W. Clement Stone's Productivity Hack: Cut One Hour of TV for a 14-Month Year, Jack Canfield Shares

Renowned self-development author Jack Canfield recently shared a pivotal productivity lesson from his mentor, the late W. Clement Stone, during an interview with Tim Ferriss. The advice centers on a simple yet profound time management strategy: reducing daily television consumption to significantly boost annual productivity and competitive advantage. Canfield recounted how Stone challenged his TV habits, leading to a realization about reclaiming valuable time.

The core of Stone's counsel, as quoted by Canfield, highlights the dramatic impact of small changes: "> ‘Cut out an hour a day because that’ll give you 365 additional hours a year to be productive. Divide that by a 40-hour workweek, that’s nine-and-a-half weeks. It’ll give you a 14-month year. You’ll be much more competitive than all the people in your field if you do that.’" This perspective reframes an hour of leisure as a substantial opportunity for growth.

W. Clement Stone, a self-made millionaire and insurance magnate, was a pioneering figure in the personal development movement, known for his philosophy of "Positive Mental Attitude." He co-authored "Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude" with Napoleon Hill and was a significant mentor to Canfield, influencing his approach to success and personal responsibility. Stone's teachings emphasized actionable steps toward achieving goals, a principle clearly reflected in this time-saving advice.

Canfield, best known as the co-author of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series and author of "The Success Principles," frequently integrates practical strategies for personal and professional advancement into his work. This anecdote underscores the foundational role of deliberate time management and focus in cultivating success, aligning with his broader teachings on taking 100% responsibility for one's life and actions. The discussion took place on Tim Ferriss's platform, a fitting venue given Ferriss's own focus on productivity, efficiency, and optimizing performance.