Cold Remedy: 18 Real-World Lifestyle Design Case Studies (Now It’s Your Turn) 307 Comments

Written by Tim Ferriss Topics: 4-Hour Case Studies


If not in 2010, then when? (Photo: jphilipson)

The video case studies that I asked for in the last post really caught me unprepared.

I…am…so happy that it’s hard to put it into words.

From Denmark to India, from college students to retirees, from yoga instructors to engineers, the stories poured in. Narrowing them down to finalists, even with several people, was excruciating, but below you will find 15 of our favorites. Many more are worth watching (I watched them all) and can be found here, or by searching “4hww success” on YouTube. There are also 150 comments on the last post full of practical how-to implementations.

The below videos represent a real-life crash course in the many paths and practicalities of lifestyle design. I hope you love watching them as much as I did…

Happy New Year, y’all. Decide today that 2010 will be the year when everything changes.

It can be.

Gary Misner (below)

Gary is a 22-year old from Long Island. He left his family’s autobody business to start his own businesses, travel the world, redesign his body, rediscover his love for his family, and enjoy the best the planet has to offer, including philanthropy and the little things we so often undervalue. Philosophically, I think he nailed what I was hoping to impart — it’s about living more, not just working less — as did many of the other case studies below.

Chuck Holton (below)

From Chuck:

My attempts at leaving the corporate world met with very limited success until I read the 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss. In the last few years, we’ve successfully done the following:

1. Left the corporate world for good.
2. Taken a 1-year mini-retirement (with 5 kids!) to Panama.
3. Paid off our house through the application of geoarbitrage.
4. Diversified our cash flow into more than ten different streams
5. Automated over 50% of our cash flow (passive or semi-passive)
6. Cut my work hours from 70+ per week to however many I feel like (closer to 20/wk)
7. Implemented 4hww strategies into my children’s home schooling, teaching them to structure their own lives to attain freedom.

Two of Chuck’s children–both under 15 years of age–are also earning $300-500 per month with their own companies.

The World’s Best Fruit (below)

This video doesn’t include a name, as the narrator wants to quit her job in person :)

She and her husband put in 4-6 hours per week and earned an extra $2,200 in their first month of testing. Our anonymous lifestyle designer, whom we’ll call “The World’s Best Fruit” for obvious reasons, shares the following:

I did it Tim! Until 14 months ago, I was destined to retire in 30+ years. Twenty days from now I’m giving notice of my intention to leave in May. Thank you!!

I want to be an example of possibility for others that are just getting started. In this video I’ve shared how I applied the following techniques:
-picking a muse
-becoming and expert
-adding a VA (or an intern in this case)

I have also highlighted the first techniques I used to improve my life.
-Dreamlining
-Speed Reading
-Elimination
-Surrounding myself with like-minded people

These helped me in the early stages when I was stuck trying to figure out a product, but knew I wanted to become part of the New Rich.


Ki’une (below)

Ki’une’s video needs to seen — and listened to — to have its full impact. Recorded over a year of traveling, it also showcases why his dance muse has been successful. That’s some damn fine locking.

Oh, and in case you miss it, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Jose Castro-Frenzel (below)

Think your business is too bricks-and-mortar for lifestyle design?

Using several principles he describes in this video, Jose transformed his concrete company, Omega Masonry Inc., into a virtual company. He also added more than 40 hours per week of free time and has started a new online product based company. Jose also helped me and others (like Matt Mullenweg and Andrew Rosca) build a preschool in Vietnam, which we visited together in 2009.

SoulTravelers3 (below)

From the mother in the family known as SoulTravelers3 (edited for length):

We are beyond thrilled that we are one of the case studies in the new expanded 4HWW & we are a family traveling the world non-stop, on an open ended world tour since 2006!

Unlike someone who mentioned in the comments that it could not be done once these men were married and had families, I am here to validate that it not only can be done, but might also be the most rewarding way to do marriage and family and probably the best possible education for future 21st century global citizens!

…We have traveled over 175,000 miles (most overland) to 4 continents, 32 countries since we left in 2006…

I think [this video] “talks” to the 70% of families that dream about extended travel, inspires many of every age & gives hope to women who love freedom and travel, but fear they must give that up when they have a child.

YES! Families can and DO live the 4HWW dream too! ;)

On the video, which has been viewed more than a million times:

It took 18 months to make this video and it was hard enough to get the film, let alone decent sound in these crowded, noisy environments. Thus we did a montage cover song as all do in these kinds of videos. She is young and it takes great concentration to play such sophisticated songs under such circumstances, but her nature is one of great joy as you can see in our other videos or website. We are not rich and travel and live on a total of 25,000 dollars a year.

Bolding is mine. Living richly does not require riches.

Dane Low (below)

Dane used Facebook to get incredible press for Room to Read and build a school in Vietnam in the process. His approach is an incredible model for the future of giving back and karmic capitalism.

Alex Climent (below)

Alex, who read the Spanish version of 4HWW in Valencia, Spain, used Pareto’s and Parkinson’s Laws to shoot an independent, low-budget film in 8 locations in 4 days. The script had been in a drawer for 4 years.

The Ren Men (below)

The Ren Men have created a 3-day workweek (9am-3pm), built a net wealth of $2-million, take 10+ mini-retirements per year, and much, much more. This video explains the 3 principles they focused on to automate a brick-and-mortar business.

Maneesh Sethi (below)

Maneesh has created a digital lifestyle that has allowed him to live in Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Argentina, among others. His video includes an exact screencast of how he has created automated income based on Google Adwords and outsourced article creation.

From Maneesh:

I currently work exactly 3h59m per week (11am-2:59pm on Monday), and in the video I show EVERYTHING—my entire job, the software I’ve written to automate myself out of existence, and how my VAs literally do everything without me. I’m about 4 weeks away from outsourcing the final 3h59m, as well. My business is an SEO SEM biz, writing articles based on keywords that people are searching for on google. My business is monetized by adsense and ad revenue—i literally go to sleep, wake up, and check how much money I’ve earned. I’m serious–no matter where I am in the world, my work is getting done, and I am getting paid, no matter what the hell I do.

So what do I do with all this time? I travel—for 2 years straight, I’ve been living in a new country every four months, studying the language, and just enjoying life. (I have lived in Italy, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, India—and I speak Italian, Spanish and Portuguese). I do pushups in every city (my life goal is a pushup in every country).

Now, with all of this free time, I’m trying to change the lives of others and give them an opportunity to do the same. I founded an NGO, SaveThem.net, and I am building a classroom in Upli Badi village near Udaipur, India—an extremely poor shanty town. I’ve raised over $1500 to buy these children laptops, and I’m going to begin giving them personalized classes starting January 16. I was lucky enough to be introduced to computers at a young age—hopefully, these poor kids will be able to learn to use the computer, break out of their horrible cycle of poverty by working a good technical job, be able to raise money, and bring back this money to their parents and friends in Upli Badi. Until they do, my NGO will be around helping more and more children.

Austin Evarts (below)

Austin created two profitable companies while traveling abroad and having the experiences of a lifetime. This video showcases his muses and how he designed them.

KEG (below)

KEG used Parkinson’s Law and the 80/20 principle as a musician to finish his long-postponed album, and he then used techniques in the book to get on both NBC’s America’s Got Talent (twice) and Cooking Along with Gordon Ramsey.

Long live rock.

Pete Williams (below)

Pete from Australia applied his newfound “free” time back into his business. He first focused on building his business faster instead of mini-retirements, and now he’s embarking on the latter. From Pete:

I’ve really embraced the 4HWW principles in by “business life” with to two full time Philippine Virtual Assistants and a range of part-time specialists across the world taking care of all the day-to-day stuff; so I can spend more time working on the 3 businesses I own (rather than in them) – This process culminated in being named Global Runner up in JCI’s 2009 Create Young Entrepreneur Awards (ceremony in Tunisia) and a mini-retirement to the Halloween Party at the Playboy Mansion.

The first three dreamlines I’ve set in place and booked for 2010 are 1. Join the circus and learn how to trapeze, tight rope walk, handstand etc (Jan-March) 2. Trek the Himalayas to raise money for charity (April) 3. Train for the NYC marathon.

In a show of good humor, Pete also asked one of his virtual assistants to post a video:

Nathan Jurewicz (below)

This is a hysterical video. The theme, however, is practical: shifting from presence to performance. From Nathan:

Book changed my life!!

This really is my lifestyle no joke!

I do whatever I want, whenever I want and I am semi famous!!

Thanks Tim!!

- Nathan Jurewicz

Lee Burrell (below)

Lee gets into logistics around 1:30, and he gives outstanding examples of low-cost and highly effective product development. He is now on track to have a million-dollar muse within 15 months and is a full-time student. Note the video suggestion to take customer phone calls in the beginning stages to compile a FAQ — this saves hundreds of hours later in e-mail exchanges and customer service. Suggestions from Lee include:

- Figure out what customers want – and give it to them. By first performing seminars and getting detailed student feedback, I was able to determine where other companies product’s were falling short. Keeping their feedback in mind and building a list of FAQs based on the most commonly asked questions/concerns, I developed a product that people want and are willing to pay more than 8-10x mark-up for.

- Outsource. Outsource. Outsource. I outsourced the website creation, content creation, have a VA, professional proofreader, powerpoint expert for building presentations, and customer service “center.” All of was done using the books principles and recommendations. (Elance rocks)

If sales continue to grow as expected, I will have a million dollar muse in 15 months (at the ripe old age of 24) and will be helping people reach their dreams along the way.

Can’t thank you enough Tim.

Cheers!

Lee

(Btw I came in 2nd in your “Trail By Fire” contest. The Planet Earth DVD’s you sent were awesome! I’m definitely excited about the possibility to win a plane ticket to see some of those places in person :p)

Alex from Montreal (below – turn up your audio volume)

In this video, Alex shows exactly how he left a sales job at a Fortune 500 company to travel the world and live like a rockstar (literally), meeting with both billionaires and celebrities. Brilliant use of local Chambers of Commerce. The audio is frustratingly low, but it’s worth the watch.

David Walsh (below)

David has grown a venture-backed start-up from 2 to 14 people, written a book, created an audiobook, launched a language learning tool, and produced a popular podcast. Most recently, he founded an early-stage venture investment firm like Y-Combinator.

He must be constantly connected, right?

Nope. David got rid of his mobile phone 4 months ago and is loving life without it.

Brad Kirr (below)

Brad filmed and edited this video from Morocco on his Sony k100i phone. Cool.

What do you do when you need to add 800 products to a new site but each product takes a fully day? Outsource your life, of course. Brad explains how and underscores the under-mentioned importance of making your instructions teachable.

Now he’s surfing, snowboarding, and skating the world over. From Brad:

I talk about three principles from the book as it applies to my life including outsourcing your life as it applies to technical aspects of product addition and seo of my web business, dreamlining and the use of “My Fantastical Autobiography” to initiate my dreamline of starting a skateboard company in Dubai, and finally the 80/20 principle as it applies to my current dreamline of becoming a big wave surfer.

You can make my next dreamline happen by sending me to the Mentawis buddy!!!

Brad

###

Happy New Year all!

###

Get the brand-new Expanded and Updated 4-Hour Workweek, published 12/15, which includes more than 50 new case studies (including families) of luxury lifestyle design, muse creation, and world travel. Make 2010 the year when you make the leap.


 

Posted on December 31st, 2009

Comment Rules: Remember what Fonzie was like? Cool. That's how we're gonna be -- cool. Critical is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your stuff. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Brian Oberkirch for the inspiration)

307 Responses to “Cold Remedy: 18 Real-World Lifestyle Design Case Studies (Now It’s Your Turn)”

  • David Turnbull
    December 31st, 2009
    3:33 am

    It’s a few hours before New Year’s here so I haven’t exactly got the time to watch through the videos, but just reading the summaries/main points has gotten me excited to check ‘em out tomorrow morning. :-)

  • Grok
    December 31st, 2009
    3:36 am

    Wow, these are great Tim! I can’t wait to get a copy of the revised book too.

  • Ross Hill
    December 31st, 2009
    3:42 am

    Trust Pete to take it to the next step and get his PA to post a video as well. Have fun with the travels mate!

  • GanClon
    December 31st, 2009
    4:35 am

    Thanks Tim, I’m really loving being able to make more money than ever, and I don’t really even know much. It’s crazy how I can live such an awesome lifestyle without working hard or even contributing to society. I know that sounds bad, but I mean it in a good way. I’m a lazy, unproductive person by nature, so this book inspired my business of getting the business … I’ve finally found my purpose in life, instead of just drinking all day.

  • Joost
    December 31st, 2009
    4:52 am

    Great stuff!
    How inspiring to watch!

    One question: Is there any chance to see the answers to the google moderator questions somewhere?

    Thanks!

  • Bolova
    December 31st, 2009
    5:17 am

    Booooyaaaa!

    Makin money like it ain’t goin outta style.

    I can’t wait to get a copy of the revised book too. Just reading the summaries and main points has gotten me excited.

    My advise: Make 2010 the year when you make the leap.

  • Josh O'Byrne
    December 31st, 2009
    5:19 am

    Thanks Tim, I’m currently rereading 4HWW and these case-studies are helping a lot!

    Finishing up university 2010 is going to be my year :)

  • Flavio Copes
    December 31st, 2009
    5:42 am

    Great inspirational videos! Thanks guys! Got to watch them all, it will take the entire afternoon :)

  • Ben
    December 31st, 2009
    6:24 am

    Thanks Tim.
    As ever you keep offering amazing and inspiring stuff completely free.
    Cheers

  • Olivier
    December 31st, 2009
    6:28 am

    Absolutely great videos, Tim ! Full of proofs to perhaps make the skeptics a little less confident ;)

  • Matt W
    December 31st, 2009
    6:51 am

    It’s amazing how one person can inspire so many just by telling his story and offering some tips along the way. Thanks, Tim, for all your imparted knowledge and inspiration to change so many lives! You almost make it TOO easy! ;)

  • Adam Kayce
    December 31st, 2009
    8:05 am

    Oh my gosh, these are incredibly inspirational. My brain is exploding with questions, ideas… time to get the new book, and get cranking.

    Now, to vote for just one? Jeez…

  • Johnny
    December 31st, 2009
    8:12 am

    The Digital Nomad is just awesome, inspiring stuff!

  • Liam McIvor Martin
    December 31st, 2009
    8:21 am

    Wow, great video’s Tim, I should have made one myself now that I see how well they turned out. Are you going to do this again or is it a one time thing?

  • Steve
    December 31st, 2009
    8:24 am

    I LOVE the motivation that this stuff brings to the table. Should be very interesting to see who win’s but all in all it’s all about the success that can out of hard work and the idea that breaking the habit is the first step.

    Staying disconnected is not easy, and I give David Walsh all the credit in the world for that one.

  • Guillaume
    December 31st, 2009
    8:28 am

    Thank you for sharing everyone! And thank you Tim for putting everything up.
    All these experiences are truly inspirational. I had quite a hard time choosing a favorite. :)

    I’ve often found myself in a place where I knew with confidence what I wanted to do and become, and I was always postponing my plans and procrastinating for reasons (read: excuses) x, y or z. I also believe that it’s something a lot of us experience on a regular basis.

    Between these videos and the Shopify contest, you’re putting up a lot of “Much needed kick in the ass” value for everyone, and that’s just great! Plus I have a feel this might get some very nice bonding going between all of us NRs and NRs wannabes.

    Let’s all make 2010 the best year to date!

    Cheers from France,

    Guillaume

  • venhi
    December 31st, 2009
    9:06 am

    wow..reminds me of trips I took this past year to Boston, Canada, Haiti and Japan..places I had never been to before…your blog has been really motivating me more than usual lately..once again, can’t thank you enough Tim

    In the words of Arsenio Hall: “Let’s. Get. Busy!!” [blogs]

  • Nicola Paolucci
    December 31st, 2009
    9:08 am

    Wonderful, inspiring, moving videos.

    These testimonials make your book’s ideas ever more real and close. They add a totally new dimension to your message and philosophy. Thanks to all of them and may the best win.

    I also very much appreciate that you posted this December 31st. What better “New Year’s resolution” than to promise oneself to stop delaying it, stop the excuses, and start doing like you and these amazing people did!

    You did it again Tim.

    I for one thank you from the bottom of my heart.
    You rock!
    Nick

  • Lyle
    December 31st, 2009
    9:26 am

    Interesting videos, but since I can’t find a way to contact you directly, I found a bug in your blog: while reading an individual post in firefox, if you increase the text size the background disappears. This results in grey text on a black background and makes it hard to read. Bizarrely, the main page doesn’t share this problem.

    • Tim Ferriss
      December 31st, 2009
      1:17 pm

      Hi Lyle,

      I haven’t been able to duplicate this error. Which version of FF are you using?

      Thank you,

      Tim

  • Alex from Montreal
    December 31st, 2009
    9:29 am

    Hi! Wow the videos are amazing and it’s great to see what other people are doing!!! I know the Sound on my video (Alex from Montreal) is horrible, I fixed it if you want to hear better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjXHIyskquU
    Sorry again, I’ll have to learn from my mistakes :).

  • Dave Gold
    December 31st, 2009
    9:35 am

    Four Hour Work Week book on Amazon.com: $11.00

    Testing your “muse”: $250

    Roundtrip plane ticket to Curitaba: $716+

    Inspiring people around the globe to embrace entrepreneurship as a tool for ideal lifestyle design and world change: PRICELESS.

    Kudos, Tim. You’re doing more for the economy and society than any President, Fortune 500 CEO, politician, lawmaker, lobbyist, and the like. Pat yourself on the back and have a stellar New Year’s.

    PS…It was a tough choice, but Brad Kirr gets my vote (above).

  • Ryan Nile
    December 31st, 2009
    9:37 am

    Wow. Can’t wait!

  • Tomas Stonkus
    December 31st, 2009
    9:37 am

    This is AWESOME!

    Cannot wait to make a video like that of my own! I just bought your updated and extended book and I am reading as I write!

    Simply amazing! I know it will change my life!

    Best,
    Tomas

  • John Bardos
    December 31st, 2009
    10:02 am

    Fantastic set of case studies!

    Tim Ferriss deserves phenomenal credit for bringing the idea of lifestyle design to the masses.

    We truly do live in amazing times. This is a world of infinite opportunities and overwhelming abundance. If we choose to live on less we can experience more.

  • Scott
    December 31st, 2009
    10:04 am

    This is the post that clinches it for me, the final shot of confidence and motivation I need. It’s time to make it all happen! Thanks so much.It’s going to be an amazing year.

  • Sarah
    December 31st, 2009
    10:09 am

    I can’t watch these until this evening — still some major tasks to do for year end tax planning. But I will watch everyone of them and vote. In fact, I think I will make it our family evening activity — five kids and a skeptical husband.

    My kids have already been dreaming. I have a plan based on my current business to automate a 7 or 8 figure income. My daughter wrote a story for her (part-time) public school class talking about all the things we are going to do when I reach that goal.

    FOR FUN: for the next 14 hours and 52 minutes, you can buy You Bars from Tim’s Christmas list for 52% off here:

    http://www.groupon.com/r/uu685456

    This free service sends coupons for usually over half off on cool places to eat out and spa stuff, etc., in many of the major US cities — so for those of us who travel a lot as part of our 4HWW, that’s cool!

  • Money Funk
    December 31st, 2009
    10:10 am

    There so many good videos, Tim. Makes it difficult to choose just one!

    But I love seeing just how the 4HWW has changed many of lives. I hope I will soon be one of them. ;)

  • JD Ross
    December 31st, 2009
    10:24 am

    So inspiring! I’m 19 and in school right now, but I’m currently co-running two businesses (one established that’ll earn about 200k this year, and a 2 month old startup that’s on track to clear over 600k in sales this year.)

    From the start I’ve applied a lot of 4HWW techniques so I spend no more than 4 hours per week on both businesses, and I can’t wait to continue to do so. We’re about to get some VAs to do a lot of our research for us, so I’m glad to see how it’s worked out for so many of you!

  • Nadja Specht
    December 31st, 2009
    10:24 am

    Love it!
    Watching videos of people who successfully applied your principles is really inspiring!

  • Michael
    December 31st, 2009
    10:38 am

    All the videos were excellent! All were very inspirational!

  • Mike
    December 31st, 2009
    10:53 am

    WOW… these are all awesome. I’ll reserve my vote until I get a chance to read and watch some more.

  • Tony
    December 31st, 2009
    10:58 am

    Hey,
    although (in my opinion) it is quite utopian in a long term (and especially when you start having a real family with kids, they go to school, etc.), it is a great achievement and good to see that people do what they want with their lives, at least for some time ;). No business is sustainable in a long term, and you don’t stay bachelor for life so either you make it and become retirement independent when you are still young or not. Also, I strongly believe that all these guys would do it w/o your book Tim; it’s not to criticize you – you put the proper label on certain things that people who live similar life to yours do in a way they want; this is brilliant and needed; optimism that comes from you book is worth it; and just in case, I lived in a few countries so far, I have a lot of free time and I do what I love together with love of my life, so – no matter how you do it, and whether you needed this little kick from TF book – as long as you live your life in full, that’s great; Happy New Year life designers!

  • George
    December 31st, 2009
    11:00 am

    Wow. That is awesome! Full of great ideas!

    I can’t wait to find out who the winner is!

  • Oleg Mokhov
    December 31st, 2009
    12:01 pm

    Hey Tim,

    Creating your ideal lifestyle is easier than you think.

    Yes, it requires work.

    Yes, it requires dedication.

    Yes, it requires creating a plan (and sticking to it).

    But, as these case studies (of many, MANY in the world) show, it’s possible. Not just for privileged or gifted people, but for anyone with a desire and work ethic to make it happen.

    No tricks. Just actually doing it. And with time, the ideal lifestyle will come to fruition. For some, it could be faster than others, but living your passion-filled and fulfilling life isn’t a race – it’s something personal.

    The biggest block is simply giving yourself permission to live how you want to. You don’t have to settle, you don’t have to stick to a job you hate “because that’s the way things are.”

    Just knowing the possibilities will get you on the right track. I know it has for me. And I have your book to thank.

    Thanks Tim, for opening up my eyes on how I can live more (like you said, not just work less) and do it on my own terms. I don’t need bucketloads of money or to spend 22 hours a day building a huge business to do the things I want to.

    Looking forward to watching these case studies of fellow unconventional and remarkable people :)

    Best,
    Oleg

  • Neal
    December 31st, 2009
    12:05 pm

    Awesome stuff Tim. Thanks for posting the motivation.

    My vote is for Lee.

  • Ben
    December 31st, 2009
    12:06 pm

    my vote: Chuck Holton (and son)

  • RJ
    December 31st, 2009
    12:36 pm

    These were fantastic! And to choose just one, for me, was really difficult. I went with Maneesh. Great energy!

    “When I first read Tim Ferriss’ book, about 3 days after reading it I bought a ticket to Buenos Aires; why? Well first because I was a little bit drunk…” LOL

    Good stuff and nice to see how he’s helping out less fortunate children with laptops and learning. Giving back is something I want to do more of in 2010.

    I’m now all fired up and off to pick up the new-revised 4HWW…

  • YOMorales
    December 31st, 2009
    1:06 pm

    Thank you Tim, for the book and the motivation you give constantly.

    My small case study: I picked up the book this June 2009 after my wife took a student loan and we both went to England. While I haven’t created a muse yet, the book has motivated me into working from home, doing more with less time, plan a muse, and generally be on the lookout for new ideas, by watching things differently.

    What lies ahead? I plan to finally launch a muse this new year 2010. I have to admit that I have my fear and doubts: things will get in the way, maybe it will be a success or not, etc. But three things are for sure: 1) if I fail the first time, I’m going to try again and again; 2) even if I fail through the whole year, at the end of 2010 I can look back and be proud that I just didn’t sit idle, with hands crossed; and 3) in the end, the experience and principles stay: I still will be applying the stuff that I’ve applied so far. Once you start walking this path, it’s hard to take steps back.

    So again, thank you Tim.

    P.S. I liked the photo of this post for its meaning: “Take the leap”.
    Also, I want to congratulate Chuck Holton. Many of the case studies (including you, Tim) are single people and that surely makes stuff easier for them. But applying the principles in the book when you have a wife and *five* kids, that’s another game.

  • Chris Hughes
    December 31st, 2009
    1:35 pm

    Tim, I love what you have created and allowed for people to accomplish with your book. I’m 22 right now and a college senior. I’ve been building a business for the past 2 and a half years and have been applying outsourcing techniques to help build my business while I was in classes. I’m hoping that upon graduation I will be able to further pursue my passions and enjoy life the way that it is meant to be lived! No more “working for the man” and being a slave to the system for me. I’m waiting for my copy of the new updated version to arrive and I know it will only benefit me.

    Thanks for allowing us to take a part in your life and I can’t wait to share a video about how you’ve helped me to live my dream life(coming soon)

    Thanks again! You rock man.
    -Chris

  • Nathan Jurewicz
    December 31st, 2009
    1:55 pm

    Can’t wait to see the results! Awesome idea Tim! Thanks for making this contest I think I am going to do the exact same thing for my subscribers!

    - Nathan Jurewicz

  • mark duncan
    December 31st, 2009
    2:12 pm

    Good job on the video Nathan, your like one cool and crazy guy, now send the book to me free since I just pluged you, you crazy guy ,> Mark Duncan best regards , you wild and crazy guy ( signed the dead broke unemployed redneck that hates the industrial construction confined super sucking job that I hate,looking for a better way to make it guy, ( Mark D) the voice crying in the wilderness! HELP!

  • Erik
    December 31st, 2009
    2:32 pm

    Great inspirational stuff for the new year! Thanks to you all for putting the possibilities out there! Creative choice has it’s limitations when you’re in that conditioned/mired-in-the-day-to-day-bs state. I have 1 mini-retirement down, many more in the making!

  • Rick
    December 31st, 2009
    2:47 pm

    Hey whats happening Nathan ? Happy New Year to you and yours….CHEERS

  • Jim | AccentHelp
    December 31st, 2009
    2:47 pm

    Thanks so much for this contest and for posting these wide-ranging videos. I’ve been using your ideas for the last year and a half and they’ve helped me to move forward, but it’s been far slower than it should have been… Re-reading your ideas by getting the new edition has kicked me up to a whole new level. (I’m in the midst of getting the new Shopify set-up going at full speed!) I’ve also been able to share your first edition with some friends who were curious about what I’d been reading and working on. This made me realize how amazing it is to have a community of people who are trying to do roughly the same thing–it’s invigorating! And these videos are a great extension of community. They are helping me to keep my mind open, and I hope it will do the same for my friends, as they’ve already been hitting mental blocks, doubting that this is even possible. Thanks for the kick in the ass.

  • Connie B
    December 31st, 2009
    2:53 pm

    I think Nathan Jurewicz is the coolest. He does some of the
    wildest things. Nathan is definitely my choice for the best.

    Connie B.

  • David Walsh
    December 31st, 2009
    3:25 pm

    Wow, after getting a torrent of new book orders in the past 3 hours, I started digging to find out why. Seeing my face among the 15 here explains it all.. Tim, thanks brother and happy 2010.

    There’s some killer videos/entries on here.. definitely take the time to check them all out. Pete tasking his VA to produce an entry for him – brilliant.

    @Steve, getting disconnected is a huge adaptation but totally worthwhile. More face-to-face human interaction, less noise and disruption. Give it a go!

  • Lynda
    December 31st, 2009
    4:06 pm

    Congratulations – these videos are awesome! Can’t help noticing they are a little male-dominated…!
    The Ren-men are energetic and fun – thought they were great – real ‘go hard or go home’ types – love it! They have my vote…!

    • Tim Ferriss
      December 31st, 2009
      4:33 pm

      Hi Lynda,

      Thanks so much for both the comment and the video submission! Others should check it out here:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKSDwwNNKZQ

      I agree that it’s male-dominated. There were only a few female submissions, even though I know of many women out there applying the principles (also in the last post). I wonder why that is? Any hypotheses? Do you think it’s because more men are eager to share, more men are testing muses, or other? I honestly don’t know.

      Plenty of women send me and my assistant email case studies, but it seems they’re less likely to share publicly. I wish that weren’t the case :)

      Warm regards,

      Tim

  • Paul K
    December 31st, 2009
    4:26 pm

    Great, just great. Now I’m totally screwed!

    Reading the new edition, watching these videos. I just don’t know what to do with myself.

    No, that’s not true, I know *exactly* what to do with myself.

    The motivation to actually follow through on the dreams I’ve had for years is what 2010 is all about.

    Thank you, Tim, for helping show the way to do this.

    Next year I’m moving back to Japan, starting 2 new businesses and then using all the free time I’m quickly discovering I have to travel.

    Is it easy? I think that all depends on what you consider to be easy. Is sticking to the same job for another 30 years easy? I don’t think it’s nearly as easy as working a bit harder for a few months to never have to work so hard ever again.

  • Nathan Jurewicz
    December 31st, 2009
    4:27 pm

    I’m taking over your blog Tim lol jk

  • Mike Masters
    December 31st, 2009
    4:56 pm

    Thanks Tim!
    Watching all of these videos was quite an inspiration. I too am following your advice and slowly cutting the bonds of traditional employment.
    I think that biggest thing that I learned from all of these videos is that I am not thinking big enough. I seem to be limiting myself, I keep thinking that I need to have small successes before I can have a big one.
    I need to leap frog this way of thinking, any suggestions?

  • Lynda
    December 31st, 2009
    4:56 pm

    oops! Thanks for the comment Tim – and the link – yikes! NZ’ers are a typically self-effacing bunch so when the contest was over I took my video down – as it required a bit of ‘discomfort’ to put it up in the first place – and breathed a sign of relief! However, now that you have linked I better put it back up! Here tis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cF75JjyRpw

    I think the lack of girls thing is just a case of ‘like attracting like’ – meaning that you Tim, are likely to attract males of a similar age and stage as an audience ‘cos they can relate to you. Nothing more complicated than that I wouldn’t think…

    This has been lots of fun – thanks for the inspiration…Lynda.

  • Doug C
    December 31st, 2009
    5:43 pm

    I just watched all the video’s twice and they are outstanding and inspirational, and a great way to end 2009

    2010 is going to be my year, I have read both editions of your book and implemented many of the tips, i.e. I have been in Canada, the USA, Panama and Colombia all this month (well, ok, my wife is from Colombia and I am from Canada, but still, not a bad start!), and I have negotiated Friday’s as work from home days. But now its time to kick it up to the next level.

    Thanks for all the great ideas and inspiration! Happy New Year.

  • Charlie
    December 31st, 2009
    6:28 pm

    Tim – This is a terrific way to start 2010… so inspirational.

    Something else about about Pete that he didn’t mention in his video.

    He gives up 30 days every August to to put on the ‘Thirty Day Challenge’ and share everything they know about marketing online – and they do it all for free. I think it’s a great additional resource for the 4HWW, and takes a lot of their time (and money) to make happen.

    I know your book is more about creating a muse so you can spend 90% of your time on vacation; and that’s not the route Pete has taken, as he is one of the hardest working people I know of – BUT this guy is a real inspiration. I don’t know of many other people who just seem to ‘do everything’, but I guess it’s your principles that allow him to fit so much into his week.

    Thanks again Tim.

    Best of luck in 2010 – i’m working hard to implement everything… there is just so much to do.

    • Tim Ferriss
      December 31st, 2009
      7:10 pm

      Hi Charlie,

      Thanks for the additional info on Pete. I hope to meet him sometime in 2010. Seems like a great guy all around. I would, however, correct your statement. You wrote that my book is most about “creating a muse so you can spend 90% of your time on vacation”.

      This isn’t the case. The stated objective of the muse chapters is to create a muse so you can spend time on what’s exciting and important to you. It’s highly personal. For some, it’s traveling; for some, it’s family; for some, it’s putting new businesses into hyperspeed or going for the big exit. All fair play.

      Happy new year :)

      Tim

  • Live Fire with Chuck Holton » Vote For Me!
    December 31st, 2009
    6:41 pm

    [...] – an island in the Mediterranean. If you don’t mind, please take a second and visit this link and vote for my video. Mason and I would really appreciate it! Thanks, and may 2010 be your best [...]

  • Charlie
    December 31st, 2009
    6:45 pm

    Oh yeah.. Pete and the gang have also raised over $27,000 USD for KIVA via the Thirty Day Challenge in the past 3 years.

  • Maverick Wil
    December 31st, 2009
    8:15 pm

    Thanks Tim! Absolutely great timing on the videos as I’m preparing to launch one of my muses. It’s New Years morning where I’m at and I’m super pumped.

    My vote goes out to Maneesh. Your video cracked me up and it looks like you have more like a 1 minute work week! I definitely have to get in touch with you.

    The best thing I’ve got from these case studies is how fast everyone has implemented the 4HWW principles into their lives and made it work. I picked up the book in 2008 around the time I was making some personal changes to the way I did things but for the most part procrastinated a lot throughout 2009. Re-reading the new expanded version, I’m going for gold in 2010.

    Happy New Year everyone! If you haven’t gone the 4HWW way yet, let’s make it happen.

  • Susan
    December 31st, 2009
    8:16 pm

    I read 4HWW when it first came out and although I thought it was an interesting read, I didn’t get it. I thought Tim came across as a bit of a jerk and I thought the whole thing was unrealistic–”What right does this guy have to not work, and get people in third world countries to do all his dirty work?” I pretty much forgot about it–except for the blog, which I find entertaining and returned to once in a while.

    But lately I’ve been thinking about starting a business, so I re-read the book, because I remembered he had some good tips on that. OMG–it is finally sinking in! This is not just a fad or something that worked for a quirky guy like Tim–this is a revolution in world commerce. Granted, Tim didn’t start the revolution. Outsourcing and the internet have been happening for a while. What I see that Tim adds to this is the ability to step back and propose answers to the questions: What is work? Why do we do it? How do we REALLY want to live our lives? And–he gives us a step-by-step handbook for creating a 21st-century business! Never before in history have we had such easy access to information, expertise, and tools to make entrepreneurship a reality–but beyond that, to redefine entrpreneurship and what it means to be rich.

    It’s all still gelling–so many muse ideas. These videos are just great. Thanks Tim, and thanks to everyone who shared their story.

  • Dan Ziolkowski
    December 31st, 2009
    8:26 pm

    I vote for Nathan….He’s Outrageous !!!…

  • Victoria Graham
    December 31st, 2009
    10:35 pm

    First, I vote for Nathan-he’s become such a master of wild and zanny videos.
    As for ordering the book… Amazon will not allow me to order the new edition, only the older one. Very frustrating!!!
    So if you know of a way to order the Dec, 2009 edition please let me know and I’ll buy it tout suite!

    V

  • Karmen
    December 31st, 2009
    10:42 pm

    I am kind of sad because the audio on this site is not working and when I click on the you tube video posted by Tim it says the video was removed by the user but I am able to hear the audio when I go to you tube and type in case studies for 4hww I love the book it is very inspiring and life changing

    Blessings and Light

    Karmen

  • Yadgyu
    December 31st, 2009
    11:08 pm

    I am on the way to fulfilling my life’s dream of becoming a successful musician. I would like to thank Tim Ferriss and his insight for inspiring me. Life is about to become 1,000 times more easy and fun.

  • Doc Kane
    December 31st, 2009
    11:41 pm

    Tim, et. al!

    Have a truly wonderful, and blessed 2010 and beyond! Our lives are what we make of it, and our families and friends help fuel our success and happiness! Special thanks to each of you who have shared your insights to a life FULL of life…

    To you and yours at the start of the new decade!

    Cheers,
    Doc

  • Mitch
    January 1st, 2010
    5:50 am

    Tim,

    I’m in Iraq (Army Officer) and have a very limited download capability but I am burning thru it fast watching these great videos! I voted for the Ren Men show contribution but was very much torn as I really appreciated seeing M Sethi’s entire system! (I would have liked to have gotten an idea of how much his system nets him each month)

    I think its time to expand the 4HWW from print and audio to a full video presentation. Use the 4HWW to build a framework to present these and other user provided videos. Hmmm maybe I just found MY muse?

  • Hugh Hoyle
    January 1st, 2010
    7:27 am

    Chuck Holton’s concepts are simply and practically awesome. I visited his home in Panama and an the US. He is walking the talk.

  • Richard Shelmerdine
    January 1st, 2010
    8:03 am

    Wow this has to be one of your best informational posts. I’m gonna watch all the videos. Great post Tim.

  • cate
    January 1st, 2010
    8:19 am

    Simple: I voted for the guy who did it with (a wife, i guess, and) kids! Hero!

  • Eilis Mernagh
    January 1st, 2010
    9:18 am

    First of all, thanks for these examples – they’re fantastic! I especially love Alex Climent’s video about the short movie – I’m a screenwriter myself and hoping to produce a short in 2010 so that was really inspirational.

    Regarding why more women haven’t put themselves forward as examples, I’m a female screenwriter and as such, very much in the minority. Screenwriting and playwriting are totally male dominated, and I think it’s because they require a lot of self-promotion, something a lot of women clearly find hard.

    Time to lose the modesty ladies – we only get one shot and it’s the things we don’t do that we tend to regret….

  • Archie
    January 1st, 2010
    9:53 am

    All of these guys are just amazing! Its going to be a tough choice of deciding who to vote for!

  • Steve from Texas
    January 1st, 2010
    10:31 am

    Great stuff, except for Chuck Holton. Is he for real?

  • Eric Pugh
    January 1st, 2010
    10:52 am

    Tim,

    You have inspired me beyond measure. These videos only cement that inspiration. I hope you do something like this annually because it is simply awesome.

    I’ve read both books and have either given copies or recommended them to hundreds of people. Thank you for the eye-opening philosophies as I am hell-bent on executing them to live a richer life, and to show my kids how they can live up to their own true potential (not society’s version of their potential).

    Have an amazing 2010, and thank you.

    EP

    ps – i voted for the renmen, Nathan and Lee were a close 2nd & 3rd

  • Rick Kirschbrown
    January 1st, 2010
    11:39 am

    The 4-Hour Workweek is the E-Myth on steroids …

  • Leon
    January 1st, 2010
    12:23 pm

    Nathan I think your sales pitch is totally cool. I like the light saber action in the video.

  • Jennifer
    January 1st, 2010
    1:13 pm

    I vote for Chuck- part of understanding something is teaching it to your kids. He seems to get that. Very cool.

  • Ed Ruffin
    January 1st, 2010
    1:29 pm

    I vote for Chuck Holton

  • Tyron S.
    January 1st, 2010
    2:55 pm

    Anyone who can find a VA who can hook him up with playboy party tickets gets my vote ;)

    Where can I find a VA who can hook me up with that kind of swag.

    Tim, where was that in the book?

  • Nathan Jurewicz
    January 1st, 2010
    3:27 pm

    Thanks Leon!
    I actually made a mini Star Wars spoof about 4 months ago that was a trailer for a product that I launched. See the rest of the spoof here… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bLiT6Gl0dE It was hilarious, alot of work and fun to make!

    - Nathan Jurewicz

  • Anonymous
    January 1st, 2010
    3:49 pm

    Hello. I was wondering if it is appropriate and legal for an individual who is competing in your video contest to be soliciting votes from the members of a message board he owns?

    He is not even asking the members to view all the videos and vote for the best one but is arbitrarily asking the members to vote for his video……without viewing any of the others.

    Personally, I think it unfair to the other entrants.

    http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/announcement.php?f=11

  • Allen
    January 1st, 2010
    4:05 pm

    Any chance at another year in review post?

  • Callie Welch
    January 1st, 2010
    4:21 pm

    I vote for Chuck and his family! Nothing better than learning solid principles and teaching them to your children.

  • Claudia
    January 1st, 2010
    4:24 pm

    Gary has my vote! Awesome!!

  • Tammi
    January 1st, 2010
    4:52 pm

    I vote for Chuck Holton’s Video!

  • Chuck Holton
    January 1st, 2010
    5:03 pm

    I’m surprised nobody has congratulated Tim on coming up with a contest like this. It’s brilliant.

    Book trailer videos usually cost between $2,000 and $4,000, and that is just for the product – it doesn’t guarantee anyone will watch the thing.

    So for more or less the same amount of money, Tim’s found a way to get dozens of promo videos and have them seen by tens of thousands of people – all of which are getting personal recommendations from a friend.

    Sheer genius. I can’t wait to try this with my next book launch.

    Kudos, Mr. Ferriss!

  • Bruce.d.Stewart
    January 1st, 2010
    5:24 pm

    I voted for Pete great use of time outsourcing

  • Bobby Buff
    January 1st, 2010
    5:30 pm

    I vote for Chuck Holton

  • jeff S
    January 1st, 2010
    5:30 pm

    I vote for chuck

  • Jay
    January 1st, 2010
    5:36 pm

    Pure inspiration! I vote for Chuck.

  • Sharna
    January 1st, 2010
    5:44 pm

    All of these videos are fantastic & insprirational! Awesome idea. My vote goes to Dane Low!!

  • theabsolutenorm
    January 1st, 2010
    5:55 pm

    TO: Tim or any other business gurus out there.

    4HWW has taught me a lot about how to automate life and work, but one thing still eludes me and that is: How do you automate lead generation/new client business?

    Any answers to this would help tons!

    Cheers and a Happy New Year!

  • Dr. John J.
    January 1st, 2010
    6:58 pm

    I watched all of the videos yesterday and voted for Chuck Holton. Many of the entries were excellent and inspiring. Maneesh Sethi was good and hilarious. But it takes a special person with guts to implement the 4HWW principles and redesign your life when you have a wife and kids. So, Chuck gets my vote.

    Please keep the videos coming in future posts.

    Dr. John

  • Mary
    January 1st, 2010
    7:30 pm

    This is for Nathan:

    My cousin and I were watching your video (great job!) and we want to know: which came first, the hair or the Snuggie?

  • Brian
    January 1st, 2010
    7:49 pm

    I chose the “The World’s Best Fruit” simply because this was probably the rawest of examples. This couple clearly got inspired by this book and started out from scratch and achieved success. All the others are inspiring, but none as inspiring as The World’s Best Fruit–this success story makes you want to read the book again.

    Second and third runner-up were Misner and Holton respectively. It was a tough choice between these 3 but The World’s Best Fruit just seemed to be the rawest of examples….

  • Mary
    January 1st, 2010
    7:55 pm

    Tim,

    Chuck is right, you should be proud. After seeing the videos, I told my cousin that you should be on top of the world. You have made a HUGE difference in many lives. I would have sent a video, but I’m not quite there yet. I bought a home care franchise before I read your book. I was not able to adapt it. Home office did not like absentee owners. They actually called my staff to ask how often I was in the office! So I got rid of it, am currently working on a muse and moving to Italy next month to study Italian cooking. Thanks Tim!

  • Nathan Jurewicz
    January 1st, 2010
    7:56 pm

    Thanks Mary! Actually the snuggie inspired the hair. I also have a Leopard skin Snuggie and I have had a leopard skin haircut thanks!

    As for the comment from “Anonymous”,
    You need to go back and read chapter 2 of Tim’s book “Beating the Game, Not Playing the Game”. Tim won a Chinese Kickboxing championship using Dehydration techniques to get weigh in at 165lbs then bulke back up to 193lbs and then just simply pushed people out of the ring and won by default. He simply read the rules and found a loop hole!

    Exact words from book… “But , isn’t pushing people out of the ring pushing boundaries of ethics? Not at all – it’s not more than doing the uncommon within the rules. The important distinction is that between official rules and self-imposed rules.”

    I think Tim would probably agree the same with this contest. The rules didn’t say you couldn’t do anything to improve your vote score by asking people to vote for you. That’s just the great competition of life and if you don’t use every competitive advantage with the available resources available to you (like for example starting a blog with a ton of traffic use to your advantage), then your probably going to get passed up in life in more ways than one.

    - Nathan Jurewicz

  • David Fideler
    January 1st, 2010
    8:01 pm

    I watched them all and there are so many good ones it was impossible to vote — but I voted for Maneesh because he was sort of the archetypal 4HWW case study! And very fun to boot.

    The other great ones were Gary Misener and “The World’s Best Fruit,” plus a couple more.

    Chuck’s case study was good in many ways, but there was no concrete information on how he generated income, so that was a major shortcoming.

    This was a brilliant idea and all of the video case studies were inspirational!

    David

  • G.E.
    January 1st, 2010
    9:28 pm

    Me ,,,Myself…and I vote for…

    Chuck Holton

  • Bob Kriese
    January 1st, 2010
    9:39 pm

    My vote is for Maneesh — his use of outsourcing is amazing. And I love that he is teaching in India with his spare time.

  • Josh
    January 1st, 2010
    10:15 pm

    Tim,

    It’s hard to even begin describing how motivating not only the videos are, but also these comments as well. I have learned so much from the book last year (2008) and the blog this year (2009), that it’s almost unbelievable that I find myself where I am today in my thought-process as opposed to a year ago.

    This group of videos is highly, highly, HIGHLY motivating. I’ve saved this page as the go-to spot when I start seeing myself as “the fat guy in the red BMW” as you’ve put it. What an awesome community!

    Not only the videos but again, all those who have commented as well throughout the year have made a huge impact on my life. Thanks to this blog and the 4HWW book, I now have learned from (whether by book or blog) Ramit Sethi, Seth Godin, Neil Strauss, David Walsh, Cody McKibben, Pam Slim, Cali Ressler & Jody Thompson (the ROWE team), Gary Vee, and a host of others. I have learned more ACTIONABLE things (knowledge that has led directly to an outpouring of physical changes and improvements) this past year than possibly any other time in my life. To this group and to you Tim, I am extremely grateful!

    That being said, a simple “thanks” seems like a cheap way to express my gratitude, but as English is my best language (for now, with 1 or 2 newbies coming in 2010…thanks again to TIm’s methods of language learning), it’s all I can do for now. Maybe the best way I can thank Tim is to duplicate, innovate, and implement the results and methods seen here in these videos and in the new version of the book.

    Thanks to everyone who is a part of this community, and to Tim for helping to show the way!

    Cheers to a brand new decade of lifestyle design!

    Josh

    P.S. – I am more than excited to get in touch with anyone from these videos or comments to connect with and learn from over the next few months! (@josh_crocker on Twitter) Thanks again…SO much!!! :)

  • Tracy
    January 1st, 2010
    10:32 pm

    I vote for Chuck Horton!

  • Jay B.
    January 1st, 2010
    10:33 pm

    I vote for Chuck Holton.

  • SB
    January 1st, 2010
    11:12 pm

    Hello, all –

    I discovered Tim on TED tonight and it’s just in the nick of time! I’m wondering if anyone has advice: I have a horrible fear of exams because I failed a 4-5 during grad school before I got my LD diagnosis, since then I’ve done ok.

    Now I have a licensing exam that should be simple in three weeks. I’ve already put if off 3 times and I’m out of time. I can’t seem to make myself study unless someone else is in the room with me, it’s that scary for me! I know from Tim’s video that I’m supposed to do the things I fear, but part of me wonders if I just don’t want to practice after all, if that’s why I’m stalling.

    I’m going to B&N tomorrow to pick up the book (which might be a form of avoiding the anxiety of studying, but whatever), but any advice from you pros at attacking scary things would be very helpful.

    I’m all for the 4 hour work week, let me tell you. My training has been killer. =)

    ~S

  • Katherine Chalmers
    January 1st, 2010
    11:30 pm

    Tim,

    You’re right about women being reticent to share. Although I’ve used many of the principles in your books to completely change my life this year, I didn’t think my accomplishments would be interesting enough for people to want to watch a video about them. I simply quit a job I loved (at a Gartner Cool Vendor company) to take a leap of faith and start a new software company with a schedule that allows me to spend every afternoon with my two young toddlers. I work with both a US development team and an Indian development team and our first application will be launching in a few weeks.

    I didn’t go to Thailand or take a few months off. I haven’t learned any new languages. I haven’t yet automated enough work to get to the gym every day. But, when schools close or my child gets sick, I no longer endure the frenetic scramble to find a last-minute babysitter or have to tag team work hours with my husband. I pick the kids up every day at 3:15 instead of 6:30. On nice days, we go to the park and/or get ice cream or play with the girls next door. When it rains, we watch Sesame Street or color or do puzzles. The extra few hours a day is a treasure. I’m no longer missing their precious toddlerhood stuck in an office whether I’m busy or not. And I’m so very proud of the new app my teams and I have built. I hope it will help other people add a few more precious hours to their lives too.

    This is not a flashy, exciting success story with exotic travel footage worthy of a video entry, but I’m very, very happy. Thanks so much for your wonderful book. I’m sure lots of other women have also put it to good use even if they aren’t submitting videos either.

  • Avery
    January 1st, 2010
    11:36 pm

    All the comments about women not participating publicly just gave me my own smack upside the head moment – don’t overestimate the competition.

    I got the book the summer of 2007 – I was in massive debt, 100 lbs overweight, on customer service duty for a cage of my own creation 22 hours a day, friendless and about ready to throw in the towel. I radically changed nearly every aspect of my life – I found US-based people to outsource my problematic customer service issues to cheaply (and everything else I could think of), I moved to a new city, I pursued hobbies and made new friends, I cleaned up my spending, then stumbled across renting my real estate resources by the night for 5x what I would make renting them monthly. Now my business runs on its own, I’ve paid off nearly $15k of credit card debt, my real estate pays for itself, I have friends and a boyfriend and..well, I’ve only lost 15 lbs, but it’s a start, and the product of major lifestyle changes.

    I started from -50 and made it to about 50. The 0 to 100 stories are totally inspirational, but I made the mistake (probably like lots of women who did a lot better than I did) of assuming that my story wasn’t worth putting in the ring. What’d you tell the kids at Princeton? You’re probably better than you think you are.

    The second edition and the videos were exceptionally well timed. I look forward to going the distance in 2010!

    -Avery

  • cebenz
    January 2nd, 2010
    1:42 am

    WOW. Simply amazing. Damn you Tim. Such good videos. It’s hard to pick just one. At least I have a few hours to mull it over.

    As far as why there weren’t more entries from women, my hypothesis is that, as a general rule, women seem to be less secure with their bodies and more hesitant to “put themselves out there” so to speak. I see it frequently in the bartending classes that I teach.

    And is Pete the one responsible for Market Samurai?

  • Tom Stannard
    January 2nd, 2010
    3:29 am

    Chuck Holton gets my vote

  • Pete Williams
    January 2nd, 2010
    3:31 am

    @cebenz No, Market Samurai is not mine. That’s the brainchild of Eugene Ware, Brent Hodgson, Rob Sommerville and a few other ubber smart online marketers from the ’30DC world’ – I wish it was mine ;)

    @CharlieJones Thanks for the support man.

    @Tim I’m going to take you up on that offer and catch up when I am state side next ;)

  • Mikey
    January 2nd, 2010
    7:06 am

    Absolutely Awesome. I’m voting for the first dude. Honest and heartfelt 22 year old. Painting motor cycles and skateboarding and going to Italy. Maybe I just relate to him more. I relate less with those and am less inspired by those who are making money but are “over worked”. I just don’t have any money so for me it’s all about muse creation, automation, then destination. Thanks again.

  • Rodolfo
    January 2nd, 2010
    7:10 am

    Chuck Holton’s video contained no real information and the videos of folks just talking into the camera were boring.

    Had to go with the World’s best fruit..lots of info presented in a lively, engaging way.

  • Chris
    January 2nd, 2010
    7:41 am

    Hey Gary… man, I wish I had the time to skate like I did when I was 15. I absolutely forgot to add skateboarding to add to my list of things to do, its on there now. Great video.

  • paul prudowe
    January 2nd, 2010
    8:07 am

    I thought you guys should know that Chuck holten runns a large website and posted a “sticky” post that shows on top that requests members of his board to go here and vote for him- not exactly fair I don’t think… Likely other finalists may also think bringing in tens of thousands of folks may be unfair….

    here is the link

    http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/announcement.php?f=12

  • Chuck Holton
    January 2nd, 2010
    8:09 am

    David Fideler said: “Chuck’s case study was good in many ways, but there was no concrete information on how he generated income, so that was a major shortcoming.”

    I could write my own book about the journey that took me from harried stockbroker to where I am now. It was hard to get into it too deeply in the 5 minutes given.

    But here’s a little more info: I use concepts learned from the brokerage business – diversification and leveraging. I try to develop as many income streams as possible – even if they are only fifty bucks a month. Some are completely passive, some are semi-passive and some require consistent work, but I find the time to manage all of them by a practice I call “dovetailing.” That is, finding ways to work once and get paid twice or three times for the same job.

    Example: I went to Afghanistan for the month of September as an embedded journalist. While there, I shot video that became new stories on CBN. I shot photos that will appear in my next nonfiction book, and my son can use the footage after I’m done with it in his stock-footage business. So work once, get paid three times.

    As a writer (I have seven books in print) I’ve found that my lifestyle experiments (like moving to Panama for a year) are all fodder for another book. As Tim knows, part of the price of being a writer is having your life be transparent enough so that people can learn from your struggles.

    So here are some more examples of ways we’ve found to make money – I hope by putting them up here, others will be spurred to change their lives in 2010.

    Real estate rentals – not just renting to people – we also rent pasture to folks who need a place to keep their horses.

    micro-loans to Panamanians – it’s amazing how profitable it can be to provide capital to help put people to work.

    Expeditions – I’m an adventurer, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG6wlusxBuw) and have found that I can get companies to sponsor these adventures and make money by writing about them. It’s also awesome to take my kids along, when possible.

    Writing magazine articles, then compiling some of them for later use in books.

    Geo-arbitrage – get Tim’s book for more info about that. But it has changed our lives.

    ad revenue from my websites, the largest of which exists to help people share knowledge about simple/sustainable living practices. (homesteadingtoday.com)

    Freelance video production (lets me work from home, and, as much as possible, take the kids along when I travel.)

    The bottom line is that I don’t want to do anything that doesn’t give me the chance to pour into my kids lives on some level. When they are grown and gone, I’ll be able to go make all the money I want. But for this TINY window of time, I have a chance to give five children lives that most kids couldn’t even imagine. And THAT is what I’m talking about.

    • Tim Ferriss
      January 3rd, 2010
      12:56 am

      Just to restate for emphasis, as this was a common question. From Chuck:

      David Fideler said: “Chuck’s case study was good in many ways, but there was no concrete information on how he generated income, so that was a major shortcoming.”

      I could write my own book about the journey that took me from harried stockbroker to where I am now. It was hard to get into it too deeply in the 5 minutes given.

      But here’s a little more info: I use concepts learned from the brokerage business – diversification and leveraging. I try to develop as many income streams as possible – even if they are only fifty bucks a month. Some are completely passive, some are semi-passive and some require consistent work, but I find the time to manage all of them by a practice I call “dovetailing.” That is, finding ways to work once and get paid twice or three times for the same job.

      Example: I went to Afghanistan for the month of September as an embedded journalist. While there, I shot video that became new stories on CBN. I shot photos that will appear in my next nonfiction book, and my son can use the footage after I’m done with it in his stock-footage business. So work once, get paid three times.

      As a writer (I have seven books in print) I’ve found that my lifestyle experiments (like moving to Panama for a year) are all fodder for another book. As Tim knows, part of the price of being a writer is having your life be transparent enough so that people can learn from your struggles.

      So here are some more examples of ways we’ve found to make money – I hope by putting them up here, others will be spurred to change their lives in 2010.

      Real estate rentals – not just renting to people – we also rent pasture to folks who need a place to keep their horses.

      micro-loans to Panamanians – it’s amazing how profitable it can be to provide capital to help put people to work.

      Expeditions – I’m an adventurer, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG6wlusxBuw) and have found that I can get companies to sponsor these adventures and make money by writing about them. It’s also awesome to take my kids along, when possible.

      Writing magazine articles, then compiling some of them for later use in books.

      Geo-arbitrage – get Tim’s book for more info about that. But it has changed our lives.

      ad revenue from my websites, the largest of which exists to help people share knowledge about simple/sustainable living practices. (homesteadingtoday.com)

      Freelance video production (lets me work from home, and, as much as possible, take the kids along when I travel.)

      The bottom line is that I don’t want to do anything that doesn’t give me the chance to pour into my kids lives on some level. When they are grown and gone, I’ll be able to go make all the money I want. But for this TINY window of time, I have a chance to give five children lives that most kids couldn’t even imagine. And THAT is what I’m talking about.

  • Ki'une
    January 2nd, 2010
    8:35 am

    It’s too late to make a 4HWW Case Study submission, but I really want to share my muse, Tim. I think you’ll really like it:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJew4fxHl1U

  • Ryan Nile
    January 2nd, 2010
    8:59 am

    All brilliant videos, really well done guys.

    I voted for David as what he’s done is very in line with my situation, I really liked Maneesh’s video and what Chuck has done is awesome, I’m gonna implement the same thing with my (future) kids!

    Awesome!

  • majik
    January 2nd, 2010
    9:05 am

    Chuck! An inspiration to all of us to take real control of ourlives in an imaginative way.

  • Lisa
    January 2nd, 2010
    9:24 am

    This was a lot of fun to watch, and very inspirational. It has been about a year since I first read the 4HWW, and I just got the revised edition (I also gave it as a gift to my business partner). I’m finally ready to act – for some of us it takes longer to get off our butts. This year is extraction year! I started writing about it on a new blog – let’s see if I can keep this up. I have noticed that many of the proponents and practitioners of lifestyle design seem to be male – I would be happy to be proven wrong – so I’m trying to explore it from a woman’s perspective.

    Thanks again Tim and all of the entrants – this is a great way to start 2010.

  • Paddy McCay
    January 2nd, 2010
    10:25 am

    Hey Tim,

    Love all the videos, each was hugely inspirational and it’s really difficult to just vote for one. People out there have used the 4HWW teachings and have done some amazing stuff!

    Great stuff, I’m loving the 4HWW culture!!

    Cheers,

    Paddy

  • Ken
    January 2nd, 2010
    10:29 am

    These videos were the missing link for me in the FHWW process. I wanted to real testimonials from people living the lifestyle. I’m loving the new edition of FHWW. This is the year I put all the pieces together!

  • Zachary Smith
    January 2nd, 2010
    10:46 am

    After 10 years and more than 10,000 hours of professional experience I was really good at programming computers. But it wasn’t me. I sold everything and moved to Siberia. That was 3 years ago.
    I tried many of the techniques outlined in the book, but I ended up getting ripped off, screwed over, stolen from, stepped on, and otherwise abused by pretty much everyone I tried to hire.
    My latest attempt was to hire a man from Pakistan to write an E-Book about uploading files with PHP. I found him on odesk.com, and he had top ratings and great feedback. He talked the talk, so I gave him a shot. Result? He stole a number of blog articles, munged them into a PDF and passed it off as his own. He had my $$ before I realized what he’d done.
    I found the same types of underhanded, shady and/or useless things being done as common practice in my attempts at using VAs, freelancers, and other similar services. I am always amazed to see stories like the ones in this article; I’ve put in the time and effort and I’m never afraid to throw down and do some dirty nasty hard work to get things done. But seriously, I’ve come up short enough that I don’t think that what you’ve got in this book is the whole story on the success stories you’re selling.

  • The Worlds Best Fruit
    January 2nd, 2010
    10:55 am

    Tim – Thanks! This feels great and overwhelming at the same time. I am honored. Each one of these examples have given me some ideas. I love the Ren Men’s energy and am happy to have found their show as another resource to stay plugged in. Chuck – you’re an inspiration. Taking this to the next level when we decide to start a family is a worry in the back of my mind. I’m looking to follow more people with stories like yours.

    I figured it would help if I told some of you about who I am and share my goals so you’d have a better idea of WHO you’re voting for if you’ve narrowed your selection down to me. And since a goal of mine for 2010 was to start a blog, I decided I might as well start the new year off right so you can find this info here if you’re interested. http://theworldsbestfruit.posterous.com/

    And Brian – Thanks for the comment. That was pretty cool to see.

  • SMS
    January 2nd, 2010
    11:16 am

    I vote for Chuck Holton’s video

  • Tracy R
    January 2nd, 2010
    11:37 am

    What a brilliant way to publicize your book, Mr Ferriss! I watched, I voted, and then I went to Amazon and bought. My vote went to the person who sent me to the site, not because he asked for my vote, but because he walks the walk in addition to talking the talk, and led me here and to a resource that will help me, I hope, in my own journey.

  • siro perez
    January 2nd, 2010
    11:44 am

    I discovered Tim thanks my son Tito. I’m starting again. All the videos were excellent, but I vote for Chuck Holton Video. Pure Inspitarion.
    Remeber everybody: “Believe in yourself” is the way

  • Travis
    January 2nd, 2010
    11:46 am

    I vote for CHUCK HOLTON’S VIDEO

  • Jonathan Butterworth
    January 2nd, 2010
    11:59 am

    Great videos!

    Every one of them is motivating. I have already read your book twice and after watching these vids I will have to read it again.

  • gary junior
    January 2nd, 2010
    12:00 pm

    SKATEBOARDING IS A GREAT WAY OF LETTING OUT YOUR CREATIVITY IN A POSITIVE WAY . GET TO IT!

  • David Siteman Garland
    January 2nd, 2010
    4:17 pm

    Tim -

    Congrats on yet another successful launch and love the interactive and social components to this post and others involving the community.

    You are setting the example and precedent for authors of the future looking to go way beyond just putting words on paper.

    Cheers,
    David

  • Sharon S.
    January 2nd, 2010
    4:20 pm

    I vote for Chuck Holton!

  • Short Sale Pat
    January 2nd, 2010
    5:19 pm

    I vote for Nathan Jurewicz aka “The Short Sale Kid”

  • Brittany
    January 2nd, 2010
    5:26 pm

    Incredibly inspirational! My vote goes to Dane Low.

  • Anthony De Rosa
    January 2nd, 2010
    5:32 pm

    I just picked up your revised 4-hour work week, began reading it on the plane on the way to spend the holidays with my family. I then gave the book to my Dad to read and bought another copy on my Kindle to finish the rest.

    This post is maybe the best inspiration anyone could have to get the book. It provides real practical and proven testimonials from real people who got tremendous value from what you describe in the book.

    I imagine this might be the most effective tool you’ve ever created for selling your book!

    Keep up the great work, you earned yourself a lifelong friend.

  • John Fawkes
    January 2nd, 2010
    6:21 pm

    Man, it’s really hard to pick one. I can see two good criteria for narrowing it down though. A good video should give some specifics about what was done by the contestant, as opposed to “I followed Tim’s advice and got the results he promises.” I also like what you said about the first video; the best ones say something about the cool stuff people do with their newfound time and money. To add to your comment, it IS about working less because you need to to survive. Working because you want to is a different story. And speaking of philanthropy, I would love to see more blog posts about it. Most of the charities I have worked with have been poorly run, inefficient and without clear direction. Once I become rich and free, I’d love to give back to the world, but I want to do so in an effective way, and not merely put in time and money so I can pat myself on the back.

  • soultravelers3
    January 2nd, 2010
    7:17 pm

    Absolutely brilliant! Fantastic idea on Tim’s part and wonderful videos and stories to motivate more people to the endless possibilities in this fast growing trend thanks to 4HWW!

    I adore all this inspiration! Tim Ferriss, thank you so much for what you do and how many people you touch and move!

    I must say though, I am a little sad not to see more women, more families and more age range. Your book & blog inspire more than just men of a certain age!

    We are beyond thrilled that we are one of the case studies in the new expanded 4HWW & we are a family traveling the world non stop, on an open ended world tour since 2006!

    Unlike someone who mentioned in the comments that it could not be done once these men were married and had families, I am here to validate that it not only can be done, but might also be the most rewarding way to do marriage and family and probably the best possible education for future 21st century global citizens!

    In 4HWW, Tim, you have ignited the world to a dream lifestyle that few knew was possible & that (combined with fast moving tech advances & an economy reset), has started the digital nomad/ location independent/freedom trend that grows exponentially every day!

    It will be one of the biggest trends in the next decade! They also predict 60% 0f all schools will be virtual by the end of the decade. Travel, school, work for MANY people will look very different in 10 years, so some of us are “pioneering” the new ways & possibilities!

    I did think about entering this competition, but putting together the kind of video we would like to do just seemed to be too much to add to our family holiday time. We have traveled over 175,000 miles (most overland) to 4 continents, 32 countries since we left in 2006 & taken over 200 hours of videos and 75,000 pictures, so just organizing that for a fun, creative video was too much for us right now.

    I had a bike wreck on the Danube last August & became a bionic woman via surgery to my right dominant arm due to a severe broken bone & that has left my arm & hand totally paralyzed. Thankfully, temporarily, but severed nerves heal very slowly, so we can’t take on anything extra as one handed peck typing is life in the slow lane. ;) Nothing stops us, but this slowed us a bit.

    We are Youtube Partners though & have had several viral videos. Our very 1st one went viral, so I think it “talks” to the 70% of families that dream about extended travel, inspires many of every age & gives hope to women who love freedom and travel, but fear they must give that up when they have a child.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn9rDTZj-m4

    YES! Families can and DO live the 4HWW dream too! ;)

    • Tim Ferriss
      January 3rd, 2010
      12:47 am

      Hell, yes! Fantastic comment. To reiterate and emphasize:

      “We are beyond thrilled that we are one of the case studies in the new expanded 4HWW & we are a family traveling the world non stop, on an open ended world tour since 2006!

      Unlike someone who mentioned in the comments that it could not be done once these men were married and had families, I am here to validate that it not only can be done, but might also be the most rewarding way to do marriage and family and probably the best possible education for future 21st century global citizens!”

      :)

  • Faith JOhnson
    January 2nd, 2010
    9:36 pm

    I am so glad that I have finally picked up this book. I started reading it yesterday and can’t put it down.
    I am getting ready to start my own company so the timing is impeccable.
    To all the people who submitted a video, thank you. Knowing how you have implemented the 4hww into your lives has been an insipration.
    Tim, thank you for going against the norm and sharing your success with us.
    God bless!

    PS….I think the mom should get the trip.

  • Austin Evarts
    January 2nd, 2010
    10:11 pm

    Tim,

    Thank you for picking my video for your list! All of these videos are VERY inspiring!! Happy New Year!

    Austin

  • Sarah Speiser
    January 2nd, 2010
    10:37 pm

    Hey Josh aka. @josh_crocker

    Let’s connect! I love your spirit. We’re definitely not doing everything “by the books” and have lots to learn. Connecting with like-minded people is key. Call me crazy, but I’m also a big proponent of having someone to make a commitment to, as being the motivation for getting something done. Twitter is next on my list to learn (but the LIP group has that as their topic for this coming month so I’m sure I’ll be caught up soon). Right now email or Skype is best for me: info@theworldsbestfruit.com or Skype at theworldsbestfruit works great.

    Cant wait!

  • Lynda
    January 2nd, 2010
    11:03 pm

    @theabsolutenorm

    Hi, I am not purporting to be a business guru but I have spent some time working on the automated lead generation thing.
    Here are some ways to automate this:
    Driving traffic to your website – your site may need to be able to handle your sales in an automated fashion (ours does not currently – our sales process is still manual) – via SEO, google adwords campaigns, and an affiliate sales-force.
    Driving traffic to your site/business via off-line methods such as advertising and P.R.
    Outsource to telemarketers: – I have done this with warm leads and have found it very successful.
    Buy lists for direct mail or telemarketing.
    Utilising your personal networks for word-of-mouth – as Tim does very sucessfully with this blog.
    All of the above can be done by others. And a combination of more than one would be wise.

    The Downside: Like most things, that which doesn’t cost you time does cost you money.
    Good Luck, Lynda.

  • Chuck Holton
    January 3rd, 2010
    6:13 am

    @Paul Prudhoe – I think you might be missing the point of this contest. ;)

  • james giebelhaus
    January 3rd, 2010
    6:52 am

    well done Dane! youve got my vote and have done amazing things! I hope everything turns out as you wantit to, you deserve it!

  • Claudia
    January 3rd, 2010
    7:24 am

    Great contest! Was the winner picked yet???

  • Joel
    January 3rd, 2010
    8:17 am

    I’ve been truly inspired. For the past couple of years I’ve thought about what you wrote in your book, but didn’t have the practical applications available for me to put things into action.

    I received your book as a gift over the Holiday’s, and am already applying it to what I’m doing online. My time is already freed up considerably, and I expect the two sites I manage to grow exponentially with the help I’m now outsourcing.

    In short:

    Thanks

  • Scott McAlpine
    January 3rd, 2010
    8:20 am

    The videos were interesting, and I agree with other posters – it’s tough to pick one. But I am voting for Chuck Holton.

  • soultravelers3
    January 3rd, 2010
    9:33 am

    Wow! Thanks Tim!

    What a great surprise to wake up to this morning in Spain! 2010 is going to be a fantastic year & 4HWW rocks!

  • kate
    January 3rd, 2010
    10:23 am

    Great video Nathan…he gets my vote

  • Ben J.
    January 3rd, 2010
    10:46 am

    I don’t where else to ask, so I’d like to pose a question on this blog. I am just starting my quest for the 4-hour workweek, and I’m contacting advertising departments. My question is: Do I look for the cost of a full page ad for one issue, two, three, etc? I don’t think the book mentions this; although it may be implied. Thanks in advance!

  • Alex from Montreal
    January 3rd, 2010
    10:52 am

    Tim that was an amazing contest. To all the contestant: You are all truly amazing and seeing your stories really inspired me to make 2010 a great year :). I recommend: http://tinyurl.com/692uuz to conduct your own Annual Review, great free tool to help you out!

    I just had a question (especially to people in their 50s using the concepts):

    How do I go about convincing my dad to follow in those foot steps? He’s a realtor in a smaller town in French Canada. I strongly believe he could be much more happy taking a leap of faith into the unknown but he is stuck in his belief that if he doesn’t have money or technological skills, he has to stay where he is right now. He is one of the best negotiator I know and has a passion for art, and goes to art auctions every month but always tells me he can’t do what he loves because he doesn’t have the money. For example, he has dreamed to go to Paris for the past 20 years but never been (although he takes vacation many time a year but closer). He use to be really entrepreneurial younger but seems like he is just getting by nowadays. I even found him an opportunity opening a new branch for my friend’s brokerage firm in Buenos Aires but he can always find hundreds of reason why not to. His current job already allows him enough free time to start something else. If anyone here as any advice on how to talk to him, it would be greatly appreciate :). It’s a lot easier to convince my friend to join the 4HWW lifestyle but it would mean a lot to me to convince my own father.

    Thanks in advance for the advices!

  • Judith Aparicio
    January 3rd, 2010
    11:01 am

    Hi Tim,

    thanks for organizing so inspirational videos! I like Chuck one.

    From Barcelona, Spain we have put into practice some of your advices. We bought your book in Mallorca, last year after coming back with our little 3 years old girl from Hong Kong. My husband is working as a freelance private investigator, now in Panama – on his miniretirements- and has achieved to have about 60 days of holidays per year -some with family !-. I am still a professional in a multinational company, working now 32 hours a week -I asked the 20 % reduction ! – , thanks to delegation on homecare and some techniques I used at work, I can go home about 4, that is a great hour to be with your kids in Spain. I am planning to start working as freelance this 2010 and starting to write a book about education, work life balance and my own thoughts. I am updating my blog every week http://www.judithaparicio.blogspot.es and hope to continue being spired by you during this 2010.

    Yes, I think videos are male dominated, probably we women are too shy to show our progresses.

    My contribution to visibility ;-))

  • Tory
    January 3rd, 2010
    11:06 am

    My vote goes to Maneesh Sethi. I would love to have a script like that and to know who does his seo/sem.

  • Alex from Montreal
    January 3rd, 2010
    11:12 am

    Hi! I just wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone on their amazing accomplishments! It is great to learn from one another and I have the feeling 2010 will be a great year :)!

    I had a question that I’d like to ask. Would anyone here could offer some advices on how going about convincing my father who is in his late 50s to join community? I have been trying for the past couple years but it seems like there are always hundreds of reasons why not to do it : I don’t have any money saved up, I don’t know anything about computers, Where would I put all my stuff and furniture?, etc…

    My father is a realtor in a small town and I know for a fact that he dreams about the type of lifestyle the 4HWW is trying to preach. He loves coming see me in Montreal to go to art auctions and he’s built a strong knowledge in that field. He used to be a serial-entrepreneur when he was young but it seems like that fire left him. He has dreamed for the past 20 years to go to Paris and has never been, although he takes many vacations throughout the year.

    My goal is to see my father happy and making a living doing what he loves. I even found him a great opportunity helping my friend in Buenos Aires opening a new branch for his real estate brokerage business that is currently booming there.

    I think maybe if the advices were coming from someone his own age that has faced the same questioning but was successful, it could help convince him. And I’m sure your advices could help many more in his position.
    Thanks in advance for your advices!!!

    p.s. @Tim: Wasn’t the deadline to vote for the contest yesterday at Midnight? Seems like voting is still open.

  • ST
    January 3rd, 2010
    11:34 am

    All the videos were great.

    I want to personally thank Tim for sharing his knowledge to the world because he lived the life most of do on a daily basis and now has opened a door for each of us to walk through.
    I can now say I’ve just turned the door knob and entering becasue these videos gave me the motivation to automate my business.

    Much Love and Blessing for 2010 to everyone.

    I vote for the crazy Short Sale Kid. I like the zebra outfit with the hair. That’s funny.

  • Sherry
    January 3rd, 2010
    12:28 pm

    I vote for chuck holton

  • Espree Devora
    January 3rd, 2010
    1:14 pm

    Gary is AMAZING. Huge inspiration. Love his video! Went out and bought the new version to do a reread after seeing the actions he’s taken to make changes in his life.

  • Tony
    January 3rd, 2010
    1:37 pm

    Amazing stories… I vote for Gary…

  • CHuck CHilla
    January 3rd, 2010
    1:38 pm

    I vote for GARY !!! Thank you

  • cat
    January 3rd, 2010
    1:45 pm

    I vote for Gary…awesome story and super inspiring!

  • Michael Katz
    January 3rd, 2010
    1:48 pm

    Excellent work Gary.
    I vote for Gary.

    mk

    Mike Katz

  • jimmy p
    January 3rd, 2010
    1:57 pm

    I vote for Gary!!! Good Luck!

  • Alexander Rodriguez
    January 3rd, 2010
    2:14 pm

    I vote for Gary!!!!!

  • Josh Mann
    January 3rd, 2010
    2:17 pm

    Gary’s video is the best!!!!

  • Ryan D
    January 3rd, 2010
    4:21 pm

    I vote Miracle Fruit from the anonymous author.

  • PPC4
    January 3rd, 2010
    4:23 pm

    Ki’une-

    Man…I just love that video…100% pure joy and inspiration…

    PPC4

  • Jeff Coga
    January 3rd, 2010
    4:41 pm

    My man… Nathan J. “The Short Sale Kid”… has taken the real estate investing game to a whole new level.

    Ahmen to 4HWW

  • Doc Kane
    January 3rd, 2010
    5:03 pm

    These are really great. It’s tremendous to see so many people using the principles in the book so successfully, and to see some of the names I’ve seen as commenters in living color!

    One thing that would really be awesome though, is to develop some sort of repository of the people and firms that have helped some of these firms become successful. As a business owner, I think the hardest things is finding great reliable people, and also people who understand the 4HWW approach to work.

    Tim, would it be possible to gather some tools and resources (perhaps this is already in the new version!?) and share them with the community? I would love to share some of my own A-team members as well, as I’m sure the community could utilize some of the talent I’ve been able to work with as well?

    Any takers? For example, I know of a great cold-calling/telemarking guy that has been a gem for my business. . .(I can be emailed for his contact info…)

    Also, there are some great tools that I use pretty regularly use to streamline my organization and time management tasks.

    Tungle.com (automatically schedule appointments) I previously had a VA do this for $15 an hour.

    CrowdFlower.com (outsource list development) This service is SO awesome and saves so much money, you can’t possibly imagine.

    Samasource.com (I will be using this in 2009 to automate list entry …paper lists to electronic lists)

    Zoho tools and Google Apps. More CRM and HR stuff than you could dream of…(great for service businesses)

    Well, those are a few of the tools I use. . .would anyone else like to share? I’m particularly in need of good VAs as well as non-spam content creators!

    Cheers,
    Doc

  • Ryan Riegner
    January 3rd, 2010
    6:30 pm

    Great Post Tim!

    There’s some amazing and inspirational stories here!

    I’ve found it challenging so far to find appropriate success stories of young undergraduate students such as myself using the FHWW to accomplish their dreams. It’s been even harder, with school loans totaling more than $45,000 while living on a friend’s couch in Manhattan to meet my budget as a full time student, with nearly $0 savings.

    luckily though, I’ve been following you for a while, and I bought and read the book for the second time. I’ve begun the dreamlining process and am trying extremely hard to accomplish everything that I have planned in my life, starting first by getting out of debt and beginning to accomplish my dreams.

    For you and all your amazing readers out there, I’d be ever so grateful to get some references of others with success stories coming from a similar situation such as my own. I’d like to see how others in my position obtained success, to be a source of inspiration for me while I attempt to do it myself, to start a dialogue with other amazing success stories.

    Thank you Tim, for the book and the blog; for changing my life

    -Ryan

  • Creating Your Own 4-Hour Workweek in 2010 | NoahFleming.com
    January 3rd, 2010
    6:31 pm

    [...] Right now on Tim’s site he has 18 videos and case studies from people who’ve successfully implemented… found within the 4HWW. I suggest watching them [...]

  • Ken Strunk
    January 3rd, 2010
    7:32 pm

    Great family values and life style.
    Great thought in personal finance arangements.

  • Ken Strunk
    January 3rd, 2010
    7:43 pm

    Great family values.

  • Marci
    January 3rd, 2010
    8:42 pm

    I vote for Chuck Holton!!!

  • Cathryn
    January 3rd, 2010
    8:44 pm

    I vote for Chuck H. What a great way to go, and his kids have it going too!

  • margo
    January 3rd, 2010
    9:07 pm

    I was inspired by how Chuck entwines his newly gained knowledge with family life, teaching by showing….I vote CHUCK Holton.

  • Pete Williams
    January 3rd, 2010
    9:08 pm

    @Doc Kane

    I couldn’t agree more with your comment “I think the hardest things is finding great reliable people, and also people who understand the 4HWW approach to work.”

    It took me a long time and many headaches (plus $$ down the drain) to find the team I work with now.

    I can obviously recommened the company/team Em (seen in my video above) works for – If you, or anyone for that matter, is interested in their details, just shoot an email to preneuradmin@gmail.com and I’ll pass their details over.

    FYI – Theses guys are a little different to YMII (+ others Tim mentioned in the 4HWW) as you basically “hire” that resource in either a part or full time capacity.. There is no 10 hours a month type program.

    Hope it helps, those interested.

    Pete

  • Bernard Kepshire
    January 3rd, 2010
    9:16 pm

    Loved Nathan Jurewicz, who gets my vote!

  • Yadgyu
    January 3rd, 2010
    11:02 pm

    Is it really thie easy?

  • pierre
    January 4th, 2010
    12:34 am

    It`s 230 am and i can`t stop with the videos…awesome stuff
    Great ideas. Great people.

    Thanks Tim
    You’ll be hearing from me again soon
    +pb

  • Raina Gustafson
    January 4th, 2010
    12:46 am

    Really looking forward to watching these videos… will definitely make time this week. Seems like an interesting mix of stories regardless of the low number of female participants.

    I attribute my lack of engagement in this contest to the laser-like focus I currently have on getting my conversion rate to where I want it to be. Its paying off as measured by today’s performance improvements. Not quite satisfied yet… but getting there. I’ll be really pleased when I have enough data to really make accurate predictions about what my conversion rate will be over time, as then I’ll have a better idea of how to conservatively scale things. Right now, it’s still a bit of black magic to try and guess how much I can spend on AdWords and maintain profitability.

    Despite my concerns regarding the competitiveness of the women’s apparel industry, I recently decided to invest considerable time and effort into designing the store the ‘right way’ and just really going after the business in spite of said concerns. (Tim has said he regretted building a business on a consumable product, so I figure no plan is perfect). Now, I’m actually thriving on the fact that I’m an underdog in the space, and I can hardly wait to source additional product lines, expand and exceed my own expectations. Worst case scenario, I learn a hell of a lot about eCommerce. Best case scenario, I build an army of similar applying the exact same principles on multiple product lines/industries.

    Point noted from above about the reticence of public self-promotion amongst some women. I think I need to start seriously studying media and PR to get to the next level now.

    I hope some interesting conversations spring up in the Shopify forum! Right now it’s mostly housekeeping stuff regarding the Shopify system. I would love to have some smart go-getters to brainstorm with! I won’t actually be using the Shopify system at this time (though I think it’s great), so won’t be fully participating in that contest either, though am eager to discuss universally applicable eCommerce issues.

    Happy New Year everyone!

  • Jenn
    January 4th, 2010
    1:19 am

    I vote for Gary! Awesome!

  • Stacy Hess
    January 4th, 2010
    1:21 am

    Gary’s video is awesome…totally inspirational!

  • Stewart Christensen
    January 4th, 2010
    1:26 am

    wow, that’s some great stuff!! thanks again for more inspiration and the swift kick in the pants. I read the 4hww 2 years ago, set out to do something great, and have trapped myself in a business that owns me. Somehow I failed at applying everything taught in the book and did almost the exact oposite. Didn’t realize it untill 1.5 years into it. But I have started over, I’m re-reading the 4hww, launching a new company (the right way), and this is just the stuff I needed to see to get me fired up!

    thanks again tim!

  • Heather Schwartz
    January 4th, 2010
    2:25 am

    I Vote for Gary!! INCREDIBLE!!

  • Aaron Cohen
    January 4th, 2010
    2:47 am

    i vote for gary, he changed my life!

  • 18 real-world lifestyle design case studies | Borderless Infinity
    January 4th, 2010
    4:08 am

    [...] 18 real-world lifestyle design case studies [...]

  • Rich
    January 4th, 2010
    4:24 am

    Hi Tim,

    Love your blog – the ability to learn is something I consider to be one of our greatest gifts, and this website always teaches me something and makes me think!

    When does the revised version of 4HWW come out on the Kindle? Some people have alluded to it in the comments to your last few posts, but I can’t find it in the Kindle store!

    Kind regards

    Rich

  • Matt
    January 4th, 2010
    4:30 am

    I love what Maneesh Sethi has done with his business. Using software that he has developed is great as well and makes everything so automated and fast. Thats the whole point of this process, eliminating tasks that can be either automated or outsourced. Great work!

  • Lisa
    January 4th, 2010
    5:15 am

    A vote for Chuck Holton!

  • Greg
    January 4th, 2010
    5:38 am

    Question for Pete:

    I have read many good things about VAs in the Philippines … any suggestions on how to find a good VA? What is your own experience in selecting a good VA? Any pitfalls not previously mentioned in the 4HWW?

    Many thanks in advance,
    Kind regards

    Greg

  • Jo Northwood
    January 4th, 2010
    6:03 am

    It is a shame there isn’t more females!

  • Noah Fleming
    January 4th, 2010
    6:34 am

    Amazing post. I’m really enjoying going through these. 2010 is the year of the 4HWW for me.

    When your book was first introduced I immediately cleared up numerous hours by hiring a tech support team in India but it’s time to take it to the next level.

    The expanded and updated version of the book was fantastic! Keep up the goo work!

    I blogged about the book on my blog.

    http://noahfleming.com/blog/creating-your-own-4-hour-workweek-in-2010

    Thanks Tim!

  • Chris C. Ducker
    January 4th, 2010
    8:04 am

    All absolutely AWESOME videos. Seeing people respond to your book, Tim, must make you incredibly proud. Keep up the fine work in 2010.

    Regards from Cebu, Philippines (a stone through away from Bohol…!).

    Chris

  • Dave
    January 4th, 2010
    8:44 am

    I read your book a while back but the lessons have stuck with me on a subconscious level.

    I’ve decided to use some of your ideas to develop my own personal brand/lifestyle…. AfterIt100. I’m going to rock out in 2010, bust my ass to become the better man I should be.

    Thanks Tim… will update you as time goes on.

  • Nasim
    January 4th, 2010
    10:08 am

    I vote for Gary!

  • Antonio Fisher II
    January 4th, 2010
    12:00 pm

    I am slightly depressed but also motivated. I read the book over three years ago and have not been able to successfully launch a muse. I can not stand going to my job. I loathe it. I just recently decided to try the muse thing again last month. It is now Jan 4 and I am still no closer. Information overload. My launch date is Feb 1st. As I stated earlier, watching the videos is depressing me because it reminds me of my inability to follow through on something that is so dear to my heart. I must have this freedom I must get out of this rat race. However seeing the diversity of muses that people came up with tells me I am thinking to hard.

    Heres the thing that is getting me. I have got connected with a internet marketing coaching company that you have to pay 200 bucks a month for and I still have no muse. I think 200 is worth it but if you have no idea all the seo and social marketing tactics dont work.

    None of the people in the video mentioned it but it seems none of them joined any monthly internet marketing coaching programs and yet they were all able to launch a successful muse. Do they have number 1 ranking for their key words…

    Maybe I am going at this thing all wrong….

    I launched a company last year that had to deal with real estate investing mixed with 4hww techniques. That only lead to thousands of dollars of debt for my business partner and I.

    So we both went back to regular jobs and that has not been fun.

    Even this morning I am about an inch away from calling in sick to job because I didnt get any work done over the weekend on my muse.
    Going to my job wouldnt be so hard if I actually had a good muse idea to work on during my non job time. But as it stands I have no idea after a month of bullshitting sort of (i have really tried but no idea yet so not bullshitting in correlation to laziness) so going to my job is the main piece of my life.

    Ok I know this was a random venting session but I just decided to keep it real….

    Can any body offer some advice to this troubled soul of mine?

  • Nicholas Sparesz
    January 4th, 2010
    12:44 pm

    So Tim…

    Who won the voting?

    Or did I completely miss/overlook something?

  • Antonio Fisher II
    January 4th, 2010
    12:59 pm

    Ok, after watching Ki’une’s video I am no longer depressed. That sparked a serious joy in my soul. Partially cuz I love dancing and love the fact he created a muse from his passion!

    Be on the look out for me I think I will eventually go big!

  • Recommended Articles « After It 100%
    January 4th, 2010
    1:08 pm

    [...] HERE: Case studies based on the 4HWW principles (time management/life improvement) [...]

  • Matthew Jeschke
    January 4th, 2010
    1:24 pm

    I’m actually on my 3rd muse. Haven’t quite been able to get one to gain traction. Seems my shortcoming is testing. I since have read a few more books and ordered the revised version of your book. Now I’m onto number 4.

    My current hurdle is testing product names / slogans. I’m using campaigns on Google adwords. However, it seems slow and tedious. Perhaps I’m going about it incorrectly. Any Perls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

    I also have a post on your forum… “Creating trademark quality muse name”. Thanks!

  • R.S
    January 4th, 2010
    1:37 pm

    Hi Tim, All:

    I just bought the new 4HWW on my lunch break. Read the original early in 2009 while I was attempting to build a MLM business, which did not work out so well for me, not the book of course, the MLM. How I got to MLM and eventually your book is, after realizing how confused and unhappy I am; and it all started after graduating college in 2008 – every job after that left me bored or unfulfilled or broke. I’m already realizing how disillusioned I was to the whole Big Biz/Climbing up the ladder crap. I can’t take it anymore! I hate my job, I’m only 23 and can NOT imagine being dependent on someone else for my career/money/freetime. Your book inspired and scared me. Made me a believer and a skeptic. I think I’m finally getting the courage to go ahead and develop a muse. I have NO idea what I want to do with my life, (I Like too many things) but I KNOW I have to escape this rat race. I’ve Literally made myself physically Sick thinking of how boring and non-important my work is. So…after reading the new version, I plan on developing a muse. I have NO biz experience, NO idea for a product, and LOTS of fear of failing and ending up at a crappy job again.

    I guess all I’m asking for is…… a “Good Luck Reene, It’s Possible!!!!” From you all. :–)

    Reene

  • Nathan Jurewicz
    January 4th, 2010
    2:22 pm

    Ok Tim,
    Were all getting impatient… when are the results going to be posted?

  • Dan Paul
    January 4th, 2010
    2:59 pm

    My vote goes to the Ren Men!

  • Chuck Holton
    January 4th, 2010
    3:07 pm

    Hey Nathan. Just noticed you were homeschooled. I knew there was something I liked about you. :-)

  • Nathan Jurewicz
    January 4th, 2010
    3:11 pm

    Thanks Chuck…. I think its absolutely the best way to bring up your kids. I am definitely home schooling mine when I have kids.

  • Lynda
    January 4th, 2010
    4:04 pm

    @Ki’une.
    Have only just watched your video as it was a later addition ( I think). Poignant and beautiful – you obviously have enormous creative talent. And the sunscreen song -”advice, like youth, just wasted on the young” – is pretty cool.
    Bought a tear to my eye….

  • Konrad
    January 4th, 2010
    6:24 pm

    This must not be Tim’s 4 hours to work. ;)

  • Scott
    January 4th, 2010
    6:49 pm

    Hope I’m not too late – I vote for Gary.

  • Shishir Modur
    January 4th, 2010
    7:02 pm

    Hey Tim,
    I have been a huge fan of yours ever since I read the book. I have been even more inspired by the case studies and went ahead created a website for it:
    http://www.4hwwcasestudies.com
    It may look a bit crude now because:
    1. I busted my ass for the past 2 days to create it
    2. I had no idea abut web site creation- had to use weebly for creating the site and had to learn a bit in the process
    I hope to make it better (use your outsourcing technique maybe) in the coming days and would appreciate your comments or suggestions.
    I eventually want to take it to a whole new level where there is more meaningful content in it and it becomes a repository of all the 4hww success stories.
    Thanks a ton for bringing a change to so many people’s life including mine.
    I hope to hear from you soon

  • Saulius
    January 4th, 2010
    7:12 pm

    Spent past hour or so(lost track of time now) watching all these videos, such inspiring stuff!!! It’s 2am here in UK and I’m stil lrewatching most of them, great effort and great information!

  • Jack Bao
    January 4th, 2010
    7:28 pm

    Hahahahaha. I just saw the movie you made Tim! I’m sitting here in CoffeeBean, it took forever for the internet here to load it, but couldn’t stop LAUGHING while seeing your face get displayed everywhere in the world! LOL! People kept trying to peek at what I’m looking at on my laptop here :)

    It’s really cool! How did you do it man? and why is it in Swedish?

  • Tony David
    January 4th, 2010
    9:06 pm

    The 4-Hour work week is not going to happen for most of us here.

    I think the important lesson here is to learn how to not work so hard and make time for fun. Fun gets lost in the sea of responsibility. Sometimes we just need to realize that fame and fortune is not for us, but we should still seek fun.

    This may involve just doing something non-productive or fulfilling a guilty pleasure. Some could have a more joyous life by ditching responsibilities and learning how to slack off. We all have been conditioned to get an education, have a family, and to seek gainful employment. But we could have more fun by not going to school, not having a spouse or kids, or not working on a regular basis.

    I would love to be as successful as Tim here, but I am not that lucky. First, I am not white. Second, I did not come from a well-to-do family. Third, I make very little money. Fourth, I am not attractive. Last, I do not have any special skills. This just about eliminates any chance at real success. But I do have fun by reading this blog and living through others.

  • The most-inspiring blog post I’ve seen in 2010! « Take Fun Seriously
    January 4th, 2010
    9:50 pm

    [...] a recent post on Tim Ferriss’ blog.  These are my favorites out of the whole bunch.  Click here to view the rest.  Click here to buy Tim’s book if you have not yet.  Cheers to 2010 [...]

  • David
    January 5th, 2010
    1:32 am

    Good Afternoon,

    I like your book, Tim.
    So much so that I am giving to it my 60 year old Dad who will soon be retiring from the death wheel known as the asian corporatocracy. Anyone who truly understands the asian corporate world knows that surviving to retire at 60 is a monumental accomplishment. Retiring at 60 after a Successful career is nothing short of astonishing. (Really, the things you must go through will make a grown man curl up in the fetal position crying and eventually choke on his own tears) For his generation, climbing the ladder in the corporate world was the best choice available. Now that he will be out, changing pace and looking for new challenges, I believe the principles of the 4-hour-work-week will give him the rich, free lifestyle that he deserves. The man is not stopping, so I won’t be surprise if he becomes your next success story pretty soon.

    Thanks Tim.

  • Benedict Westenra
    January 5th, 2010
    5:13 am

    Tim,

    Well done on everything you’ve achieved in the past few years – I’ve loved following your blog and am working on my own muse.

    I have the same Firefox error as Lyle and am using version 3.5.6 for Mac.

    It might be worth clarifying that SoulTravelers3 aren’t letting their child play for money – I was a bit worried by some of the costumes she was wearing.

    Best wishes for the new decade!
    Benedict

  • Nacie Carson
    January 5th, 2010
    6:56 am

    Congrats on having such a powerful impact on the world – you have mobilized an entire population of people ready to live life to the fullest (or at least given voice to their feelings!). Your point is excellent: if not 2010, then when? A question I asked myself last week.

    cheers!

    Nacie

  • gary junior
    January 5th, 2010
    9:30 am

    THANK YOU ALL!! BUT YOU GUYS ARE THE ONES INSPIRING ME!

  • The Worlds Best Fruit
    January 5th, 2010
    10:00 am

    Hi everyone – this is such an amazing community. I am touched by the number of people that have reached out to give congrats or thanks. Thank you!

    A few people have asked me if they can talk to me more about how I got to where I’m at. I’m thinking a conference call might be best. Please let me know if you’d be interested in starting a weekly call on Wednesdays at 6pm PT. We can use free conference calling. The format will be something along the lines of here’s what I accomplished last week, here’s the challenges I faced, and here’s my commitments that I’m making to myself to get done next week.

    Please email info@theworldsbestfruit.com Please share a brief bio and tell that you’re able to make the weekly commitment. These groups only work well if they’re fairly small (less than 10 people) and they have regular participation. If I get a lot of response I’ll form up a couple.

    Please make sure you’ve read one of the editions of Tim’s book.

    Thanks! Looking forward to meeting some of you. Please expect a reply about this no sooner than 1/10. Please email me if you’re interested by midnight (PT) on 1/8/10.

  • Rich
    January 5th, 2010
    11:10 am

    Okay, so I can’t get a Kindle version of this book because I am in the UK. Any clues as to when I might be able to do so?

  • Ki'une
    January 5th, 2010
    11:13 am

    I’d also like to thank everyone for the kind words (and even tears!) expressed over my video. Although I submitted my video too late for the contest, I’m just happy Tim posted my video to inspire people.

    This is all I really wanted, as my long term altruistic goal from having my time freed is to help other people in their personal development, which is reflected in my website http://www.risingbean.com

    Moreover, after watching the other videos, I just feel honored and awed to be in the company of great people. This truly is an inspirational page.

  • Amanda
    January 5th, 2010
    1:01 pm

    My vote goes to Dane. Thank you for sharing the Room to Read story!

  • Neil Striker
    January 5th, 2010
    1:55 pm

    Tony David,

    None of that matters. I think this is my first post here but I wanted to give back to you what I’ve been given.

    Luck is made. The color of your skin does not matter. A well to do family can be as much of a hindrance as it can be a help. The money you make now has no bearing on the money you could be making in the future. Being good looking is not important. Skills can be learned.

    The only thing that matters is your ability to Dream and you willingness to work at it.

    How do I know?

    A year ago my now business partner told me to read the original 4HWW.

    I did but it didn’t take except as “a good idea I’ll try someday”. Then I mentioned to her in passing that I knew why people didn’t have success and she challenged me to create a curriculum we could use to train people…including myself, on how to succeed. I decided that I had nothing to lose by accepting her challenge and we put together our first group in less than a month. We’ve been at it a year now and the curriculum we created has been 100% successful for everyone who completed it to date. That was completely unexpected but 100% predictable because rather than holding back we jumped in with both feet.

    Now my business partner and I are working on expanding our capability to run our curriculum by training graduates of the curriculum to run the curriculum and monetizing “muses” that dovetail with the curriculum so that we can go at it full time and reach more people faster. Both of us are well on our way to working the hours we want doing the work we want and having a ball doing it.

    For me this came out of the ideas and inspiration I got from the 4HWW.

    So…I did this and I believe you can do this. Have faith, do the work and GO!

    And Tim Ferriss, much thanks…the revised version of the book is even better than the original but the original kicked me in the teeth hard enough to make me go for it. I’d love to give a bit back to the process so if you are still looking for victims…I mean subjects…for your next book I’d love to help! Being superhuman sounds like fun…

    Neil

  • Analysis Paralysis: A Lesson in Getting Started « The Blog of Dane Low
    January 5th, 2010
    2:55 pm

    [...] exciting way to wrap up this project was to have this project featured on Tim Ferriss’ blog as a case study for the “future of giving back and karmic capitalism” and acknowledged [...]

  • mary
    January 5th, 2010
    3:46 pm

    Rich,

    I bought the new 4hww on kindle dec 28th. I had to search by Tim’s name, I couldn’t find it any other way.

    Good Luck!

  • mary
    January 5th, 2010
    4:03 pm

    I’m really happy to see the positive comments on homeschooling. My daughter is 3. I’ve been agonizing about whether or not to home school her since she was born. My gut has been telling me it’s the right move. Your comments helped reinforce my decision. Thanks for sharing!

  • Chuck Holton
    January 5th, 2010
    4:14 pm

    Homeschooling certainly isn’t for everyone, but we find it works well with the 4HWW lifestyle – simply because it gives us the freedom to go where we like when we like, and to “augment” our kids’ book-learning with, say, a trip to a 15th-century pirate fortress, or the ancient city of Petra. You could study ABOUT those things for a long time and never learn what you can by being there.

    We make that kind of learning a priority, and I think our kids will be better for it.

  • Andrew K
    January 5th, 2010
    6:07 pm

    Tony, I understand the challenges you face. American culture is by no means equitable or fair.

    I want to remind you though, that a defeatist attitude is the worst thing you can do for yourself. Your right, most people here will NOT achieve a 4 hour workweek. But who are we kidding? Do you really think Tim works that little? Definitely not. I’m sure he could if he chose to but he doesn’t.

    The point is that even though the world sucks you don’t have to. Here’s one thing you could do that doesn’t require beauty, riches, or connections. Invest in yourself. Go to a community college and learn how to hack(program) and then either work for others(fairly high paying) or make peoples lives easier with technology you create. I personally know someone who in a couple years got good enough at web development to charge 65+ dollars an hour.

    Tenacity would serve you well.

    check out this article:
    http://paulgraham.com/start.html
    He is a really clear and interesting writer with lots of good insight.

    Best,

    Andrew

  • Matthew Bailey
    January 5th, 2010
    10:32 pm

    Wow, everyone on this blog is incredible for getting up and taking charge. For me the hardest part is putting ideas into action as I tend to get so many at once and cant decide on 1 to fully engage in.

    Each and every video is a true inspiration so congratulations to everyone.

    I am in the middle of start-up as well and would love to interview anyone on this blog who is doing something inspirational with their lives. Should be easy on here. Whether its creating a non-profit to help this very deprived world, or using online business to be location independent, ETC…I would love to interview you. online since everyone is traveling :)

    My email is mattbailey84@hotmail.com

    Have a great week everyone!

  • Tony David
    January 5th, 2010
    10:36 pm

    Dear Andrew K.,

    Thank you for reading and responding to my story. I have been depressed for a long time, but this blog does give me a glimmer of hope. I just do not understand how bad my outlook had become until I started reading stories here.

    I felt that there were other people like me who needed an outlet and some inspiration. I just get crushed by rejection and insincerity. It has been difficult to wake up to the same reality each morning.

    I do really want to become a somebody. I may not become a somebody to everyone, but I do need to feel that I am more than a cog in the machine.

  • ubd
    January 5th, 2010
    11:54 pm

    Moreover, after watching the other videos, I just feel honored and awed to be in the company of great people. This truly is an inspirational page.

  • ije
    January 5th, 2010
    11:56 pm

    A few people have asked me if they can talk to me more about how I got to where I’m at. I’m thinking a conference call might be best. Please let me know if you’d be interested in starting a weekly call on Wednesdays at 6pm PT. We can use free conference calling. The format will be something along the lines of here’s what I accomplished last week, here’s the challenges I faced, and here’s my commitments that I’m making to myself to get done next week.

  • Klaus Tol
    January 6th, 2010
    12:51 am

    Hi Tim,

    Can’t wait for the next 18 case-studies.

    Thanx for the inspiration to grow. It is possible!

    Klaus Tol

  • Nic Muhl
    January 6th, 2010
    4:57 am

    Rumour has it, you’re coming to Cape Town, South Africa? If you get time to enterain a fan please contact me. Also on Twitter @NicMuhl

  • Benedict Westenra
    January 6th, 2010
    5:34 am

    Sorry, I think I expressed myself a little ambiguously in my last comment. Tim, I was suggesting that YOU should clarify whether the daughter of SoulTravelers3 is playing for money or not.

    There are a few things that worry me about that video:

    1) The costumes she’s wearing, which looks like they’re designed to appeal to tourists. The second one she wears in Ephesus, Turkey, also strikes me as being inappropriately adult.

    2) The comparison with Mozart. It’s generally accepted that being toured as a child prodigy stunted Mozart’s growth as a person, which contributed to him dying in poverty at the age of 36. Comparing any 5-year-old with any great composer surely puts unreasonable pressure on the child.

    3) The fact that the girl’s been away from the US, her home, for 2 1/2 years so far and the family have no plans to return. Did she ask to be taken away from her friends? And did she ask to have videos of her advertised on the internet? How can she maintain friendships when she’s constantly on the move?

    4) Finally, the “montage cover song” is a professional recording of Pachebel’s Canon for string ensemble. Why didn’t the family want us to hear a recording of the child, playing solo?

    If I were in your position I’d take the video down as I think it’s detracting from the positivity of the others.

  • soultravelers3
    January 6th, 2010
    8:08 am

    What a wonderfully inspiring post & conversation!

    Like @Ki’une’m, our youtube video was a late addition after the contest closed, but we’re just happy Tim posted our video to inspire people. Thanks for the kind words!

    You’re right @Benedict, our daughter is not a professional musician nor are those performances, just a kid who loves music so we travel the world non-stop with her violin and a full sized digital piano and she takes her lessons in both with fabulous teachers on another continent via Skype webcams. If there is a will, there is always a way!

    As a special memoir for her, we take a few minutes of video of her playing as we tour, so she just wears what she has on that day. She is a little kid, so we indulge her desire to dress like natives & sometimes wear those costumes like the belly dancing costume we bought in Turkey that allowed her to pretend like she was living in ancient Ephesus when we arrived early & had it totally to ourselves, a souvenir mask in Venice while taking a gondola ride or Arab princess outfit when touring the Alhambra after reading Washington Irving’s tales!

    Little did we know that the video would be so popular & it’s only the first 18 months, so many more are coming, the second montage soon adding more countries & places. The title was just a funny take off on “where the hell is Matt” as he was an inspiration & we use the online nickname “Mozart” for our child because he is a hero to her. Interestingly the real Mozart did MUCH more world traveling than his peers as a child & many say that had a profound impact on his talent due to the richness of the experience.

    Our child was reading a kid’s version of Homer & Greek myths when we toured Troy, Knossos & Mycenae etc and got to talk to real archeologists and even do a little digging! An over night camel ride in the Sahara, swimming with dolphins in Portugal, sailing the Turquoise Coast via gulet in Turkey, cooking & eating reindeer meat in a traditional kota hut in Sweden with friends, becoming an expert at traveling by cargo ships, horses, trains, ferries, sailboats, buses etc & navigating mass transit around the world are powerful learning experiences she will never forget.

    @Mary, I must agree wholeheartedly with @Chuck & @Nathan that homeschooling is absolutely the best way to bring up your kids. It’s much easier than most people think & also allows families more freedom and tighter bonding.

    Most homeschool kids do better than private or public school educated kids & many finish school early like my niece who started community college at 15, then transferred to Rice where she got a degree in Chemical Engineering several years younger than her peers & landed a 6 figure job and bought her first house right after graduating & still a teen! Now she also gets paid to get her Masters degree at night!

    That said, going to local schools in a 2nd language like my daughter has done for the last 4 years in Spain and like the Mandarin Chinese school that she will attend next year in Malaysia, is perhaps the very best way to become fully fluent in another language, literature & culture.

    I believe Tim was an exchange student in Japan as a teen & I’m sure that was a life influencing experience for him as it’s been for many, but I think today’s 4HWW/ digital nomad lifestyle design allows these benefits even to families & young children at low cost.

    I’ve written a lot about education & “roadschooling” on our blog, but will be doing a whole series soon on the many benefits and ways to do it. Even with the few months that my daughter is in school each winter in Spain, I consider her a homeschooled child as we use the school only for deep language immersion & for a consistency with friends and continue our homeschool in English all year. Unlike schools in the US, here we have had no problem taking her out to tour or coming late & leaving early in the school year & the school day is very short. She does fun things after school too like learn flamenco, rock climb and ceramics in her 2nd language!

    With the economy affecting schools & all education going through a paradigm shift, parent’s today, more than ever must be responsible for educating their children.

    Slow travel in itself & deep immersion is the best possible education, but 4HWW/digitalnomad parents are primed to give their children many advantages. We thought life as a field trip would be good for our family & child’s education, but have been astounded on just how good!

    http://www.soultravelers3.com/2009/04/how-to-travel-the-world-as-a-digital-nomad-family.html

    Not only for languages, but for time in nature, time together, a deeper understanding of history, people & places, time on their own to develop a sense of self, learning to play with kids in many languages, and amazing digital/virtual opportunities from making money like Chuck’s teens to collaborating with school kid’s from around the world, learning programing with MIT’s Scratch, taking online classes with awesome folks like John Hopkins University’s CTY program & more like we do!

    Sorry so long, but I am passionate about letting parents & families know that 4HWW/digital nomad living is easier, cheaper & more enriching than most know!

  • Live the Life You Have Always Imagined | Path Insight
    January 6th, 2010
    10:09 am

    [...] one of the best blog posts ever with 15 real life case studies on people that have done it! …and now, I’m feeling excited and liberated, as I am [...]

  • Brenton Gieser
    January 6th, 2010
    11:33 am

    I had the privilege to watch Austin Evarts go through the process of automating the entrepreneurial process and being able to travel while his businesses run. It never was easy for him to find the right system that worked but through his perseverance and passion he was able to make it happen. It’s great to see people with passion take control of their life rather than the other way around!

    Smooth video Austin!!

  • Chris
    January 6th, 2010
    1:41 pm

    Tim,

    This blog has been the most inspiring blog that you have put up! In my opinion it is the best blog posting the WWW! I am a serial business owner in Denver CO. To date we operate multiple barbershops, a financial services company, and we are currently creating a new muse that is a new slant on mouthwash! I wanted to thank you for your wisdom and blazing the trail!

    I wanted to post this because I am looking at hiring a couple of VA’s. In this post we had a lot of mention of VA. Can someone give me a referral to the VA they are using and how they got connected with them. It would be much appreciated.

    Blessings,

    Chris Miller

  • andrea
    January 6th, 2010
    1:48 pm

    It is so great to hear real world experiences! Thanks for putting this together. Gotta get the new book.

  • Chris
    January 6th, 2010
    1:50 pm

    Tim,

    This is the greatest post on the web right now! People really learn by seeing and modeling! Awesome! Looking forward to the next lifestyle design contest so that I can submit my entry. We have several business right now that are being automated, including a financial services company, barbershops, and a new dental product!

    I wanted to post this to ask some of the fellow biz owners who they are using as VA’s. Can somebody refer me to a VA that they particularly like! Tim perhaps you have a direct referral as well!

    Blessings,

  • Wilson Usman
    January 6th, 2010
    2:13 pm

    I am so excited after watching all the videos and I am really excited about taking action as soon as I get my book that I ordered two min ago. Tim you really kick ass man I will be living my 4 hour workweek soon and I can’t wait to show it to others out there busting their butts 80 hours a week like I use to selling door to door 3k vacuums can’t wait…anyway I want to wish everyone here and you tim a happy new year and good luck with all.

  • Dustin
    January 6th, 2010
    3:12 pm

    Thank you so much for posting these videos. Aside from the book, this is inspirational in so many ways! Thank you!!

  • scottie duncan
    January 6th, 2010
    3:16 pm

    I am about half way through the videos and just found one of the interuptions that I need to sort out and remove as soon as pos… I will get back to these video clips in the moring as I am awy to re-read my 4HWW right now…

  • Benedict Westenra
    January 6th, 2010
    5:21 pm

    Hi @SoulTravelers3,

    Thank you for responding to my comment, and kudos to Tim for publishing it. The video is ambiguous out of context and it probably didn’t occur to you how it could be misconstrued!

    I think you’ve made a brave leap as a family and I certainly wish I’d be exposed to other languages more as a kid. I still worry that the only time your daughter seems to be able to maintain friendships is during the winter in Spain and I know I wouldn’t want that for my child – having read all of Mozart’s letters I’d say that while his peripatetic education definitely made him a better composer I don’t think it made him happy! However, it may be a personal choice, and it’s easy for me to criticize when I haven’t yet taken on the challenge of being a parent myself.

    I wish you the best of luck on your travels!

    Benedict

  • Bernie
    January 6th, 2010
    5:21 pm

    I vote for Nathan Jurewicz’s video….hilarious!!

  • Joe Philipson
    January 6th, 2010
    8:21 pm

    Hey! Great photo ;-)

  • Dan
    January 7th, 2010
    8:27 am

    Nathan’s the best. Outrageous, ridiculous, funny and the real thing – at least business-wise!

  • Matt
    January 7th, 2010
    1:07 pm

    Can anyone give some information on where they find VA’s?

    After looking at Ask Sunday, Its works out to about $14/hour which is quite expensive. Maybe even more expensive than having a personal assistant working for me in Canada.

    Any ideas?

    Matt

  • Jock Purtle
    January 8th, 2010
    3:11 am

    Matt,

    Try odesk.com

    or elance.com

    post a VA advertisment or go and look at profiles for one

  • soultravelers3
    January 8th, 2010
    6:41 am

    Hey @Benedict!

    Thank you! I’m glad you feel better. The funny thing is, I was responding to your first post and didn’t even see your latest until after mine was posted!

    I think Mozart’s problems had more to do with his personality and conflicted relationship with his father, rather than his travels which expanded his knowledge, although doing it all by horse and buggy certainly made it much harder than it is today. ;)

    You bring up the often asked question about socialization that those who don’t understand homeschooling wonder about. Studies show clearly that is a false fear and myth.

    Your assumptions about our daughter’s social life and friends is also totally incorrect, but understandable because you have no experience in this area. We’re older parents and have put a LOT of well researched thought into this. Perhaps read our blog or watch our videos to get more of a sense of what we are doing, why and who we are.

    Our child actually has MORE friends this way and it’s part of the beauty of our slow travel journey. She makes friends instantly where ever we go with people of every age from babies to grandparents and every nationality.

    It’s amazing to watch her play with kids from around the world as campsites in Europe are like 5 star resorts and mini United Nations with free kids clubs where she does fun activities dashing between English speaking kids from Ireland, Australia, NZ, UK etc and Spanish speaking kids as well as playing with kids from many countries where she doesn’t speak the language. She has also had a blast playing with kids in Morocco & Turkey.

    She often stays connected with kids she meets through emails, blog and free webcam calls. She also stays connected to her best friends at home the same way. When we went home for a visit, it was like she never left and she had a ball paying with her friends. She stays in contact with her good friends in Spain while we roam too.

    Many families (like diplomats & armed forces) have lived mobile lives abroad for years that have enriched them (just look at our President or many on his staff), but today it is better than ever due to technology. Today one can immerse deeply in one culture while retaining regular connection easily with family and friends at home.

    Free webcam calls have changed the whole dynamic! All of the advantages and none of the disadvantages like the isolation that happened when snail mail & expensive calls were the only option. Even little kids today can & DO connect and collaborate world wide!

    Europe is the best place for a child to learn the value of being fluent in several languages as they see the advantages first hand. Direct experience with other cultures, flexibility & adaptability are perhaps the most important things to teach future global citizens of the 21st century!

    Life is often like a Rochart blot & we all see reality through our individual perceptions. How one raises a child is a personal choice and I’m certainly not telling you or anyone else that you must raise your child like I am. This really works for our child and our family, so I share that with people who are interested.

    There are MANY ways to do the 4HWW & that’s part of the beauty of it as the videos above show!

  • 4-Hour Workweek – 18 Real-World Lifestyle Design Case Studies « Vincent Leung .NET Tech Clips
    January 8th, 2010
    8:29 am

    [...] Checkout all the videos here [...]

  • Greg
    January 8th, 2010
    10:10 am

    Tim,
    super-uber-thanks for setting this up and sharing the videos. I just purchased the updated book and am starting to read and get my juices flowing again (read original two years ago and dabbled in some ideas but never got started…). Reading combined with the videos makes it all real and inspiring!!

  • Scott Duncan
    January 8th, 2010
    4:22 pm

    Today I end my employment as a project manager to go into my own 4 hour work week model buiness in chemical free cleaning solutions…

    I had read the 4 hour work week a few months back and have had so much going on in my life that it remained in the back of my mind… but always with an aim to bringing it to a realised goal…

    Tim’s book and appraoch to life has helped me look at my own life when times were otherwise very hard and challenging… (please excuse spelling mistakes on this post, cheers)…

    I am now at a pivital point in time, to the socond that my life is going to take a massive swing in a better direction and my nose will be firmly stick in my 4hww at the quickest opportunity possible…

    I am embarking on someting that years ago I would have over complicated and got to tied up in fears instead of looking at opportunities and muses… I thank you tim for helping increase the courage… I trust you are a genuine guy and not with your head stuck firmly up your own rear (this is often a non 4hww exec trait that I have come to put up with)… really… thanks…

    So my task now is to read the book again, take out the main related points and get moving on my ideas…

    All the best… great vidoes and comments as well guys…

    cheers tim

    scottie

  • Scott Duncan
    January 8th, 2010
    4:30 pm

    It’s funny, my last comment has some spelling errors and (gram) mistakes in it, and I actually loked at it and felt imbaresed there for a moment, but truly I know that I am not the only person in the world that can not spell… I have pretty funny range or level of dyslexia and it’s made my who I am as well as stopped me trying to become who I want to be sometimes… however, I will no longer let this be a burden and I aim to get creative on it’s ass and find a way of making this a 4hww advantage in some way… not sure how, but I am sure some folks out there may have ideas… I welcome all…

    I love writting and telling stories, I was told that I would become a nobody by teachers who were clearly not really educators… so I am here to prove a point, I always feel that a bit of help and support is needed, but the better work is probably partnership… so I will look out for great partnerships as well as opportunities to put the 4hww into action…

    gods speed…

    it’s the begining of a whole new venture…

    scottie

  • Dresden718
    January 9th, 2010
    12:16 pm

    Love it! Please keep adding to this!

  • Alex
    January 9th, 2010
    1:40 pm

    Awesome! Really enjoyed these.

    As fun as it is seeing success stories, I think that stories of failed attempts, obstacles, and how they were overcome might be even more useful for those trying to emulate the 4HWW model, particularly if they identify common obstacles.

    I know that the Hacker News/ YCombinator crowd are big on this idea for tech startups, but Is there anywhere that these are being discussed or compiled for 4HWW-type businesses?

  • Richard
    January 10th, 2010
    5:11 am

    Hi,

    not really a 4hww success story, but I implemented the Pavel 80/20 Powerlifts from Tims blog, and made a video about it, for motivation and inspiration:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFw8U5iyEKY

    Cheers, and have fun,
    -Richard

  • Kimmoy
    January 10th, 2010
    5:01 pm

    Wow Tim! Thanks for sharing these, they’re so inspiring. I must say that the sunscreen video was my favorite, he really shared some valuable life lessons we can all learn from plus I loved his dancing.

    I’m working on my muse right now, so hopefully the next go ’round I can represent for the women…and the Black women out there, I know I can’t be the only one who’s read your book lol :)

    Oh, this is off topic but for your super human book, will you talk about how to improve your eyesight? I think that would be pretty cool as a blog post or part of your next book.

    Off to get the latest copy of 4HWW…

  • Prude
    January 10th, 2010
    9:47 pm

    Am I the only one bothered by the title picture to this post? This guy is showing off his “stuff”

  • scottie duncan
    January 11th, 2010
    2:57 pm

    first day in my new business project safebiocleaning.com and posted an intro to the four hour work week on one of my first ever youtube video posts… I was a bit nervious… but it’s posted now… a bit boring but I am sure over time they will improve

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szkJ6nUCW34

  • Olivier
    January 12th, 2010
    7:08 am

    For French people, I choose 8 videos from this selection and make them translated and subtitled on Elance.
    You can see the 8 videos with French subtitles here : http://www.des-livres-pour-changer-de-vie.fr/etudes-de-cas-video-la-semaine-de-4-heures/ .

  • Tony M
    January 13th, 2010
    11:56 pm

    I dont know why I havent got this book yet. Case studies were great so this is moving up my reading list to right after Crush It which I just got.

    Oh and if you dont have a Kindle, you better get one son!

  • Dave Schrader
    January 14th, 2010
    2:09 pm

    Tim, is there a way I could get in touch with Maneesh? I was hoping to ask him some questions on his lifestyle design video.

    Thanks
    Dave

  • Darryl
    January 15th, 2010
    11:10 am

    Dave, you can contact Maneesh via his website: savethem.net. It was posted at the end of his video.

  • Dave Schrader
    January 15th, 2010
    5:22 pm

    Thanks! I figured that out after rewatching the video… should’ve posted it.

    Again thanks for the response

  • Matt
    January 16th, 2010
    1:24 am

    These videos are awesome… they make it go from just a cool idea to something tangible.

    Pity there wasn’t anyone who had negotiated a mobile office type agreement… really interested to see someone who’s made that work.

    • Tim Ferriss
      January 18th, 2010
      5:27 am

      Hi Matt,

      There is a template proposal in the new edition if you haven’t seen it. It shows you verbatim how to negotiate this.

      Best,

      Tim

  • Ladi
    January 17th, 2010
    10:58 am

    Tim, great work on this!!! Super inspiring stories from various people. I have to get into the next round ;)

    Cheers

  • Kate
    January 17th, 2010
    2:41 pm

    Hi Tim,

    Love the blog and not only that I just bought the book and have practically devoured it. I just have a question and was wondering if anybody had any advice? My partner and I would really like to go and live in Japan for a while. However there seems to be a bit of difficulty with regards to getting a visa, especially as I’m Irish and he’s French. I just wanted to know if anyone has any advice? It would be really helpful.

    Thanks a mill,
    Kate

  • Tony M
    January 17th, 2010
    3:03 pm

    So this post has really sucked me into being an avid reader of the blog. I havent watched all of the videos but I did a few and they are awesome and inspiring.

    I am putting 4HWW as next in line on my Kindle as well, its long overdue. I remember picking it up at Borders and browsing some of the text and thought “I need to read this.”

    But I didnt. Now it is time, and Ill help you out on Amazon too!

  • Dave
    January 18th, 2010
    8:49 am

    Tim,

    My wife and I are voting for Chuck Holton. I definitely resonate with what he has accomplished for his family.

    dave

  • Kent
    January 19th, 2010
    10:59 am

    After reading the book about a dozen times, I created a web-based service-based business that enables me to travel anytime and run the business from anywhere. I haven’t managed to get it down to four hours a week yet, its more like ten. Nevertheless, after seeing me take a month or two off at a time when many are struggling, my friends asked me to clone the business for them so they too can, as one put it, “ascend above the cubicle swamp”. I’ve had to document every part of the process, ad system, etc. of course, but you should know that Step One is ‘Read 4HWW’.

  • Always Be Unreasonable
    January 21st, 2010
    5:16 pm

    [...] time flies when you’re having fun and since watching the wonderful Real-World Lifestyle Design Case Studies (Maneesh Sethi is my favourite) on his blog, I wanted to also share five of the life-changing [...]

  • The Beginning « Automated Life
    January 25th, 2010
    6:36 pm

    [...] Shouldn’t I completely give up? No. Because I feel that the possible payoff is priceless. Having your cake and eating it too is something that has always been held out right in front of our eyes. And I know so many people who have actually done it and succeeded. [...]

  • Rori Raye
    January 25th, 2010
    7:54 pm

    Love the case studies, love the stories – so much easier to get when you see how another person has put ‘steps” into practice, tweaked them personally, made them work. Thanks, Rori Raye

  • The Road Not Taken » Blog Archive » Everybody’s Free
    January 28th, 2010
    5:44 pm

    [...] found out about Ki’une through the blog of Tim Ferriss (you know – 4HWW) , which is another great place to get inspiration on how to live your life [...]

  • Chow
    January 28th, 2010
    11:06 pm

    Hey Tim,

    Thanks for all the Great Insights and material you’ve provided for the world.
    Because of It, I’m starting to hear the Muses Sing.

    Chow

  • Maria
    February 2nd, 2010
    10:53 pm

    Wow! So inspiring! I just finished reading the 4HWW two days ago and already have a great idea for a muse! I’ve put a free basic projects up on Elance just to get a feel for outsourcing and can’t wait to get a dedicated VA to help me get started.

    To Tim’s VAs — Hope you see this comment! Is there any way I can get the direct contact information (email/phone) for the submitters of the videos in this post? As a muse-newbie, I’d like to talk with some successful muse-creators to get the best tips on how to get my muse up and running. After all, as Tim emphasizes in 4HWW, it’s better to get real, practical advice from someone who’s done it instead of putz around in books and the internet.

  • ManeeshSethi.com » How To Live The Digital Nomad Life
    February 3rd, 2010
    4:34 am

    [...] the Four Hour Workweek blog, I was a finalist in a recent video competition. I wanted to show exactly how I live the digitally nomadic lifestyle. Want to see how I manage to [...]

  • Jayke West
    February 5th, 2010
    2:14 pm

    Kent- Would like to hear more about your business..

  • Brandon
    February 15th, 2010
    8:20 am

    Hey Tim!

    Hope you are well as you continue to find and break human limitation.

    The work that you are doing in absolutely incredible! I just started reading your material and I am so excited to apply it to my own life. I have read numerous books on business development and self development (for lack of better terms) and your work is among the most inspiring and practical. I have started to apply the principles already and can see the limitless possibilities to change in my lifestyle and happiness.

    Thanks. Keep up the great work! Take care.

  • Kent
    February 15th, 2010
    10:23 am

    Jayke, to answer your above question, and staying as Fonzie-like as possible I’ll provide the highlights. The business is a niche area online business in the search marketing space that’s growing at about 7% annually according to many prominent witch doctors.

    The big pieces are:

    1. Drive prospects with a refined over time PPC and SEO campaign. PPC to start, then taper as much as possible as SEO kicks in. PPC is tricky and expensive when done wrong. I did it wrong at first even after reading the books. So I finally broke down and got a pro firm to do it – worth the money but was difficult to find a good one. Online leads go to website of course.

    2. Web site is database driven, has a CMS so can be manipulated from afar easily with little tech know-how. Prospects arrive via online form or phone calls (800 number forwards to answering service, then to cell if rules are met). I have a commission only sales person that works at home that either answer calls or responds via email or both. We use Quickbooks and merchant services to run CC’s. Money deposited into our account within a few days.

    3. Hand off to a Project Manager who works at home somewhere in America. PM had to be trained. Writing the instructions and check lists took forever, but training only 60 days, mostly OTJ. Project Manager interacts with customers via email only. PM could be eliminated, but I like the impartial observer watching the chickens rather than outsourcing every single thing. PM helps with work verification and quality assurance.

    4. PM directs outsourced fulfillment to another US based company. This is basically filling out a form and emailing it. They charge our CC, but we only initiate after we have payment in advance from customers. No cash outlay, no inventory! We run it all through PayPal and Amex to get fly miles for travel.

    5. Subscription based system provides steady monthly cash flow and 50% margins (not as high as Tims target, but it works for me). Also, its a service biz not a product biz.

    I used 4HWW and E-myth books to guide me as well as about 25 industry specific books. Most work: creating and refining the process and finding great vendors – it was a frog kissing contest for a long time. Worth it now though because clients stick around from six months to years. Biggest personal challenge: being a control freak with the process creation, but refraining from micro-managing once the process was initiated.

    I hope that helps. Good luck.
    Kent

  • Patrick Hitches
    February 17th, 2010
    5:02 pm

    Tim,

    I want to sincerely thank you for this well crafted post. As I’ve spent the past few months perfecting my muse and getting it up and running, I have visited these videos periodically throughout the development for continued motivation and support. The stories you’ve inspired and shared with the rest of us have been my own personal support network as I embark on creating my personal lifestyle of choice. Just two weeks into the official launch of my site, the shopify platform is proving to be extremely effective as I now have orders flowing in throughout the day from all over the country! Thank you so much for everything as my life journey has truly just begun…

    -Patrick Hitches

  • safi
    February 27th, 2010
    1:49 am

    apologies for the post on the other cold remedies tim, forgot which tab i was looking at

    regarding nathans entry:
    i did a quick google search and got this
    http://realestatesolutions3d.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/we-read-this-crap-so-you-dont-have-to-nathan-jurewicz/
    does he really flip houses?

  • Nathan Jurewicz
    February 28th, 2010
    10:34 am

    Yes Safi I really flip houses… that guy was complaining that after giving away a free online video for opting in that it also directed you to a sales letter where I try to sell you my entire course. How dare me right? lol – Nathan

  • andyzarkovich
    March 2nd, 2010
    8:52 pm

    Tim,

    I feel like i have learned more from your book and this website than I have from 5 years of college. I also find it very interesting that you spoke at a division 2 college (Ferris State University) in Big Rapids, Michigan last year about world travel while you had a best selling book out. It was January or February of last year and you never even spoke of the book you had out. It was a great presentation of stories about traveling around the world. Who do you know at Ferris and why did you decide to come? I have used your ideas with my job as well as school. Im not setting the world on fire yet traveling the world and what not but will hopefully figure out something soon!

    Thanks,

    Andy

  • Dilan Patel
    March 10th, 2010
    2:03 pm

    This is just some really eye-opening material here… Ki’une had such an inspiring video just amazing. Austin Evarts video was really well made. Chuck Holton very innovative parenting, kudos for being so supportive and involved… Pete Williams–would love to get more details on how you became so successful?! Maneesh Sethi (I believe Ramit’s brother–who is a genius) is brilliant… Kudos to everyone for being so proactive and taking action in your lives, I am joining you guys very soon!

  • Mikayla Byers
    March 13th, 2010
    10:53 am

    Hi,

    I liked looking at soultravelers3 video of her daughter playing violin. We would like to know more about their story.

    Here is our story as of today:
    We have read the 4HWW several times and just got the new updated version a month ago. We definitely know this is our goal in life is to get out and see the world instead of staying in the same house forever.

    We have been working on turn-keying our Chiropractic practice for about 1.5 years and we estimate another 6 months to be able to have it work without us and be profitable. We would like to know your story on how you worked up to the point of getting out of your stationary state to where you are on traveling as a lifestyle. We have determined that our situation is slightly more complicated than having an internet business like Mr. Ferriss but we are almost there.

    I like to know where what you BE, then what you DID and we already know what you have.

    Thanks!
    Mikayla

  • Daniel Lee
    March 26th, 2010
    1:04 pm

    Timothy Ferriss:

    I am writing on your wall because I can not find any other way to get in contact with you. I would rather write you privately, but that is not an option.

    I read your book the 4 Hour Work Week and have followed it to a tee, including paying World Wide Brands a significant amount of money to join their membership. I also followed your advice on setting up a LLC in December. Just recently, I received a letter from the State of California that states: “must pay an annual tax of $600 with a Limited Liability Voucher.” Why did you not warn any of us of such a significant liability? Now I am forced to shut down because of this unexpected liability. I would love to hear from you.

    Daniel

    • Tim Ferriss
      March 26th, 2010
      7:50 pm

      Hi Daniel,

      I’m sorry to hear of the confusion and unfortunate end. Alas, I do — above all — recommend that people understand all fees involved before signing anything. In the book, I can’t account for everything that can go wrong, so I have to emphasize the importance of doing your own homework and working with professionals when possible. I have never formed business entities without professional advice. There was a point when I couldn’t afford it, and I waited until I could.

      I hope that helps somehow,

      Tim

  • scott
    March 27th, 2010
    3:05 pm

    I am at a point in my business where I require some help… The full legal and financial areas have all been considered (and where I have not, I have learned some lessons… it’s life)

    I am looking to access routes to market in the UK and Europe and would appreciate any advice from people who have made it through those first few harsh months of business when money is scarce… cash flow monsters are getting angry….

    any ideas would be helpful…

    scott

  • Abe
    April 8th, 2010
    1:56 pm

    Tim, thank you for this fine book of yours. A solid reminder to all of us that our existence is finite and to use it wisely. A fine example that speaks to so many of our fears under the employ of the corporatocracy is the following essay:

    “Security,” by Hunter S. Thompson (1955).
    Security … what does this word mean in relation to life as we know it today? For the most part, it means safety and freedom from worry. It is said to be the end that all men strive for; but is security a utopian goal or is it another word for rut?

    Let us visualize the secure man; and by this term, I mean a man who has settled for financial and personal security for his goal in life. In general, he is a man who has pushed ambition and initiative aside and settled down, so to speak, in a boring, but safe and comfortable rut for the rest of his life. His future is but an extension of his present, and he accepts it as such with a complacent shrug of his shoulders. His ideas and ideals are those of society in general and he is accepted as a respectable, but average and prosaic man. But is he a man? has he any self-respect or pride in himself? How could he, when he has risked nothing and gained nothing? What does he think when he sees his youthful dreams of adventure, accomplishment, travel and romance buried under the cloak of conformity? How does he feel when he realizes that he has barely tasted the meal of life; when he sees the prison he has made for himself in pursuit of the almighty dollar? If he thinks this is all well and good, fine, but think of the tragedy of a man who has sacrificed his freedom on the altar of security, and wishes he could turn back the hands of time. A man is to be pitied who lacked the courage to accept the challenge of freedom and depart from the cushion of security and see life as it is instead of living it second-hand. Life has by-passed this man and he has watched from a secure place, afraid to seek anything better What has he done except to sit and wait for the tomorrow which never comes?

    Turn back the pages of history and see the men who have shaped the destiny of the world. Security was never theirs, but they lived rather than existed. Where would the world be if all men had sought security and not taken risks or gambled with their lives on the chance that, if they won, life would be different and richer? It is from the bystanders (who are in the vast majority) that we receive the propaganda that life is not worth living, that life is drudgery, that the ambitions of youth must he laid aside for a life which is but a painful wait for death. These are the ones who squeeze what excitement they can from life out of the imaginations and experiences of others through books and movies. These are the insignificant and forgotten men who preach conformity because it is all they know. These are the men who dream at night of what could have been, but who wake at dawn to take their places at the now-familiar rut and to merely exist through another day. For them, the romance of life is long dead and they are forced to go through the years on a treadmill, cursing their existence, yet afraid to die because of the unknown which faces them after death. They lacked the only true courage: the kind which enables men to face the unknown regardless of the consequences.

    As an afterthought, it seems hardly proper to write of life without once mentioning happiness; so we shall let the reader answer this question for himself: who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?

  • Sarah
    April 11th, 2010
    10:45 am

    This inspires me SO much. I recently graduated from college (in May) and absolutely hate the 8-5 world. I hate my job and have been looking for a way out. The four hour work week is it!! I haven’t quit my job yet, I’m still trying to come up with my muse and stop thinking and just jump!

  • Irotama
    April 13th, 2010
    10:45 am

    Thas is Great when you came to colombia go to Irotama Colombia

  • Aled Davies
    May 4th, 2010
    7:46 am

    Hi Tim – the chaps at MoneyMakingMuses across the pond here in London once again bow down to your status as lifestyle creation guru.
    We’re aspiring lifestyle creation guru’s ourselves, two ordinary guys with jobs and a keen interest in making better choices in our lives.

    Me – I’ve realised it’s not more money that I want, It’s actually more time. With two young children and a passion for leaving a legacy behind that improves the world my children live in is an important goal. It’s a curious situation we find ourselves in – in order to create more time one needs to reorder ones life such that money doesn’t become a barrier or an inconvenient hurdle for achieving more time. I recognise that I need to make some changes about how I go about my business.

    I used to dive for diamonds in the rivers of Africa which was an exciting and exhilarating job. I now run a conflict resolution consultancy in London in addition to making a feature film and a few other interests. So 40-hour work week seems more like it at the moment. But all is about to change…

    Anyway, I was talking about my latest venture with my partner Dan and we wondered what we’d say in 30 seconds if we found ourselves in a lift with you such that you’d be curious enough to find out more about our goals, aspirations and what we’re doing to move us in that direction. It led us to to think about starting a little competition on our website (we have already dedicated a section to you on our website). So once we’ve figured out what we’ll say we’ll get in touch with you and say it – be great to get your reaction.

    That’s all for now.
    Best wishes

    Aled & Dan

  • Lee Burrell
    May 18th, 2010
    4:00 pm

    Hey Tim,

    I’m in Europe for 2 months on another mini-retirement!

    Italy (now), then to Germany, & Croatia. The muse is still growing and I’ll be 100% outsourced before too long!! It’s not too bad until then :)

    I take the book on every trip I go on – read and re-read to re-motivate and re-educate.

    Had alot of people email me about the video and whatnot. If anyone was one of them, I’ll eventually get back to you. Been busy learning languages and other things.

    Cheers again!

    Lee Burrell

  • Hethir
    May 18th, 2010
    5:03 pm

    These videos are awesome. I finally just got around to finally watching them! So neat to see everyone’s stories. I wish I participated in this…

  • My Day With The Ren Men
    May 26th, 2010
    10:49 am

    [...] first learned about the Ren Men when they were part of a video contest put on by Tim Ferriss of 4-Hour Workweek fame.  I checked out all of the videos in the finals of the contest and Grant [...]

  • Towards Ethical Lifestyle Design | The Friendly Anarchist
    May 26th, 2010
    11:16 am

    [...] 9 to 5, maybe not reaching the four-hour work week, but at least a twenty-hour one? Just by posting a bunch of case studies on his blog, Ferriss won’t silence his [...]

  • Maria
    May 27th, 2010
    11:39 pm

    Hey Tim,

    I hope to soon remedy the male-dominated videos here. I’m 2 months away from walking from the day job. Love the videos as they are great inspiration and motivation that everyone can do it.

    I hired my first virtual assistant and have outsourced many of my start-up tasks. The initial letting go was the toughest thing to do, but now I’m liking the free time I’m having to actually have a life. Once the full-on launch is on, I’ll begin the travel itinerary.

    Maria

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 29th, 2010
      10:52 am

      Congratulations, Maria! Can’t wait for the stories :)

      Un abrazo,

      Tim

  • Barbara A. Wilson
    June 7th, 2010
    9:25 am

    I vote for Chuck Holton. I want to learn more about the 4-hour work week and see if the Lord is leading me in this direction for my livelihood.

  • Kerry Pollard
    June 21st, 2010
    4:35 pm

    Can some one help me find my niche market and execute income autopilot 1-3? Im having a hard time finding myself in tim’s techings income auto pilot chapters. If anoyone coud give me some advice or some insight from personal experience, that would be greatly appreciated. my email is pollard.kerry@gmail.com

  • Sophie
    July 17th, 2010
    8:50 am

    Awesome videos! I read the first book and now I’m reading the second version over and over again and really it changed the way I saw things.

    I have to admit that I’m quite a bad student, in the sense that I didn’t plan any mini-retirement yet. However, I have been working on developing a muse during the last few months and it’s already working great.

    So thank you Tim!!

  • M Rossiter
    July 28th, 2010
    12:08 pm

    Very cool videos.

    Bad news for The World’s Best Fruit, though. I looked into Miracle Fruit a year or so ago. Did some diligence on the market. For a lifestyle business, yeah, maybe it’ll work.

    But the folks I talked to at FDA were pretty clear in that any scale operation would be shut down. Miracle fruit is not legal for sale/distribution in the United States per FDA guidelines as it is considered an unsafe food additive (weird, right?).

    Anyway, I’d advise The World’s Best Fruit to do some more diligence if she is planning to quit her job.

  • From CEOs to Opera Singers – How to Harness the “Superstar Effect”
    July 29th, 2010
    5:51 am

    [...] success at hacking The Superstar Effect. Consider, for example, Maneesh Sethi (featured recently inTim's lifestyle design case study competition), who got into Stanford on the strength of having written a popular computer programming book, or [...]

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