I tried productivity 'Hell Week' created by a former Norwegian paratrooper, but all I learned is I'm great at making excuses

Áine Cain

I was one hell of a mess by the end of the week.

Over the summer, I spent several days going through hell.

That's a bit dramatic, but it's true. I was trying out "Hell Week."

To clarify, no I didn't train to become a Navy SEAL or get hazed by a frat. "Hell Week" is a book that promises to unlock your best self in seven days, by author and former Norwegian paratrooper Erik Bertrand Larssen.

The book itself is a breezy read, sprinkled with quotes about overcoming adversity and inspirational stories (no discouraging, "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here," stuff like that other book on hell).

The main feature of the book is its "Hell Week" schedule. If you adhere to it, the exercise promises to boost your professional and personal success. Two other sections detail life before and post-Hell Week. I admit I kind of skimmed over those parts. I usually like to just jump into things. It's really not a positive trait ... especially in this instance.

Here's how it went down: