“Nothing bothers me more than sloth. The objective is to fix mistakes of ambition and not make mistakes of sloth. I work my ass off.”
-Tim Ferriss, from the new issue of Men’s Journal, Sept. 2008
Since I’m going nuts preparing for Burning Man, this post will be a short one.
The quote above is from the latest issue of Men’s Journal, where the main editorial cover story is a profile of me and the rise of The 4-Hour Workweek. There are also fascinating profiles of John McEnroe (awesome insight into his tennis strategies) and Gavin Newsom, as well as a cool snapshot of Tonny Sorensen, CEO of Von Dutch and former world champion in Tae Kwon Do.
The journalist, Larry Smith, spent almost three full days with me and covers a lot of details that haven’t been covered before, including background and education; core tenets of lifestyle design and common misinterpretations; interviews with family, professors, and friends; experiments involving critics; even how I organize my environment and home…
If you like the feature and find something useful, which I think most readers will, please let Men’s Journal know. Just take 10 seconds and shoot a quick e-mail to letters@mensjournal.com.
I think it would be cool to do an edgy monthly piece with them or similar magazine, but the demand needs to be clear. Letters to the editor is how you show demand.
To address the criticism of me in the last paragraph on pg. 200, I encourage you all to read this post on my SXSW panel. Here’s the Cliff Notes version:
Tim Ferriss (that’s me)
Please note that I was asked to also be a panelist and not just the moderator, so I’m participating in the discussion, not being a mic hog 🙂
Enjoy! More how-to and instructionals coming soon.
For an extra bonus, also check out what Gavin has on his bookshelf on pg. 196. Talk about a fun surprise.
###
Odds and Ends: Be in a movie! Deadline August 22nd.
Summary: 4-Hour Workweek Case Studies
Category: Lifestyle & Entertainment Documentary
Deadline: 6:00 PM PACIFIC – August 22
Case studies sought:
“I’m looking for people who have read Tim Ferriss’ 4-Hour Workweek’ to feature in a documentary… for all ranges of implementation, from those who have found a way to work 4 hours a week, to those [who’ve applied] a few of the techniques, such as outsourcing tasks to [overseas] assistants.”
Contact: Joey Daoud
Email: lifehackdoc@gmail.com
The Tim Ferriss Show is one of the most popular podcasts in the world with more than one billion downloads. It has been selected for "Best of Apple Podcasts" three times, it is often the #1 interview podcast across all of Apple Podcasts, and it's been ranked #1 out of 400,000+ podcasts on many occasions. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out this page.
Comment Rules: Remember what Fonzie was like? Cool. That’s how we’re gonna be — cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Brian Oberkirch for the inspiration.)
That is one thing I have noticed about the various interviewers, is that they haven’t seen any of your other interviews, or just seem to neglect what was covered in them. I’ll be interested to see some new stuff come out of this interview. I hope they don’t ask the “So do you really just work 4 hours a week…….question!”
By the way, in reference to your quote above, under the picture, I posted the Steve Jobs quote from 4HWW in my shower to remind me not to go on living the life I don’t want to. See my post about that concept:
http://snipurl.com/3hx4d
You can read the article for free here http://www.mygazines.com/magazines/view/1319/Men-s-Journal-September-2008-CAN-USA
Hey Tim,
Read the interview. Again the media tries to paint authors into a corner by generalizing the concepts rather than looking at the main position of the book. I got the same thing when I was on Donny Deutsch. It seems writers are looking to pick a part every piece of a book rather than look at the points that fit for everyone. I think he tried to play the age card, which I also face. At some point business is going to realize that the old boys don’t have all the answers.
Big fan of the book and good to see it in Men’s Journal. The people who get the message…get the message.
Cheers,
Chris.
Thanks, Josh! Amazing site.
Here is the exact link to the profile online:
http://www.mygazines.com/articles/view/35464/Guru-of-the-New-Rich–from–Men-s-Journal-August-10–2008-CAN-USA
Pura vida,
Tim
Hi Tim,
great to see you in Men’s Journal! I read your book more then one time and love it. It’s a great resource and it brings hope to escape the 9 to 5 (or actual 9 to 22).
Cheers, Tom
Thanks for the post, Tim!
And thanks everyone for your replies. For more details on what I’m looking for for the life hack documentary, check out this post:
http://www.lifehackingmovie.com/2008/08/20/do-you-want-a-4-hour-workweek/
Hi Tim,
Good article to read about you, and nice to see some well balanced journalistic criticism.
Throughout your interviews, conferences, speeches etc. you continue on a very consistent message which is highly commendable and shows how much you believe in your aspiring concepts.
Also, I notice in the article and add very for a Mens grooming product (back shaver), you’ve got to wonder if that is someone’s muse haven’t you!
Cheers,
Chris
@ Chris x 2 and Tom,
Thanks much for the comments. Chris @ L, I appreciate the note on messaging.
It’s simple for me to remain consistent b/c I actually do practice what I preach. What I suggest is what I do. Experts often contradict earlier statements or suggestions, and it – more often than I’d like to think – indicates a “do as I say, not as I do” approach to pandering or selling. This isn’t to say I’m a moral purist — I just do what I write. It gives me less to remember.
Thanks again for contributing to the conversation,
Tim
Hey Tim, sorry to hear about what happened with your gf man, that sux. Looks like it was a good thing though, since you became a DEALmaker, and not to mention, have friends/mentors like Style and David D. 😉 Your online game is appreciated by men around the globe nowadays.
-Cam
What is neat about Larry Smith is he waited to test some of your theories, like the outsourcing, so that he could come from a viewpoint of experience rather than pure skepticism. This is one of the better interviews of Tim I have seen and I have read or watched about 20 now. I like how it goes into Tim’s home to show us a few things that are lurking there. I found the row of 4HWW’s and the saliva samples very interesting.
Interesting article. I really liked the emphasis on the 4HWW not being about “sloth” and being more about keep “work” to the minimum required to live your dream life. That’s one of the biggest elements of the book for me.
I don’t share Larry’s view that the weakest part of the book was the muse generation part although that is , for me, the pivotal part because if I can’t find my muse I’m not going to be able to live as I wish.
As this is so key to the 4HWW enterprise Tim do you have any plans on writing more substantively on how to find and implement your muse? I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that more information would be well received.
Andrew
This is great. One of my favorite books and magazines converging as one in a spectacular issue. Tim, you must be flattered that, of all 12 months of the year, you were included in their “Perfect Things” annual issue.
Hi Tim,
Great article…I had one question though. Why do you think in Larry Smith’s poll people thought that your Income Autopilot chapters were weak. I actually felt I got a lot out of it.
Do people think there is always only one answer to making it work and that they expected you to give it to them?
I didn’t think you were saying that it was a Get-Rich-Quick sceme, it just read like a road map to me and that application was necessary because each business situation can be considered different. Plus I felt that you were leaving this open for a new book and/or some other future content opportunity.
Thanks
Shawn
Tim,
I managed to muscle my way through the boys in the magazine section yesterday!
I consider myself a fan of yours, but still quite objective. It was a very interesting and made a stab at being fair, until the last paragraph.
Larry is fond of a cheap shot, no? Mr. Smith should get himself a pair and try writing with less passive aggressive tendencies. It’s simply unattractive.
Hey Tim,
Really cool article, I think this is one of the better written ones on you I have read. I agree with Sean above on the “do you work 4 hours” question… lame!
The article mentions something that I have been playing with on my own lately: Kettle Bell workouts. Do you have any great resources you would recommend for a newbie? I just bought a couple kettle bells (a 12 & a 16 KG) and watched the hilarious Soviet Pavel video… but you seem to have an interesting twist in that you are doing high reps. Any thoughts you have on this would be welcome.
I picked the magazine up yesterday it was a great read. It was very interesting to hear “your perspective” through someone else’s voice. I actually forwarded the article to one of my production crew members for Jet Set Life that wanted to know who this guy was that I blog and talk about all the time. Be Well and have fun at burning man.
Rob
Hi Tim,
Could you write a post about your practice of keeping notes? The Men’s Journal article mentioned it. Also, you have referred to keeping notes and indexes of books you read. I would be interested in how you organize your notes.
I have always admired the fact that Bruce Lee was a furious notetaker, but I haven’t really grasped his organization style. It seems that he had separate notebooks and calendars for workout logs, writings, Jeet Kune Do principles, etc.
Maybe it’s an old habit from school days, but my inclination is to keep separate notebooks for separate subjects– one notebook for workout logs, one for food journal, one for my creative project, one for random thoughts, and one for collecting info. Of course, I cannot carry all those around with me. Somehow, keeping one notebook for everything seems difficult to refer back to.
Of course, keeping notes from the internet could be a whole other discussion.
Tim, your work is allowing me to change my life slowly but surely, I am still stuck in the 9-5 but every time I have the priveldge of reading about your philosophy it pours fuel on my fire to get the hell out of my job and build the life I want to create for myself. I don’t give a damn what the critics say there is nothing in this planet, there is no teacher out there that can break things down the way you have in your book, and created for yourself as an example. Keep going man you are an inspiration and role model to many people including myself. Thanks for all the work you have put in so that I can one day (soon) work less!
Great article. I sent an email to them. Hopefully they see the demand. Thanks again Tim 🙂
Hi Tim: Am a fan, recommend you/book/blog to all. Am prez of start-up film co. raising $16M & $30M and use your advice to help me in many ways. Agree completely re trying to reach the unreachable person ie Warren Buffet or T.Boone Pickens. Have done that kind of thing myself. And am looking forward to reading the interview. Would like to try and reach you. How about meeting at BM next week? Talk, share, and ask if you might be able to help – maybe contacts, advice, etc. I’d love to share dance notes – I taught disco 20+ yrs ago. Would love tango tips – I love B.A. want to go every year. Loved swimming blog – totally get it and relate – one of my fav sports. You are a great example – something we all need. Warm regards, Karen
Your quote, whether knowingly or otherwise, is reminiscent of this classic Machiavelli quotation…
All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger, but calculating risk and acting decisively. Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer.
Hey Tim: Glad you liked the piece, all I can hope is that a subject feels he or she is treated fairly, and that I respect subject enough to do the research and work myself to do a good job. Have a great time at Burning Man (you never forget your first one). My advice: you need less food and more costumes than you think.
Hey Jen: I typically don’t respond to comments such as yours but you got personal so I will. I don’t get/agree with your “cheap shot” or “passive aggressive tendencies” comments; I offered honest impression of Tim, that’s all. What’s more, at the end of the piece I was self-deprecating, and made it clear that I thought what Tim had to say was interesting, (“Most were taking notes. I sure was.”). Also, you should know I’m quite attractive. By “a pair” I assume you mean a “pair of gray hairs.” Hasn’t happened yet, but when it does and salt-and-pepper look kicks in…. watch out, baby!
Thanks to everyone who not only took the time to read this story, but left a comment as well. All appreciated. That’s all from me…
Hi All!
Thanks so much for the comments and questions. A few things:
1) I knew the “automation” section could never please everyone. It’s really a starting point with a few examples to help people develop their own testing methodologies. Some people take it too literally, which is — of course — too restrictive, and that’s where the criticism comes in.
It’s not a perfect book at all, but the muse-related sections are the easiest to attack if you are not self-employed. If that section is seen as a guide to developing micro-testing as a habit in business and life, as well as a sampling of successful case studies in using such principles to develop automated income, that is more useful and more flexible.
That was my intent.
Here’s the conclusion that some dislike: each person needs to do their own testing. That is the objective. I can’t, and don’t want to, make specific suggestions for individuals who need to develop the process of testing.
More to come on this subject soon, I hope
###
@Jen-
For my note-taking, search “how to take notes” on this blog. LOTS of detail on my approach.
Re: Burning Man
I’ll be going anonymous for many reasons, so no set meetings, I’m afraid. Maybe we’ll bump into each other on the playa 🙂
@David,
You are correct, sir. That is borrowed from Niccolo Machiavelli. I don’t agree with many of his philosophies, but there are some gems. “Fortune favors the bold” is chief among them.
Pura vida, all,
Tim
Honestly Tim, the ‘criticism’ on the final paragraph is minor. I’m surprised to see you devote the time (yours and ours) towards fixing it.
Unrelated to Article, regarding The Burning Man:
Tim – i’ve heard of it before, since you’re a collector of various random bits of info and tips, anything you could run down in bullet point style for those going to Burning Man for the first time?
If not, thanks anyways, my issue is at home waiting to be cracked open, along with my Outside and Men’s Health magazine, cheers.
Great article Tim.
Good to hear you’re heading out to the Black Rock next week. It will be my first time at Burning Man and I can’t wait.
It’s funny how the article says that the weak part of the book is “Income Autopilot” when that is the section of the book that I re-read over and over again!
I will agree though that the time management section is certainly a strong point of the book. Stop wasting time writing blog posts! 😉
Kick ass quote David. Interesting site too. Check out my post on risk (regarding investing, the current market and the disintegration of a “sure bet” investment), it is right in line with your quote: http://snipurl.com/3i6ec
Tim,
I have been suspecting that you felt that way about the muse section and that you purely didn’t have the time to expand on it, as there is so much in your book. I always consider each section as the subject of a good book, and I feel like you did as good a job as you could have in such a short amount of space. I also suspect you will try to expand on that as well as other topics in your next work, whenever that will be.
I know when you don’t answer a post question there is probably a reason, but it might have just gotten lost in the myre so i’ll try 1 more time:
“You talk about the newer editions of 4HWW and changes you have made, I purchased my edition a year ago, is my edition out-dated? Do you have a running tab of major changes you have made available to us early readers? I know you had the competition for modifications but I am not sure what will all be included.”
Tim,
I live en route, 2 Wales, in Worcs, let me know if you wanna a place 2 stay en route:)
let me know, you would be v. welcome:)
Namaste,
Carrie
Hey Tim,
Love the quote. I’m trying hard to cut the sloth habit myself. Related: In a disc golf magazine, I read about a guy who wrote “Focus & Followthrough” on all his discs. That really resonated with me, and posting just those two words in big, bold print over my desk has already had an impact on my productivity. =)
Re: Burning Man
Anytime you’re near center camp and could use an adult beverage, swing by the Fandango bar. We’ll be right behind center camp at 6:00 and Dart.
Have a great burn!
Tim,
If you want to get a monthly column in Men’s Journal I don’t think its very wise to link to your article on mygazines.com : )
Hey Tim & Everyone, a little off-topic but time sensitive so I thought I’d post here so it’d be seen…
A local radio station in my area is running a “who do you know” contest where the person who gets the “most famous” person to call and talk to the guys for a few minutes wins a motorcycle. Inspired by Tim’s book and posts about just TRYING to contact someone famous, I thought I’d start here and see if anyone has any ideas or leads for me.
I’ve already paid and registered at the ‘Contact Any Celebrity’ site and am searching through it for celebrities I can contact through email (they mostly have agency snail mail addresses).
So far they radio show has only gotten calls from Robert Duvall and Gilbert Arenas (basketball player). So, I’m striving to get someone to call in with a higher Q rating than those guys.
Anyway, this is a shot in the dark but if you have any thoughts shoot me an email at 0Nebj6rnug66z120@spambox.us (temporary address to avoid long-term spamming).
Congratulations on the cover Tim, good for you,
-Tabs
Congrats Tim! Your book set me off to take a 6 month (maybe more) motorcycle adventure through Latin America this Nov. I’ll be spending New Years in Buenos Aires and watching the super bowl somewhere in Chile.
Good article, but can you believe that Timmy Turner article???? Insane!
@ Sean,
Good question. You asked:
“You talk about the newer editions of 4HWW and changes you have made, I purchased my edition a year ago, is my edition out-dated? Do you have a running tab of major changes you have made available to us early readers? I know you had the competition for modifications but I am not sure what will all be included.”
My answer: nothing major has been changed, so don’t sweat it. There will likely be an “updated and expanded” version in the next 10-12 months, which might be worth checking out, but an older version plus this blog should give you all you need.
@Erik re: kettlebells
I bought kettlebells for the one exercise I do most: simple double-arm kettlebell swings to just above shoulder height. I’ll do 50-175 reps x 1-2 sets. That’s it. Effective and efficient. Single-arm swings are excellent but can pull the lats if done improperly.
@Jah,
Agreed on Timmy Turner. WOW. Congrats on the trip!
Un abrazo grande para todos,
Tim
Tim,
Congrats on the article! Glad you got the info on the documentary in time for your blog, too! Burning Man ought to be a blast…
THis comment is for Larry: You sound like such a nice guy, and Jen’s comment was a tad harsh- but come on! You write for Men’s Journal, and you TOTALLY miss her reference to “getting a pair” (hint: Tim references these in his book!)
Be well,
Electra
Great article. I agree, nice to get a bit more insight into your world Tim.
I wanted to comment on the Automated Income section of the book because I can see why people could be dissapointed. It’s not a criticism of the book, but actually an indication of people’s expectations. Books, websites, blogs, ebooks etc cut through the noise by making bold promises – ‘lose 50 pounds in 3 days!’, ‘get laid now!’ etc. This creates a ‘quick fix’ culture where people expect to be given the secrect and the tools to success.
The fact is, creating real, long lasting, life change takes time and effort.
The automated income section of the book teaches the key components of starting and running a specific TYPE of business. Many people (including me until a couple of years ago) think that running their own business will be the answer to their problems. They’ll have freedom and money and time. But not all businesses are created equal. I personally ran a client servicing business for two years and had less freedom and time (and sometimes less money!) than working for someone else.
Understand the components that make the perfect business then start designing your business around those and be prepared to throw out (or pass on) a great business idea that won’t give you the kind of life you want.
Hi Tim,
i wrote to you in german, because i read you learned my language and second its more easier for me to express my feelings and thoughts in my mother tongue. Is that ok for you, if not i will translate it for you.
Erstmal danke, das Du dir deine kostbare Zeit nimmst um meinen langen und sehr deutschen Comment zu lesen. Ich hoffe Dir geht es gut.
Ohne es zu wollen, oder das es von mir verlangt wurde bin zu einem Multiplikator deiner 4HWW Movement geworden. Mittlerweile habe ich dein Buch schon dreimal für andere Leute gekauft, vonen denen ich glaube die brauchen es so nötig wie ich. Von Herzen etwas verschenken, was gleichzeitig so nützlich ist wie dein Buch, das macht mir sehr viel Spaß. Danke Dir.
Anfang April habe ich in einem Buchladen am Frankfurter Airport dein Buch in die Hände bekommen, ich suchte einfach noch eine kurzweilige Lektüre für meinen langen Flug nach Tampa, Florida. Mein Vater lebt schon seit fast 30 Jahren glücklich in Bradenton. Ich konnte ja nicht ahnen, dass dieses Buch meine ganzes Leben komplett ändern wird, aber das tut es gewaltig.
Ich bin kein Evangelikaler ;-), aber ich glaube an eine höhere Macht, wie Karma das gute Taten im Leben belohnt und dein Buch war eine schicksalhafte Begegnung für mich. Das war kein Zufall, das ich dein Buch am Frankfurter Airport in die Hände bekam. Das war genau noch der Anstoss den ich gebraucht habe.
Ich habe die letzten Jahre als Angestellter in vielen Werbeagenturen verbracht und war letztlich immer unglücklich über dieses Dasein. Ich empfand mich wie ein Hamster im ewigen Rad. In dieser Zeit drehten sich meine Gedanken nur darum, wie ich diese Ketten sprengen kann. Ich arbeitete mir den Arsch wund für wenig Geld und hasste mein Leben. Wie dumm!
Diese ganzen Glaubenssätze, z.B. das man hart arbeiten muß, Opfer bringen muss oder sich einfach mit Gegenbenheiten abfinden muss, das konnte ich nie ganz akzeptieren. Ich wollte mein Leben selberbestimmen, aber wie?
Ich war deinen Ideen irgendwie auch schon unbewußt auf der Spur (kollektives Gedächtnis), nur leider habe ich nicht konsequent nach Lösungen für mein Problem gesucht. Ist ja auch nicht mehr nötig, denn ich habe ja dein Buch.
Zur Zeit arbeite ich an 2 Musen, die eine habe ich schon Mikrogetestet und das Ergebis war sehr vielversprechend. Ich halte mich streng an deine Vorlage. Zum 31.12.2008 habe ich meinen nervigen Job gekündigt, auch meine Frau zieht mit und hat nichts dagegen, das ich meine Ersparnisse für meine Projekte/Musen investiere. Ich denke es wird sich 1000 mal höher ausbezahlen.
Vor ca. 1 Jahr kam mir mal eine gute Idee für eine Social Web 2.0 Community, die vielen guten Zwecken dienen soll. Zur Zeit ist diese in der Entwicklung bei einem Programmierer. Das Projekt nennt sich Linando. Der Zweck dieser Website ist, mir eine neue berufliche Existenz zu ermöglichen und mein Bedürfniss auszuleben, die Welt ein bischen besser zu machen. So wie Du auch, denn schließlich gibst Du vielen Menschen das Werkzeug in die Hand, endlich ihren Herzenswunsch zu leben.
Wie gesagt ich glaube an Karma und eine höhere Macht. Es ist absolut nichts falsches daran Luxus und Materialismus zu leben, auch das wäre nur wieder ein falscher Glaubenssatz. Es ist sogar zwingend notwendig, das zu tun. Unsere Welt ist für unsere Seelen ein Experimentierfeld und wir müssen durch alles durchgehen um unseren Erkenntnisprozess zu vergrößern und persönlich zu wachsen.
Ich selber wünsche mir ein super modernes Architektenhaus mit Pool und Tiefgarage für meine Sportwagen. Aber ich weiss, diese Wünsche sind nicht die Essenz des Lebens, sondern dienen nur der Erkenntnisfindung. Man geht dadurch damit etwas Neues kommen kann.
In letzer Zeit habe ich sehr stark erlebt was wirklich meine Seele nährt und mir sehr gut tut. Dankbarkeit und Grosszügigkeit. Ich verschenke gerne Dinge (your Book) und ganz wichtig auch Geld. Nur, es ist erstaunlich es kommt immer wieder zu mir zurück, meistens doppelt bis zehnfach. Ich habe nicht “The Secret” gelesen, aber es stimmt, was Du gibst bekommst Du zurück. Das sind die Gesetze des Universums.
Was mich sehr fasziniert ist, das viele reiche Menschen sehr wohltätig sind, spontan fallen mir da Bill Gates und Brad und Angelina ein. Ich denke der Mensch mit openmind, kommt zur Erkenntnis das reich noch lange nicht wohlhabend bedeutet. Ich werde auf jeden Fall diesen Weg auch gehen, wenn meine Musen mir meinen Cashflow und meine freie Zeit bringen, werde ich anfangen viel Geld wieder zu verschenken.
Ich bin gespannt was darauf hin passiert. Das Leben ist wirklich faszinierend, ein großes waghalsiges Experiment. Dafür bin ich sehr dankbar. An wen auch immer, Gott, Jesus, Buddha, Allah, das Universum egal – Danke!
Tim, es würde mich sehr interessieren, wo Du in deinem persönlichen Erkenntnisprozess stehst. Zum Beispiel, wie fühlt sich Ruhm und Reichtum an, wenn man es hat?
Ich habe noch ein Wunsch an Dich. Mein Partner und ich wollen auch in USA mit unserem Linando Foundation, viel bewirken und bewegen. Wie gesagt, die Welt ein bischen besser machen und persönlich den Reifeprozess am Laufen halten. Es wäre schön, wenn Du uns in den USA irgendwie unterstützen könntest. Über eine Email von Dir würde ich mich sehr freuen.
Mein Sinnspruch für heute: Gedanken formen Realität
Auf Wiedersehen Tim
Danke, Danke, Danke!
Hi Tim,
Read the article with great anticipation and loved it. It gives one some interesting insights into your mind and how you think. I did find the stab at the automation section to be a cheapshot but then again when people are not used to micro-testing, as you put it, they won’t understand. There is a public company, right now, that uses microtesting as their primary way of improving their site and their bottom line. They do exactly what you mention.
On the other hand, I found the comment about high-rep kettlebell training to be of extremely high interest to me. I’m doing a similar type of workout but with a dumbbell. Is there a way you could write about the kinds of exercises you’ve found useful and helpful with kettlebells? I believe that the only exercise protocol listed on this site is the slow burn method.
Thanks,
Ergest
Tim,
Thanks for the response!
I don’t know if you or someone else maintains the site features, but see my site (Click my name) for a cool WordPress Plugin called Wassup that shows current online visitors. I think it would be neat to see that on here. It also gives live analytics in the WordPress Admin.
Please ignore my previous comment as you had already answered the question about kettlebells.
Thanks
Hey Tim,
Great news about your article in Men’s Journal magazine. You were also quoted in today’s Dallas Morning News in an article entitled “Rage Against Email” Looks like you are spearheading a movement.
BTW…With all your globetrotting, do you have plans to visit the Dallas area one of these days?
Hi Tim,
Found the book on accident last year and it came at a great time for reevaluating where my career was heading. Thanks for adding to the suggestions weekly here, too. Not sure if you’ll get a chance to read this but wanted to ask a quick question if you did.
In the vein of our shared interest of traveling lightly, any schedule for a US Paperback release? Do you plan to update and add to the material?
Keep livin’ the dream; Thanks!
@Tim, you said:
“I bought kettlebells for the one exercise I do most: simple double-arm kettlebell swings to just above shoulder height. I’ll do 50-175 reps x 1-2 sets. That’s it. Effective and efficient. Single-arm swings are excellent but can pull the lats if done improperly.”
I too use a kettlebell, but wondered about your technique in the exercise you describe. Are you also squatting partially when you swing the KBs back? (A real beneficial portion of the “full-body” nature of KBs would include the swatting.) When I do the single-arm swing, with the squat, I let the KB go between my legs. This would seem rather problematic with two of them, even for someone with, er, a “pair” as large as you. (Couldn’t resist. Sue me.) Swinging two KBs backward generally would seem tough for a person of relatively “wiry” build. What am I missing?
Regarding the article and income automation…
I felt the criticism was a bit too harsh and have myself read that section multiple times, due to the amount of content and unfamiliar paradigm I found there. The challenge, I think, is that we in the U.S. are rather used to the “10 steps to having a smaller butt” approach and because of that: a) look for exact steps to follow; and b) feel obliged to complain when exact steps aren’t given, even though; c) we instinctively know exact steps cannot be given for such a thing! Provide a case study — not enough development. Provide exact steps — won’t work for everyone. Damned if you do; damned if you don’t.
Love what you’re doing!
Im in Nicaragua now and my cousin whom is from London has a place there and said you can stay there. Just let me know.
Cheers from Managua
Jose
Tim – if you don’t mind me asking – how much does it cost to have your saliva evaluated and where do you get that done???
You’re going to Burning Man!! That’s great, me too!! Hopefully I’ll run into you and get to shake your hand 🙂 Ask for Irish Benny at the Couchsurfing Camp right by center camp if you are about! 😉 I’m also rushing to get things ready for my first burn, it’s going to be spectacular!!
Great job on getting on the front cover by the way; I could see in your book that you have a liking for researching men’s magazines so you must be really proud of yourself.
[…] a recent interview on men’s journal, Ferriss says: “I want to either be in a complete state of relaxation or productivity. When […]
Congrats Tim!
I can’t believe you made it to the olympics!
Watched your race and I got some great pics:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/leidenatletiek/goteborg/dag5/wissman.jpg
http://www.dn.se/content/1/c6/68/57/60/wissman448.jpg
haha hope that made you laugh
This is my one question that I pose to Tim, the community, or both.
I am 24 yrs old and substantially in debt. ~$30k and I am currently supporting my fiancee while she finishes up school within the next year or so.
My question is what do I do? I know paying off debt is the priority and it will take severe buckling down to destroy it. But I am 24 years old, best years of my life, and I want to get out there and “live my dreams”.
Does it make sense to live like a hermit for 3-4 years until I solve the problem then start living?
Tim,
I just got done with your book and all I can say is thanks for writing it! I always new this do as your parents and your parents before them did society was bull and not I have a manual to get out of this cycle and enjoy life.
I am implementing the processes in your book for the first time, and testing a supplement product. It is something as an athelte that I have wanted and now I want to see if the demand is there. Are there are any overseas supplement/vitamin manufacturers that you would recommend? I know what I want the supplement to do, but I also need the manfucturer to help me get the formula correct. SInce this is your area of expertise I thought I would ask you advice.
Also if you are ever in Wisconisn let me know.
Hey Tim,
The article was a very good balance. I know there is always a ‘halo glow ‘effect upon the ‘guru’ of a movement / company. This article showed me a bit of a glimpse behind the ‘halo’ to know just how much you really put into your life / buisness (4HWW). Makes you more human and makes me not feel more happy with my success so far as I don’t have the same obsessive drive you seem to posess (if that part of the article was a fair representation of you).
Though it does make me think I am a bit slothful and cleared up some misconceptions about working and time. So far I work about 2-3 hours a day, pay my bills fine. But realize I need to work on lifestyle as watching movies, working out and playing with toys is boring to me. It is making me question what I do with my free time and what I want my lifestyle to be.
Take care and have a better than good day.
Tim,I live en route, 23Wales, in Worcs, let me know if you wanna a place 24 stay en route:)
let me know, you would be v. welcome:)
Namaste,
If you want to gain share of m ind with Men’s Journal, linking to blatant copyright infringer Mygazines might not be tghe best way to do it.
Just sayin’.
Hey Tim:
Just finished the book. I really enjoyed it. Love the travel part – you’re right – too many excuses, too little action. I’ve been travelling since I was 18 so everytime I meet a guy who haven’t gone anywhere because of xyz – date is over. I’m in the process of starting my own business so I will definitely try some suggestions from your book. Let me know if you come to NY, would love to meet you. PS
Thought you may be interested in this article based on an excerpt of a Russ Ackhoff book titled: ‘The Objective of Education Is Learning, Not Teaching’ on Knowledge@Wharton.
I think you are doing a tremendous job of learning and experimenting, as you and your mother state in this article, and then sharing it with the rest of us.
Thanks!
Jamie
sorry, url: http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2032
Gavin “newsom”
Way to go Tim!
Great article and well deserved.
I can say without a shadow of doubt that you and your book were the catalyst for me and my family to have a “mini-retirement” and we are currently travelling the world (my wife Lois and my daughter Sasha who is 10) for 7 months and having a ball.
We are writing about our journey here – [URL removed — sorry, but them’s the comment rules]
Most of what we do is internet based and we outsource a great deal of our work as you recommend.
Thanks again for giving us the nudge that we needed to get going.
Carpe Deum Tim!
Regards
Ed, Lois & Sasha Keay-Smith
Tim,
Good article. Congratulations! Hope your trip to San Fran was good.
Thanks,
Phillip Roberts
Hmmmm… outsourcing to overseas assistants? Do they do better work? I am a total Tim Ferriss and blogosphere newbie so I will look into this before I raise an eyebrow and quietly pass judgement.
Hey
I clicked on the link for the article that sent me to mygazines and a message saying the article no longer exists. Has it been removed? i live in the uk, has that anything to do with the problem? Would really like to read the interview.
Regards
James
Hi James,
Indeed, it looks like they took it down. I can’t blame MJ for getting on them, of course!
The mag should still be on newsstands if you’re up for it. A fun read and some good articles throughout…
Best,
Tim
I managed to go from a 6 day to a three day work week so far and increase my income by 30% in the process. That was before I bought your book so I am going into it with some level of awareness that good things can be made to happen and thus I will be pretty open minded throughout.
In addition this change allowed me to go from a sedentary job which required a whole lot of time in the gym every week to a much more active job which allows me even more free time.
I want the next level though which, for me, will be having the time to pursue the things in life that matter to me. At the moment those things are getting back into hydrogen research and activism as well as more frequent trips into NYC and the rock clubs and theater that I love…
Unbelievable how much of an impact you are making in people’s lives and mainstream media. I had no idea until I went to your website and have since been noticing references to your manifesto everywhere. Selective perception?
Check out http://thinkarete.com/ideas where you are listed as an inspiration along with people such as Confucius, Shakespeare and Emerson, amongst others.
Te saludo and I will buy this mag issue of men’s journal just for support~
[…] per Tim Ferris’s “The 4 Hour Work Week” (a must read book), you should also limit your “email time” each day/week and […]
Tim,
The poem “Slow Dance” at the end of the book was very touching and inspirational. Did the young girl survive her illness? Has the poem been published elsewhere?
v/r
Jack Gately
###
Hi Jack,
As it turns out, the poem was originally written by a child psychologist, which has now been attributed in the book for the last 15 printings or so. My interns and I were unable to source this beyond the anecdotal attribution via the received e-mail when the book was originally published. Problem solved.
Hope that helps!
Tim
@Jack,
Hi Jack,
As it turns out, the poem was originally written by a child psychologist, which has now been attributed in the book for the last 15 printings or so. My interns and I were unable to source this beyond the anecdotal attribution via the received e-mail when the book was originally published. Problem solved now, and no fatalities to boot.
Hope that helps!
Tim
Hi Tim
As many have said in the past: great book, great site. Thanks for sharing with the world (c:
Anyway, I do have some questions here that keep me wondering about things. If you do find the time, please feel free to clarify some things for me. Thanks in advance!
1) Reading all this content you have published so far and looking at your life (man, we’re the same age and you have achieved all that, respect!) I think it’s clear that you’re a pretty smart guy. But I ask myself: how much of that is just plain trial and error as you describe also in your book and how much of that is because you simply seem to have a higher IQ than the ‘average Joe’. Maybe this is not the case and you’re just one of your best customers of your own product, BrainQuicken. If so, please let me know in how far you think, from a scientific point of view (and pls without advertisement as your BrainQuicken website speaks for itself) BrainQuicken supports you in coming up with these great ideas of yours.
2) I wonder: after all the excietement now about your book and your lifestyle philosophy (now you probably hold lots of lectures at many companies worldwide, you need to be informed what’s going on on your blog to answer at least some questions in the many subforums etc etc): how can you still keep up this lifestyle you’re promoting in your book. Of course, you have your VAs but they can’t write all the answers for you in the blogs (or can they?). Logically thinking you must be back to where you were some years ago: checking emails and your blog many times per day…
3) Although BrainQuicken was not intended to be your ‘muse’ in the way it is described in your book (since, from what I know, development started earlier than the book and the book seems also to be a product of your long working hours with BrainQuicken): how did you think of this product which in the end became your muse (well, until you wrote the book, at least)? I mean, reading the testimonials on the website I am sure it most be THE product when it comes to enhancing the possibilities of ones brain capabilities.
Thanks again in advance for commenting on these questions. It will help me to leave, as we say in German, ‘das Tal der Ahnungslosen’ (c;
Best regards to wherever you are these days,
David
Tim,
Just wanted to drop you a line in a somewhat appropriate place for my comment, but wanted to say that after reading the book and being inspired, I’ve come to understand the consulting profession I am in is perfectly moldable to a lot of the concepts in the book, and it can clearly pave a way towards taking advantage of living life the way you want to. I’m starting with e-mails, and moving to phones, as those take up most of my time now, but as you know, the sky is the limit.
Thanks for the Inspiration,
Trent
Want to read Tim F’s “profile” and the “feature” in August issue of Men’s Journal, but the published link (in his blog) — http://www.mygazines.com/articles/view/35464/Guru-of-the-New-Rich–from–Men-s-Journal-August-10–2008-CAN-USA — is broken.
Your the second person I’ve seen mention Burning Man. I skimmed the web site and it seems like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I’m curious how you or most people get introduced to it. Its not something one one generally finds in the yellow pages. Not sure it’s for me, but I am intrigued.
Tim,
The link to the article (your profile) isn’t working. Can you do something about it? I would love to be able to read it, because google didn’t help me that much and the archive from Men’s Journal is … lacking.
Thank you very much
Best regards
Pete
Read the interview. Again the media tries to paint authors into a corner by generalizing the concepts rather than looking at the main position of the book. I got the same thing when I was on Donny Deutsch. It seems writers are looking to pick a part every piece of a book rather than look at the points that fit for everyone. I think he tried to play the age card, which I also face. At some point business is going to realize that the old boys don’t have all the answers.