I wrote a quick post a few weeks ago that was short and to the point but as I read many other opinions about The Four-Hour Work Week, by Timothy Ferriss, I have come to realize a few things that some people seem to have missed in the message of the book.
There are a tons of customer comments (426 at last count) on Amazon.com talking about the book and what Timothy teaches. Most of them are very positive which is apparent by the 4.5 star average. This is a message to those that seemed to have missed the point of the book.
One of the most important, perhaps the main point of the book was to build a “muse” (in Tim’s words) that provides you:
- A consistent source of income
- With as little work as possible – Through automation and outsourcing among other things
I think the biggest complaint that people had about the book was that this type of strategy just isn’t applicable to their business. This is where the point of the book was missed.
What I got from it was we can either make our current jobs consistent with the above, or create another business that provides us with the desired results. Many people say that it is unrealistic for people to create “automated cash machines” or such businesses and I admit it is not easy, but it IS possible. It takes time to think about possible markets, products, etc but if you want to live the “4-Hour Work Week” lifestyle, it is essential. People in general are very lazy and quite happy to work as little as possible and come home to watch tv and drink until the next day.
I say get off your couch and spend time with your family and enjoy life. Then when the kids go to bed, take some time and think about these things. Get up early in the morning and think some more. Study those people that have accomplished the things that you want to do in life and emulate them. I am usually up past midnight each night and up by 6:00 or earlier each morning.
Is it hard? Sure.
Is it worth it? It will be.
I’ll be able to sleep in then, but now when I am young (relatively speaking. I am 31.) I can afford to live with 5-6 hours of sleep to create a business that provides me with enough extra income to support my family and require very little time.
It will take a little more time, but it will happen.
This will be the place I chronicle my journey.
(If you were wondering, I would recommend the book)
