Make $200,800 in 2008 – Here's the REAL DEAL
 




Get Reviewed by this Blog for only $500
DealDotComTTZ MediaGoogle Adsense
Pepperjam NetworkBidvertiser
Text Link AdsKonterra

Wouldn’t it be nice to work just four hours a week and then have the rest of the time to do whatever you want? Well Timothy Ferriss thinks it’s possible and he’s got a best selling book that explains how to do just that.

Tim was nice enough to send me an advance reviewer’s copy of his book before it went to press. I was suppose to get the review out before the book hit the stores but I never got around to reading it until recently. Good thing I did because it’s a great book! And it seems I’m not the only one who thinks so. The 4-Hour Workweek is at the number one spot on the WSJ bestseller list and has made the New York Times and Amazon.com best seller list.

Joining The New Rich

getbook.jpgThe 4-Hour Workweek is a paradigm shifting book. It takes the old concept of saving for the rest of your life so you can retire plan and turns it upside down. Tim talks about joining the “New Rich” - the group of people who have both money and time freedom. He makes the argument that having a lot of money isn’t much fun if you don’t have time to enjoy it. And of course, he’s right.

Tim’s book is based around two rules. The first I have talked about before. It’s call the 80/20 rule, which states that 80% of all work is done by top 20%. The second rules I have touched on in the past but have never fully explained. It states that time expands to fill the work done. In other words, if you give someone five hours to do a job, they will take the full five hours. If you give them one hour, they will do it in one hour. Tim feels the combination of these two rules can increase your productivity to the point where you only need to work four hours a week.

Let’s Make a DEAL

The 4-Hour Workweek is divided into four steps; Definition, Elimination, Automation and Liberation. If you are an employee you will need to do Liberation before you can do Automation.

The chapter on automation will be especially interesting for John Chow dot Com readers. The entire basis of the 4-Hour Workweek is to have something else produce the income for you so you don’t have to. This is where the Muse come in. A Muse is a business or system the run itself without much interference from the owner (kinda like this blog). Tim talks about finding and testing the Muse and management by absence.

Outsourcing Your Life

The key to having a 4-hour workweek is to outsource anything that can be done by someone else. Big companies do this all the time. The big six accounting firms outsource all their their simple accounting task, Dell Computers outsource their call centers and Anderson Consulting has been known to outsource entire IPO proposals to Brickworks in India, pay $250,000 for it and charge the client $2.5 million. If the big boys can outsource, why can’t you?

If you wish to see just how much you can outsource your life, read this story by by AJ Jacobs, editor-at-large at Esquire magazine. It’s a real eye opener.

The 4-Hour Workweek is available now on Amazon.com or your local bookstores. I highly recommend you pick up a copy.

Find out what I am doing right now by following me on Twitter! If you like this post then please consider subscribing to my full feed RSS. You can also subscribe by Email and have new posts sent directly to your inbox.

Make Money Online with John Chow's Ad Network - Join TTZ Media Now!
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (11 votes, average: 3.09 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...

Here's A Few More Related Posts

  • Working Hard But Not Smart
  • Win A Signed Copy of The 4-Hour Workweek
  • Our Second 4-Hour Workweek Winner
  • Slow Wednesday
  • The Winner Of The Fourth 4-Hour Workweek

    RSS feed | Trackback URI

    96 Comments »

    Comment by Stephen Welton
    2007-06-26 12:22:21
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Do I smell a best seller?

    Comment by John Chow
    2007-06-26 12:24:26
    MyAvatars 0.2

    It’s already a best seller. :mrgreen:

    Comment by A video a day
    2007-06-26 12:43:21
    MyAvatars 0.2

    obviously, he didn’t read the review in full

    Comment by Jarle
    2007-06-26 15:40:08
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I guess he just wanted to be the first to make a comment :smile:

    (Comments wont nest below this level)
     
    Comment by ritchie
    2007-06-27 03:55:06
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Why not work a little more efficiently and just take 2 hours a week? :twisted:

    (Comments wont nest below this level)
     
     
     
     
    Comment by April
    2007-06-26 12:23:38
    MyAvatars 0.2

    John,

    You may already know this, but when doing a search on goole I found this site:

    http://www.spankbot.net/cgi-bin/nph-bear/000000A/http/www.johnchow.com

    Why is it identical to yours?

    April

    Comment by A video a day
    2007-06-26 12:48:53
    MyAvatars 0.2

    spankbot is a proxy website. someone may have used the site to view johnchow.com which would then “grabbed” the content

     
    Comment by John Chow
    2007-06-26 12:49:27
    MyAvatars 0.2

    That is a CGI-based proxy surfing site.

     
     
    Comment by devtrench
    2007-06-26 12:25:27
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I love these kind of books, and am going to have to pick this one up for a read. Thanks for the review.

    Comment by A video a day
    2007-06-26 12:44:47
    MyAvatars 0.2

    certainly, i’m convinced by john’s review.

    it’s be nice if there is a digital version available

     
    Comment by website copywriter
    2007-06-27 07:07:15
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I like picking up a book the old-school way — go to a book shop, browse a little, browse a lot. This book definitely sounds like a good read. I mean, who wouldn’t want a 4-hour work week?

     
     
    Comment by Tyler
    2007-06-26 12:25:29
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Is the Amazon Link a referal? :twisted:

    Comment by John Chow
    2007-06-26 12:30:22
    MyAvatars 0.2

    No, I am not an Amazon.com affiliate. I copy and paste the code off Tim’s blog, who I’m sure is an Amazon.com affiliate. :twisted:

    Comment by Lewis Empire Subscribed to comments via email
    2007-06-26 12:36:21
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Why aren’t you an Amazon affiliate? It looks like you could make a bunch from this referral. Any reason to stay away from Amazon?

    Comment by A video a day
    2007-06-26 12:38:33
    MyAvatars 0.2

    i agree with you and i’m sure john will join it very soon. it’s gonna be another income source for john

    (Comments wont nest below this level)
    Comment by Lewis Empire Subscribed to comments via email
    2007-06-27 07:24:03
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I’m still amazed you’re not an affiliate.

     
     
    Comment by simon
    2007-06-26 13:31:10
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I think John cannot handle that much affiliate net or he don’t want to earn too much money. :mrgreen:

    (Comments wont nest below this level)
     
    Comment by MrGPT
    2007-06-26 14:08:46
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Wow! John’s not an Amazon affiliate :O ?
    You could be making even more $$$ :shock: .

    (Comments wont nest below this level)
     
    Comment by website copywriter
    2007-06-27 07:09:34
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I think if John wanted to earn through Amazon, he would’ve been an affiliate a long time ago IMHO.

    (Comments wont nest below this level)
    Comment by John Chow
    2007-06-27 14:58:34
    MyAvatars 0.2

    You would be right. :twisted:

     
     
     
    Comment by Jarle
    2007-06-26 15:43:15
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Well, that was a nice thing to do. Would you mind copying some affiliate links from me to? :-)

     
     
     
    Comment by egon
    2007-06-26 12:32:59
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Looks like it Tyler. I already bought this actually, haven’t read it yet but I’ve heard other very good things about it.

     
    Comment by Lewis Empire Subscribed to comments via email
    2007-06-26 12:34:49
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Is this a book that will change the way you think about success or is it another one that will end up in the pile? Any new ideas or just a new title and marketing team?

    Comment by A video a day
    2007-06-26 12:58:50
    MyAvatars 0.2

    john did a very good review, and think it’s worth a read

     
    Comment by John Chow
    2007-06-26 12:59:19
    MyAvatars 0.2

    There are some good new ideas in the book. The first chapter is about changing the way you think about success. However, the remaining chapters are more nuts and bolts with plenty of resources to check out.

    Comment by ritchie
    2007-06-27 03:56:08
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Have you implemented the 4hour schedule yet?

    Comment by Lewis Empire Subscribed to comments via email
    2007-06-27 07:07:00
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I have friends with full time jobs that still find a way to work a 4 hour week.

    (Comments wont nest below this level)
     
    Comment by John Chow
    2007-06-27 15:01:16
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I’m more closer to a 10 hour workweek right now.

    (Comments wont nest below this level)
     
     
     
    Comment by website copywriter
    2007-06-27 07:16:35
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I usually turn to acclaimed bestseller lists to help me decide. Personally, I think they won’t even be glorified if they didn’t have any literary value at all. If it ends up in my to-read pile, that’s only because I still have to work more than 4 hours a week and have no time to read it yet. When I’m done reading the book, I could only hope I could adapt it in my life. Eventually, the “pile” would just have to be non-existent. :cool:

     
     
    Comment by Bloggrrl
    2007-06-26 12:36:13
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I keep trying to get someone at Brickworks to teach my class, but they refuse. My boss won’t let me work from home, either. Stupid students.

    I guess it’s time to develop that orange, fur-covered pencil holder I’ve been thinking about.

    Comment by John Chow
    2007-06-26 13:01:21
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Liberation before Automation. :grin:

    Comment by website copywriter
    2007-06-27 07:31:05
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I’m sure I’ll have a better grasp of these ideologies after I’ve read the book. :wink: Liberation — something I would very much like to have! :grin:

     
     
     
    Comment by A video a day
    2007-06-26 12:41:30
    MyAvatars 0.2

    John, a great book review. well explained and straight to the point.
    i’m sure many born and raised in an english-speaking enviroment wouldn’t manage that

     
    Comment by Paul
    2007-06-26 12:45:00
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I totally agree with the idea of enjoying your time and money. Who wants to be rich but so busy that you can’t enjoy what you have.

    Comment by website copywriter
    2007-06-27 07:36:33
    MyAvatars 0.2

    True that — whatever endeavor I undertake (work-wise), at the end of the day (a 1-hour work day, ideally LOL) it would be nice to have the time to do other things as well.

     
     
    Comment by Michael
    2007-06-26 13:00:48
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I got it on audio last month. VERY good. Probably one of the best I ever read/listened to.

    Working towards my 4 hour work week!

    Michael

     
    2007-06-26 13:07:41
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Idea is great - problem is to many is that Liberation cannot come BEFORE there is a solid ground to achieve it without loosing financial security :)

    Well all strive for it but only 1% will get it according to John Reese, interesting huh ? :evil:

    Comment by Lewis Empire Subscribed to comments via email
    2007-06-27 07:20:36
    MyAvatars 0.2

    But that’s still 4.5 Million people in the United States alone.

    Comment by website copywriter
    2007-06-27 07:49:44
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Good point — not everyone will be able to achieve it, but the idea of it being possible is still very intriguing. Gives the rest of us a little ray of hope even.

     
     
     
    Comment by webd360
    2007-06-26 13:08:08
    MyAvatars 0.2

    its looks like a good book, I’ll check it out

     
    Comment by simon
    2007-06-26 13:09:34
    MyAvatars 0.2

    4-hour workweek sounds great! Make a blog and hire someone to write for you is one of the system runs itself without much interference from the owner. It just like JohnChow.com or other big blog.

    Comment by website copywriter
    2007-06-27 08:01:39
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Outsourcing is a wonderful thing, isn’t it. :cool:

     
     
    Comment by Terra Andersen
    2007-06-26 13:45:39
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I’m almost done reading this book, and it is definitely good for business owners/entrepreneurs of all levels. I got kinda bored with the first few chapters, but his advice on automation and outsourcing is priceless.

    Comment by ritchie
    2007-06-27 03:56:59
    MyAvatars 0.2

    automation is the new freedom. I think I’ll have to check this book out.

    Comment by Lewis Empire Subscribed to comments via email
    2007-06-27 07:13:25
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Me too. It’s nice to hear good reviews from people (rather than taking the Best Seller’s list word for it)

    Comment by website copywriter
    2007-06-27 08:06:39
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Testimonials are definitely refreshing.

    (Comments wont nest below this level)
     
     
     
     
    Comment by shman
    2007-06-26 13:50:29
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I don’t think working 4 hours/week is enough to achieve any bigger goals. I will read this book but I’m sceptic about it.

    Comment by MrGPT
    2007-06-26 14:10:50
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Yeah, I agree, but John did say it talks about outsourcing your work. So basically you are paying people to work for you, but getting a bigger profit at the end of the month. Outsourcing sounds nice… :P

     
    Comment by webd360
    2007-06-26 14:55:26
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Well there are those that do work very little and make thousands, even millions. One such story that comes to mind is the pletyoffish guy, who has been an inspiration for many webmasters (google it if you don’t know about him- basically he makes millions and only works an hour a day)

     
    Comment by website copywriter
    2007-06-27 08:16:56
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Realistically, what are the chances of everyone getting a 4-hour work week anyway? I feel that it definitely encourages other work practices to make more time for other things. Whether you end up with 4-hour work weeks or 4-day work weeks — the bottom line is you learn a few new things, make the most of your time, and get to enjoy life more.

     
     
    Comment by How To Buy Websites
    2007-06-26 13:53:39
    MyAvatars 0.2

    This seems like one of those books where the people who might actually achieve the goal don’t really need the book to get there. I doubt it offers any really good information beyond inspiration for chasing your dreams.

    Comment by Lewis Empire Subscribed to comments via email
    2007-06-26 23:38:32
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I’m with you. Making money off a catchy title so he can go to a 4 hour work week.

     
     
    Comment by Vijay Teach Me
    2007-06-26 13:56:57
    MyAvatars 0.2

    Need to follow my instincts more, I had read this book nearly 4 weeks ago and wanted to blog about it.
    What I like most about Tim was that he does not like the laid out rules, particular case when he lost his weight rapidly and pushed his opponents down to win a competition.

    Vijay

     
    Comment by HalOtis
    2007-06-26 13:58:29
    MyAvatars 0.2

    I finished reading the book a few weeks ago (actually wrote a review on my site) Right now I’m actually taking his advice and following his suggestions on creating a muse.

    The nuts and bolts details that he gives in the book really make it.

    There’s a couple of really valuable insights in there.