I read the original Four Hour Work Week when it first came out, and like a bunch of people, I thought it was revolutionary. I read a lot of business books, and this one was such a departure from your average business book that it really stood out. The new expanded version did not really change a whole lot from the original, but it added over a hundred pages of new content based mostly on posts from Tim Ferris’ blog. The new book also included comments and tips from readers on how they have implemented the principles taught in the original book. This provides some insight in how other people have used this system, and gives much more credibility to the book for the first time reader. The fact is that many people have embraced the principles taught in the book and it has changed their lives.
So for those of you that have not read the book, I will give you a quick synopsis.
What it is not about
- It is not about only working four hours a week
- It is not about being lazy and shunning all responsibilities
- It is not about complete disregard for authority and status quo (although it challenges it)
What it is about
- It is about using the 80/20 principle to become more productive
- It is about doing the things you want to do now through mini-retirements rather than waiting until retirement
- It is about following your passion to create an automated business
- It is about not working for works sake, and getting the important things done
The principles of the book can even be applied to the employee working at a regular job. They can be used to eliminate the busy work and to increase productivity, all the while providing extra time to pursue other interests.
I know this is a short review, but if I don’t cut it short, it will go forever. This has to be one of my favorite business books of all time, and if you read one book this year it should definitely be this one. You can grab a copy by clicking here. Yes, it is my Amazon affiliate link, but by buying it here you are helping me to get closer to living my own four hour work week!
