What did you do this past weekend? Was it productive? Or did you just goof off and get nothing done?
Tim Ferriss poses this question in his latest blog at "Experiments in Lifestyle Design". Read the blog The Weekend Retirement Test Drive: Groundhog Day and The Rest of Your Life (Plus: Competition) and enter his contest to win a valuable prize.
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
This is good stuff ... I must take heed and follow the advice of Tim Ferriss:
Time without attention is worthless, so value attention over time.
Here are a few questions that can help you put on the productivity blinders and put things in perspective. Even when you’re not traveling the world, develop the habit of letting small bad things happen. If you don’t, you’ll never find time for the life-changing big things, whether important tasks or true peak experiences. If you do force the time but puncture it with distractions, you won’t have the attention to appreciate it.
- What is the one goal, if completed, that could change everything?
- What is the most urgent thing right now that you feel you “must” or “should” do?
- Can you let the urgent “fail” — even for a day — to get to the next milestone with your potential lifechanging tasks?
- What’s been on your “to-do” list the longest? Start it first thing in the morning and don’t allow interruptions or lunch until you finish.
Will “bad” things happen? Small problems will crop up, yes. A few people will complain and quickly get over it. BUT, the bigger picture items you complete will let you see these for what they are–minutiae and repairable hiccups.
Make this trade a habit. Let the small bad things happen and make the big good things happen
Click here to read Tim's entire post.
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
Kevin Burns at "burns blog attitude" offers this two thumbs up book review of The 4-Hour Workweek, by Tim Ferriss:
It's an incredible read. As a matter of fact, it has given me a whole new insight as to how we can all free ourselves from feeling trapped in the forty, fifty or sixty hour work week....Whether you are an overworked employee or an entrepreneur trapped in your own business, this book is the compass for a new and revolutionary world.
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
Paula Jagemann, Kauffman Foundation blogger and founder of eCommerce Industries, Inc., interviews Tim Ferriss (author of "The 4-hour Workweek") in this two-part podcast.
Details on the interview can be found at the Kauffman Foundation website:
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
Tim Ferriss meet Bloggrrl. Bloggrrl tried to hire a virtual assistant to test out the 4-Hour Workweek concept of outsourcing.
Bloggrrl encountered a few difficulties. Read the entire episode here.
Maybe Tim's infamous language skills are better than Bloggrrl's?
Have fun with this one!
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
The Top Five Uncommon Timesavers For Bloggers, by Tim Ferriss, guest blogger for Darren Rowse at Problogger.net.
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
"Joe Photo" at Cup of Joe Photo, offers his review of Tim Ferriss's "4-Hour Workweek":
"Wow, this is a revolutionary book. A lot of people may say "No Way!", it's not possble to only work 4 hours a week and travel the world, living your dreams at the same time. This book replies loud and clear "Why the heck not?!". Tim's ideas will blow your mind. I'm beginning to implement a few of them right away. It is said that "knowledge is power". The information in this book is powerful for transforming your mind, however, you must take action for the transformation to effect your life. Who's up for the challenge? Enjoy!"continue reading
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
Ben, at Culann.com, is not so enamored with Tim Ferriss. Read his post, "My Problem With Tim Ferriss".
I disagree with Ben. Tim Ferriss is a marketing genius. And he also offers great practical advice.
Skeptics like Ben & Mark Laswell keep me motivated. I intend to prove it can be done the Tim Ferriss way.
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
Being one of three daughters of a father who literally left a ladder leaning on the wall of our house outside our bedroom windows just in case he would be lucky enough to have one of us (or more than one) elope and save him the expense of a wedding (or more than one), this excerpt from a post entitled The 4-Daughter Workweek struck a chord with me.
...I fear some people miss the real point of the book. It’s not really about the number of hours you work, although that’s part of the appeal of the title, it’s about what you do when you work them.If I were to read the book literally I’d be in big trouble. See, I’ve got four daughters and somebody convinced them that they should get world-class educations, travel the planet and work to accomplish anything they want. (Some have also suggested that there would weddings, lots of weddings - I’m pushing for the whole equal treatment (payment) plan but my wife rolls her eyes every time I mention it.)
So my take on Tim’s work is this - it’s ok to work some multiplier of 4-hours every week if you love what you do. The message deep inside all the how to get free stuff is that you do so in order to enjoy the journey. If you love your work, the journey of your work, and that gets you where you want to go, gets you the things you want to share with your kids, then go for it. I know I’m a total geek about this but I look forward to turning my computer on every single day and that passion is my 4-hour workweek.
So, don’t worry about how much work, worry about how much joy you get from your work - all the rest is just math.
I should absolve my father from child endangerment charges by adding that this was years ago when life was simpler and safer! But, again, the theme of being passionate about what you do - it's all about the passion. Or as Tim Ferris calls it, excitement!
Gillian Parrllo
Our 4-Hour Workweek
J.D. Roth at Get Rich Slowly, offers his review of Tim Ferriss's "4-Hour Workweek":
"...When I read a book, I use small sticky notes to mark interesting passages. After the first 100 pages of The 4-Hour Workweek, the book was thick with stickies. By the time I was finished, I had used an entire pad!"continue
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
I was browsing through some blogs and got stopped in my tracks by this quote from Alister Cameron
If what you do with the best hours of your day is not also the thing you’re passionate about, stop right now!Stop right now and confront the cold hard facts for what they are: no amount of effectiveness training, time management skills, productivity tips and tricks or goal setting know-how will replace the critical missing ingredient of your life: passion.
Until you discover your “fire within” you will remain condemned to a life only endured, not lived; to delicacies only tasted, not devoured; to joys only imagined, not experienced. And in old age you will lament the days of your youth, when fears about money and security kept you from taking the leaps of faith and courage in the direction of your dreams.
A life lived in moderation is not the stuff of stories told to grandchildren with a twinkle in your eye.
I got my new wind a couple of weeks ago when I launched my new site SacWomen. Women's issues have been a grand passion of mine for all of my adult life and it is such a joy to have a 'job' that allows me to experience my passion all day long. And with three daughters and two grandaughters, there is no time for moderation to make this world a better place for them!
Gillian Parrillo
Our 4-Hour Workweek
Labor Day is behind us. Summer vacation is done. Most Americans are returning to work or school. But I bet Tim Ferriss is not. Tim is probably getting on an airplane right now to begin one of his many vacations (or as he describes them "mini-retirement").
And to Tim's point, Greg Gerber at RV Trade Digest had this to say about Americans and their vacations:
When it comes to vacation days per employee, America compares poorly to the rest of the world. According to the World Tourism Organization, here are the average vacation days per worker by major industrialized countries:Italy = 42 days
France = 37 days
Germany = 35 days
Brazil = 34 days
Britain = 28 days
Canada = 26 days
Japan = 25 days
USA = 13 days
As noted small business author Timothy Ferriss recently pointed out, “Is it any wonder the US Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks just about everything but worker satisfaction?”
Today, I too am getting on an airplane, but not for a vacation or mini-retirement. I am going to Boston on business for my corporate job.
Next year, the day after Labor Day, I will break the rules and begin a mini-retirement the Tim Ferriss way!
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
According to a press release on August 23 by The Canadian Press, The 4-Hour Workweek is number 4 on the non-fiction list for Amazon Canada.
Congrats Tim Ferriss!
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
Michael Cleverly at blog.cleverly.com, offers his review of Tim Ferriss's "4-Hour Workweek":
"Reads, especially at first, somewhat like an infomercial, which was a bit off putting. But the chapters on working more efficiently by changing your email habits are potentially worth the price of the book alone. The basic ideas of coming up with a product, testing the response with inexpensive online advertising, and then outsourcing fulfillment seems reasonable. Now if I only had a good idea... :-)"Michael you have a lot of good ideas. What excites you? What motivates you? What are you a guru at? What is your subject matter expertise?
Think. And good ideas will come.
It seems to me most people just don't do it. Take action.
NFL football starts this week. Don't watch it. Take Tim's words to heart.
I am.
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
Lisa Manyon, blogger at Creative Writing Services, offers her review of Tim Ferriss's "4-Hour Workweek":
"Rarely does a business book make me laugh out loud. I have to give Timothy Ferriss credit for his unique business and personal twists. The 4 Hour Workweek is both refreshing and provocative.Lisa I would say your review is "two thumbs up". And I agree.Fully embracing life both personally and professionally is something we all long to do. Ferriss does it and eloquently. From his world record Tango talents to National Championship in Chinese kick boxing (this tale alone is worth the purchase of the book. I am still laughing), Ferriss uses uncanny and unconventional business sense to pursue his passions.
I say “bravo!”
Not only has Ferriss successfully automated his business to support the lifestyle he chooses, he is out promoting this book like a pro. I’ve listened in to a couple of his interviews and am truly impressed."
If you have not read this life-changing book, you need to. Read it with an open mind, good things will happen.
Pierre Cutler
Rana Rosen reviewed Tim Ferriss's 4-Hour Workweek on her blog LiveMint.com, titled "Are you Auto Liberated?" Rana contends, "If you ignore some of its ridiculous tips, this book could be your road to professional nirvana." All-in-all, Rana seems to respect and agree with Ferriss's main messages. To wit:
"Somehow, Ferriss makes this too-easy-to-be-true scheme seem plausible with a book that is engaging as a read and provocative as a philosophy, although sometimes ridiculous. He provides inspiration, coaching and specific advice (including worksheets, checklists, inside tips and resources) on getting his life—down to finding a business to start and mentors to help make it successful. His concept has caused a stir in the US, he has appeared on popular shows such as Live with Regis and Kelly, The Today Show and on NBC.The book is worth reading at least because a) its boldness must be admired b) its philosophy may actually be touching on a cultural shift in the next generation and how it approaches work and c) it has contrarian ideas that are useful. But, for most people, a four-hour workweek or what he calls “Income Autopilot” will remain a dream."
Not only is this book worth reading, we believe Ferriss's concepts are worth implementing. And so we are.
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
When you reach #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list (Business, Hardcover list) like Tim Ferriss did this week with his first book “The 4-Hour Workweek”
“The 4-Hour Workweek," by Timothy Ferriss, was a great read. It is about a man who became the national kickboxing champion in just six weeks. The book teaches that you can do anything if you really focus on and direct your attention to what you want.” - Barbara Van Patten, musician, entrepreneur & author.
"There is so much great info in this book that I can’t possibly hope to summarize a tenth of it. The book has something for everyone from the aspiring entrepreneur to the stay at home mom. Even if you have points where you disagree with Tim, he will definitely change how you think. Get The 4-Hour Workweek." - Scott H. Young, blogger.
"A Slacker's Guide to Fun and Profit" - Mark Lasswell, writer, Wall Street Journal.It's obvious by the title of Mark Lasswell's piece that Mark doesn't agree with the tenets of Ferriss's book. Oh the critics and naysayers! I agree with Barbara's assertion - "focus and direct your attention to what you want." I believe it can be done and intend to prove it with our journey.
And one other point of interest - congrats to Tim Ferriss for his piece this week on The Huffington Post - How Does a Bestseller Happen? A Case Study in Hitting #1 on The New York Times
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
