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This week at Nottingham Trent reminded me that preparation and courage often go hand in hand.
It was a real joy to be back at Nottingham Trent University this week, working with their wonderful postgraduate students. Thank you to the team for inviting me again, I always leave inspired by their energy, curiosity and honesty.
In the morning, I delivered my 2-hour Mental Resilience Masterclass. The room was alive with questions and reflections as we explored gratitude, reframing difficult situations, building a vision board, and understanding how the subconscious mind shapes our habits.
We finished with a relaxation and visualisation exercise that brought a calm, focused silence to the room.
In the afternoon, a new group joined me for my Productivity Breakthrough Masterclass. We worked through practical tools – the Eisenhower Matrix, deep work, time blocking, and recognising our high-energy hours.
Watching students realise that productivity is about clarity, not busyness, is always a highlight.
Thank you also to the NTU staff team who organised everything so beautifully.
But there was another story behind the day.
Two weeks earlier, I had shoulder surgery to repair torn tendons. I couldn’t drive for four weeks and had my arm in a sling. It wasn’t ideal timing, but with bookings across the UK, there simply wasn’t a better slot.
So Julie kindly drove me to Nottingham, and I set up with one arm. It took planning, patience, and belief. And the sessions went beautifully.
Sometimes in life, you have to take a calculated risk and trust yourself.
The Postman Who Finished His Degree
I once heard a story about a rural postman in Kerala, India, who decided he wanted a university degree. He delivered letters on foot through villages every day, often in heavy rain and heat. He had a family to support and little spare time.
So he studied one hour each night after work.
For years.
No social media announcements. No big speeches. Just steady effort.
When he finally graduated in his 40s, he said something simple:
“I did not study because I was clever. I studied because I was consistent.”
His story never went viral. But it is a beautiful example of productivity and resilience working together.
Not brilliance.
Not luck.
Consistency.
Exactly what we talked about at NTU.
Three Key Takeaways
- Start tiny – One gratitude a day. One hour of deep work. Small habits change brains.
- Calm minds work better – Productivity and resilience are partners.
- Don’t wait for perfect timing – Progress begins when you start.
I delivered two masterclasses with one arm because people were counting on me. You may not feel ready, but progress rarely waits for perfect timing.
As I enter my third week after surgery, healing slowly, I feel grateful for Julie’s kindness, for the NTU students, and for the privilege of doing work I love. I often say I want to keep speaking until I’m at least 80, and days like this remind me why.
To all postgraduate students who attended the sessions, thank you. Your engagement, questions, and written feedback meant a great deal. And don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, just search John Dabrowski
Resilience and productivity are not talents we are born with. They are muscles we train. And every small step strengthens them.
Thoughts for the Week
- What is one small habit you could start today? Not ten. Just one.
- Where could you replace worry with gratitude? Try writing three things before bed tonight.
- What is one brave step you’ve been delaying? Take the first tiny action.
Thank you for reading. Have a peaceful, productive week, and keep believing in yourself.
Warm regards,
John
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