Book Notes: The 4-Hour Workweek

Is it possible to work only four hours a week and create an empire like Elvis?
In his book, The 4-Hour Workweek, Tim Ferris demonstrates that it’s not only possible, but practical for almost anyone. The hype around this book actually delayed my purchase, but I heard someone I respected discuss the book recently and decided I needed to see first hand what all the hoopla was about.

If you haven’t read Ferris’ book, I do recommend it. If for no other reason than to see why I push the idea of leverage so intensely. It will show you how to leverage your time and focus your energy on what really matters.

One of the key points in the book is Pareto’s Principle: It’s only the 20% of our activities that drive 80% of our income or revenue. Ferris then suggests that it’s a no brainer to simply focus on the 20% and forget about all the other stuff that gets in our way.

What kind of stuff gets in our way?

• Email: checking it ten times a day will waste 4 hours if you let it.
• Web surfing: yeah, we call it ‘research,’ but it swallows time by the iGulp.
• TV: don’t even get me started there. I watch one hour of television per day and get updated on world news. I’ve even stopped listening to my beloved National Public Radio. The jury is stil out on that one.

The result?
I’m getting a lot more accomplished and am making more money, too. I have more control over my time than ever before.

Am I working only four hours per week?
Not even close. I’d be way too bored (and a lot heavier) if I did that. However, I can see how working three days per week will give me more money and more freedom to do that things that really matter to me. I don’t need millions of dollars. I need enough to live the way I want to live: with minimal work that produces the maximum results. That’s the real take home message from Ferris’ book.

A four-hour workweek may not be possible for me. But when Justin walks through the door at 2:30 in the afternoon and says, “Dad, can we play catch?” If the answer isn’t some for of ‘Yes,’ then something’s wrong. This book has helped me to see that and to put plans in place to make sure the answer is never, ‘no.’

How about you? If you’ve read the book, I’d love to hear your reactions. Do you see that a decreased workload is possible? What’s you ‘dreamline’ look like? Please feel free to post your responses.

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