WHY WE LOVE IT:

While this book has drawn criticism for its marketing-manager tone, our team swears by one of Timothy Ferriss’ big truths: that work should serve life. One of the key takeaways we loved from Timothy Ferriss’ book was his admonition to “living rich” – not in wealth, but in life itself. Take vacations now, instead of at age 65. In other words, take the time to do the things you enjoy and be with the people you love during your working years, instead of waiting for retirement.

When it comes to shortening your workday (or week), Ferriss offers concrete advice for whittling down your 40-hour workweek, such as only checking emails two or three times a day, hiring a virtual concierge, and avoiding meetings in favor of emails or phone calls whenever possible.

Our team’s favorite piece of advice from Ferriss’ book, however, was his unique application of the 80/20 rule. Usually when management professionals and consultants cite the 80/20 rule, it is in service to downsizing your workforce or middle management. But Ferriss applies it to customers; that 80% of your revenue likely comes from just 20% of your customers. He advises that you can save a lot of time by focusing your efforts on that 20%, where it will have the greatest impact on your bottom line.

The bottom line? If you’re feeling swamped with “busy work” and overwhelmed with communication and repetitive tasks, Ferriss offers solid advice for reclaiming your workflow in The 4-Hour Workweek. His suggestion to boil your workload down to the most important tasks, completed as fast as possible, is simply smart. Automate and delegate wherever possible, and take back your precious time.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“A person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.” – Timothy Ferriss

“To enjoy life, you don’t need fancy nonsense, but you do need to control your time and realize that most things just aren’t as serious as you make them out to be.” – Timothy Ferriss

“By working only when you are most effective, life is both more productive and more enjoyable. It’s the perfect example of having your cake and eating it, too.” – Timothy Ferriss

BOOK JACKET SUMMARY:

What do you do? Tim Ferriss has trouble answering the question. Depending on when you ask this controversial Princeton University guest lecturer, he might answer: “I race motorcycles in Europe.” “I ski in the Andes.” “I scuba dive in Panama.” “I dance tango in Buenos Aires.” He has spent more than five years learning the secrets of the New Rich, a fast-growing subculture who has abandoned the “deferred-life plan” and instead mastered the new currencies-time and mobility-to create luxury lifestyles in the here and now. Whether you are an overworked employee or an entrepreneur trapped in your own business, this book is the compass for a new and revolutionary world.