Just started reading the revised edition Tim Ferris’ 4 Hour Work Week
. I already read the first edition, but it is now permanently on loan to one friend or another. I loaned my old one to my friend Kevin. He devoured my first edition and bought the update version. He apparently loved the new version so much, he couldn’t loan it to me, but bought me a copy instead! (Thanks, Bro!)
So let’s start by pointing out the obvious: you probably won’t be able to do all the stuff in this book. But apparently the author, Tim Ferris apparently can, but he’s got a little superhero in him.
This book, the 4-Hour Work Week challenges the notion that you need to live as a 40-hour a week wage slave to lead a full and successful life. With sections on how to become a successful telecommuter, an entrepreneur, or a globe-hopping bucket-list grandmaster, there is a lot to learn from, a lot to be inspired by. It discusses strategies for reducing time spent on non-essential activities that do not move you towards you goals.
I originally bought the first edition of this book back in 2007 or so. I read it and enjoyed it. I didn’t quit my day job to go design album covers or anything, but it re-energized and re-affirmed the notion that not all of us are our jobs – it’s OK to achieve fulfillment through pursing your own endeavors. You do not necessarily have to define your achievements in terms of your corporate overlords’ to-do list.
A couple months ago, I dug out my copy and loaned it to my cubicle neighbor. He devoured it and bought the newer version, which apparently has a hundred pages or so of new materials. The fact that he won’t loan me the new copy but bought me a new copy.
On this read, what grabs me this read is the notion of pushing the limits of your own comfort zone. Ferris says, "a person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have." You should do something that you fear or makes you uncomfortable every day.
So again, I am not looking to quit my day job, but more to develop potential back-up plans (like this blog) and ways to streamline life a little bit.
*Click* Bring it, sweet Amazon!
