The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss might just be the most actionable book you’ve ever read. There’s nothing abstract in the book. Every piece of advice (or “hack” if you want to sound current) is presented in a way that makes it instantly actionable. Certainly, my best read for 2015.
Here are a few things that stayed with me.
Chase unrealistic things that excite you
In the first part of the book, Tim urges you to accomplish today what you were putting off until retirement. According to Tim, asking yourself “What’s your goal?” or the more popular “What makes you happy?” are too ambiguous. In many cases, you agree with the answer you discover, but you’re at a loss on what to do next or how to get started.
Instead, Tim recommends that “What excites you” is a more actionable synonym question to the first two. And then he adds two twists. First, he asks you to keep a 6 month time horizon so its a tangible goal. And second, he asks you to think of “unrealistic” goals — so they’re out of reach, and hence, something you’re willing to push yourself to achieve.
As I started thinking about what unrealistic things I’d be excited to do in 6 months — things that I always wanted but didn’t think I could, I could feel an extra bounce in my step. I couldn’t wait to get started.
This is the first part of the book — helping you dangle the carrot right in front of you
Do more by doing less
Next, Tim identifies ways to simplify your life before you make drastic changes. Tim introduces a 3 pronged framework
Eliminate the things that waste your time
For example, Be cognizant of what work meetings you can skip and which colleagues keep you busy with meaningless tasks. Its amazing how much time you gain when you are brutal about only attending meetings where you are absolutely required.
Be more efficient in completing tasks that are required
For example, reduce the number of times you check email and social media. Batch it up to twice a day
Its amazing how much your productivity goes up. You stop filling your time responding to email or reading seemingly interesting updates in your Facebook feed. That part everyone gets. What I didn’t realize is how much my mind felt at ease when I didn’t feel the need to keep checking email. And how much more I was able to focus as result. That to me was the real benefit. And the more you do it, the bigger the compounding effect.
Ask for forgiveness, not permission
Just do it. Don’t waste cycles waiting for someone to give you permission. You can always course correct along the way. Again, helping you make progress.
This second part of the book helps you reduce the clutter in your life.
Build a business that generates money without bogging you down
This is the part I’ve implemented the least. Partly because it asks you to come up with a product that generates income while letting you outsource operations to a 3rd party.
The third part helps you embark on a journey where you can do the things that excite you while leading an hyper-efficient life
All in all, a fascinating read.
And if you like it, I’d strongly recommend listening to his podcasts (you can read summaries on his blog). He interviews many famous and more importantly interesting people about their routines, interests, and more. For example, listen to Tim interview Jocko Willink — the scariest Navy seal imaginable.
Tim has been a great find for me personally. On an upcoming vacation, I decided to add in a surprise 3 day trip to a special place — something I would have ever done before reading the book. Its a place I’ve wanted to visit for a long time, but I knew it was an unrealistic goal— which motivated me even more to make it happen. And thanks to Tim, we’re soon going to see one of the 7 wonders of the world.
