In this Productivity like a Pro Podcast Episode by the Paperless Movement®, Tom Solid and Paco Cantero share a powerful behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to manage high productivity without burnout. After weeks of deep focus on launching the myICOR® 2.0 application, Tom returned to a backlog of shallow work—and tackled it all in under two days. The key? A rock-solid productivity system powered by the ICOR® methodology.
How a Productivity System Handles the Chaos
Tom shares a staggering list of what he managed to catch up on, from 460 emails to 64 overdue tasks and 185 support tickets. All of this was achieved without stress or anxiety—because he had a reliable system in place. His work didn’t stop during the deep focus period; it paused intelligently. And when it was time to return, the system was ready to guide him back to clarity and control.
ICOR® was the backbone: enabling him to triage emails efficiently, track priorities in ClickUp, and maintain responsive communication even during intense project phases. This isn’t just theory—it’s a real-world example of how a system can carry the weight so busy professionals don’t have to.
Deep Work vs. Shallow Work: A Strategic Balance
Tom and Paco emphasize the importance of intentional “big pushes”—periods of deep focus that drive major results, such as launching the myICOR® 2.0 application and the ICOR® Journey Starter Kit. These bursts of high-intensity work are sustainable only when the shallow work system is designed to absorb delays without disruption.
Using tools like ClickUp and predefined protocols like color-coded urgency flags (red and orange dots), their team operates asynchronously without losing momentum. The team’s communication system, part of what’s taught in the Project Management like a PRO Course, ensures clarity and prevents unnecessary interruptions—even in high-stakes moments.
From Overwhelm to Clarity Through ICOR®
The most striking takeaway is that even when shallow work piled up, there was no overwhelm. That’s because the ICOR® methodology brings transparency and structure to everything from Email Management to Project Management. Nothing slips through the cracks, and nothing important gets lost in the noise.
This level of clarity turns chaos into a controlled environment where informed decisions can be made, shallow work can wait, and deep work can thrive. For busy professionals, this peace of mind is not just a luxury—it’s essential for sustainable success.
The Power of Leverage and Momentum
This episode also highlights a transition from foundational building to a leveraging phase. After three and a half years of refining their system, courses, and tools, the Paperless Movement® team is now accelerating with confidence and precision.
And it’s not just about internal success—their free tools like the ICOR® Journey Starter Kit and the myICOR® App are already making a difference for hundreds of members. These aren’t just products; they’re proof of what can be achieved with focus, clarity, and a system designed to handle complexity.
Working Smarter in 2026 and Beyond
With over 700 members already on board, the Paperless Movement® is entering 2026 with more momentum than ever. This episode is not just a recap—it’s a roadmap for any busy professional seeking control, clarity, and consistent output without the chaos.
If you’re ready to build your own pro system, explore the Email Management Course, Task Management Course, or Project Management like a PRO Course—all available through the Paperless Movement® Membership.