To the casual observer, The Rolling Stones have been maniacally focused on living their lives solely by the motto: "sex, drugs & rock 'n roll."

But consider this - how many bands can you say:

• have been touring for 7 decades
• have grossed $2B+ in touring revenue alone
• have recorded 31 (thirty-one!) studio albums?

Their creative output is staggering.  These guys could teach a masterclass in productivity.

Just for fun...let's imagine...they did.

Imagine that Masterclass got Mick to guest lecture a class in Productivity at the London School of Economics, using titles from The Stones catalog as jumping off points...

(Some backstory: Mick was enrolled at LSE when the Stones were formed)

Yes, yes, I know - many of the songs they wrote were about sex, drugs and social issues...but go with me (and Mick) here.  Stay in your seats to the end, and you may get an "A."

5. START ME UP

Yep, productivity, like any journey, starts with one step.

Man, sometimes I have the hardest time getting going. 

If you're anything like I am, once you're in motion it gets easier...but overcoming that first bit of inertia. 

WHOOF.

"Start Me Up" encapsulates the essence of initiating action, which is a cornerstone of productivity.  You gotta get outta the gate, and this track's energetic vibe speaks to the momentum necessary to overcome procrastination and begin a task.  The powerful way you initiate movement is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire work session and project.  There are lots of techniques to get you going - body doubling, alarms, set routines/habits.  Use what works for you.  Just do something.

Mick & co. are here to inspire you to break free of your inertia and ignite your productivity, correctly proclaiming that the hardest part is often...when you need help just starting.

A side note: The Sukha has friendly AI Coaches who greet you & spin up focus music when you start your daily work...to take the edge off those first few minutes!

4. (I CAN'T GET NO) SATISFACTION

Let's be honest here.

If you don't see the results of your labor...feel that satisfaction.... 

...you're just going to quit.

Nobody can grind away endlessly without positive feedback.

In "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," Mick laments about not finding satisfaction despite various efforts.  This mirrors the experience of many of us who, despite being busy and working hard, feel unfulfilled.  Productivity isn't just about getting tasks done; it's about engaging in meaningful work & knowing how well we have done it.  The dissatisfaction highlighted in the song underscores the need for a balance between effort and reward. 

A side note: in our platform, we give you a productivity score after each session so you can see how you're doing, and even improve day-over-day and week-over-week.  Plus, if you are competitive, you can see how you did today against everyone else in your group!

3. GIMME SHELTER

"Gimme Shelter" resonates with the productivity principle of creating a conducive environment for work - the exact opposite of what Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, TwiX, Snapchat, et al. want you to have.

These apps are in the business of inundating you with personalized, customized, addictive-ized meaningless sweet distractions that invade your every device.

They don't care if you waste your life, lose your job, and don't spend enough time with your husband, wife, kids and friends.  They just want your time so they can monetize your life, which they refer to as potential advertising inventory.  

The Stones' song, with its haunting lyrics about seeking refuge and safety, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the need to find a stable and supportive workspace.  Just as Mick, Keith & co. seek shelter from a storm, all of us need to find or create an environment that protects us from distractions and stress.  This might involve setting up a quiet, organized workspace, establishing boundaries to minimize interruptions, or seeking supportive relationships and resources that aid in productivity. 

Another not so subtle aside: our platform allows you to lock your phone so you can shelter from the barrage of notifications, get your work done and have more time for real life.

2. YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT

"You Can't Always Get What You Want" teaches a valuable lesson in managing expectations and adaptability, crucial aspects of productivity. 

Keith & Mick's message is clear: ya might not always achieve their desires, but often, what you end up with is just as valuable.  In the realm of productivity, this translates to the principle of flexibility and resilience. 

Maybe you did time-box what you needed to get done...but there's still more to do.  It happens.  But doing it right, producing something of which you're proud...may be what you need more than rushing something half-baked out the door.

All professionals encounter obstacles that derail their plans.  Rather than being disheartened, successful individuals adapt and find alternative solutions.  This track encourages a mindset of openness to outcomes and a focus on the broader picture.  By managing expectations and being prepared to pivot when necessary, you can maintain productivity and progress, even when things don’t go as initially planned.

And really...when do they?

1. COME TOGETHER

I can already hear the fingers tapping on keyboards to tell me that this is a Beatles song.  

I know.

The greatest and final lesson of this masterclass is about The Rolling Stones itself.  And about The Beatles. 

And about The Eagles,

Led Zeppelin,

The Grateful Dead

and every set of talented individuals that has come together to create a band.

It's about coming together.  The science-defying magic that sometimes 1+1 is more than 2 and 1+1+1 is more than 4.

We would have none of these songs above if The Rolling Stones had not come together.  Life teaches us over and over again the human truth of the ancient proverb:

"If you want to go fast, go alone.

If you want to go far, go together."

It's on this principle that we built The Sukha - a focus app with co-working built right in.

You are welcome to work alone...but if you decide you want the extra boost that comes with working together.

then start us up.