053: The Work Ethic of FDR

As a founder, do you find yourself constantly battling distractions and struggling to find time for deep, focused work?

You're not alone.

Even the most accomplished leaders have faced this challenge throughout history.

Take Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, for example. Despite the immense responsibilities and pressures of his role, Roosevelt made time for his passion for woodworking by creating a "workshop in the woods" during his presidency.

In today's newsletter, we'll explore how Roosevelt's dedication to deep work and focused concentration can inspire founders to create their own daily "power hour" for deep work. Let's dive in.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, was a man of great ambition and drive. He was known for his work ethic and his ability to focus intensely on the task at hand. One story that illustrates this well is Roosevelt's "Workshop in the Woods" during his presidency.

In 1932, Roosevelt was elected President during a time of great economic turmoil in the United States. He inherited a country in the depths of the Great Depression, and he knew that he needed to act quickly and decisively to turn things around.

One of the first things that Roosevelt did as President was to establish a "workshop in the woods" at Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada. Roosevelt had long been interested in woodworking, and he saw this as an opportunity to indulge his passion while also getting some much-needed rest and relaxation.

The workshop was a small, rustic cabin set in the woods on the island. It was equipped with all of the tools and materials that Roosevelt needed to build furniture, and it quickly became his favorite place to work.

Despite the fact that he was President of the United States, Roosevelt was determined to spend time at the workshop every day. He would rise early, often before dawn, and spend several hours working on his projects before breakfast.

Roosevelt saw the workshop as a way to escape the stress and pressure of the Presidency and to focus on something that he truly enjoyed. He found that the work helped him to clear his mind and to approach his other duties with renewed energy and focus.

The workshop also became a place for Roosevelt to meet with important figures in politics and business. He would often invite guests to the island and show them around the workshop, using the time to discuss important issues in a more relaxed and informal setting.

The workshop at Campobello Island remained an important part of Roosevelt's life throughout his Presidency. He continued to visit the island every summer, and he spent countless hours working on his projects in the woods.

Today, the workshop still stands as a testament to Roosevelt's dedication and focus. It is a symbol of his commitment to hard work and his belief in the power of deep work to achieve great things.

Power Move of the Day

Create a daily "Power Hour" for Deep Work

Set aside a dedicated hour each day for deep work.

During this hour, eliminate all distractions, turn off your phone, and focus solely on the task at hand. Train your mind to be present and fully engaged in the work.

Use this power hour to tackle the most challenging tasks on your to-do list, or to focus on high-priority projects that require deep concentration.

By consistently devoting this hour to deep work, you'll train your brain to operate at peak efficiency and develop a deeper level of focus and productivity.

Try setting a specific time each day for your power hour and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Whether you're a morning person or a night owl, find a time that works best for you and commit to it.

Remember, the key to effective deep work is to eliminate all distractions and fully immerse yourself in the task at hand. By creating a daily power hour for deep work, you'll be able to develop this habit and achieve greater levels of productivity and success.

Closing Thoughts

As Founders, our time is one of our most valuable assets. By embracing the power of deep work, we can maximize our productivity and achieve our goals with greater ease and efficiency.

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