to do it correctly, he wouldn’t be a meme waiting to happen.

This also applies to your diet. Don’t assume a food is healthy just because the package says "organic" or "natural." Read the ingredients! That "healthy" granola bar probably has more sugar than a Snickers.

Actionable Strategies:

• Ask for help: Whether it’s hiring a coach, getting a nutritionist, or just asking a fit friend for advice, don’t assume you have to do it alone.

• Clarify expectations: If you’re working with a trainer, be clear about your goals. Don’t assume they know what you want.

• Do your own research: Don’t take fitness myths at face value. Find credible sources and learn for yourself.

4. Always Do Your Best

This is my favorite one. In every moment, you should always be doing the best you possibly can. But here’s the thing: Your best is going to change moment to moment. Your best when you're sick is not going to be as good as when you're healthy. Your best when you're exhausted from work is not going to be as good as when you're well-rested. And that’s okay.

The problem is, most people take this the wrong way. They say, "Oh, I’m tired, so my best today is sitting on the couch eating Doritos." No, your best means giving it what you’ve got—even if it’s just a little. Maybe you can’t do your usual hour-long workout, but you can still go for a 20-minute walk. Maybe you can’t meal prep an entire week, but you can still make one good meal choice.

Actionable Strategies:

• Set a "minimum effective dose": On days you’re struggling, have a baseline—like 10 minutes of movement or one healthy meal.

• Measure progress, not perfection: Instead of focusing on being perfect every day, track small wins over time.

• Give yourself grace: If you fall off track, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on.

Summary:

Elon Musk believes in 80 to 100-hour workweeks. But history (and science) prove that excessive work is counterproductive. Instead, the key to success is focus mode—removing distractions and working intentionally. In fitness and life, results matter more than time spent. The Four Agreements (Be Impeccable with Your Word, Don’t Take Anything Personally, Don’t Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best) provide a solid foundation for achieving goals. Hustling non-stop isn’t the answer. Working smarter, not harder, is. Because success isn’t about time spent—it’s about building a life you actually enjoy.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online longevity personal trainer, or you want to visit the best age-management personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.