Its been a long time since I've made a post here -- but this book I'm reading: The 4 Hour Work Week is just too great to not talk about. I'm going to post my thoughts as I read through it.
Apples and Oranges: A Comparison - This really opened my eyes to the fact that everyone says pretty much the same goals for themselves in life; and that its truely not what they say. This holds true for myself -- Maybe I say something like 'oh, I want to make a lot of money' Why? What am I actually looking to do with that money?
Or even more damming -To be the boss instead of the employee, to be in charge -- is really a dream to own the trains and have someone else ensure they run on time. I have two recent examples of this in my life:
I recently decided to apply for a management position at my company. This would be in a position of a totally different department, entirely different responsibilities, and would entail being the manager of approximately 12 people. Did I think I was appropriately qualified? Hell No! Did I think it would be a Challenge? Absolutely! Did I think I could get it? Quite possibly!
From the day I applied for the position I became engrossed in the phenomeon that happens when you buy a new car, and then you start noticing everyone around you having the same car -- something you didn't take notice of before. I began noticing that everyone in this group was constantly on-call, responding to emergencies at all hours of the day and night. I then began to realize what a nightmare it would be to take on this position. I spoke to a few managers at my company, both about the position, and management in general -- and came to the conclusion that I would spend 50-100% more time per week at work. After much time delay, I let the hiring manager know I was no longer interested in the position. First time in my life I've been in that situation. I don't consider it giving up -- I consider that I more properly prioritized my life. I want to focus on my Masters Program right now.
Finally I'm currently exploring a new business venture (more details to come later) which would involve an ultimate pay-off in my mind through IPO or acquisition. As mentioned in this section - "To think big but ensure payday comes every day: cash flow first, big payday second." Okay! You've got my attention - I'm listening.
Last night I went to the Holiday party of a neighbor - who works for FableVision. Not knowing many people there, Julie and I spent time wandering around, and eventually came across a table full of the same books - The North Star. Not being one for Children's books, but being one for curiosity -- I read the book description on the jacket and was intrigued. Julie began reading it. I immediately thought about Julie's mother as I read "The North Star celebrates the individual. It invites us to rethink curriculum, career choices and other critical life decisions in a way that respects who we really are and our own unique gifts." As Julie read more and said it was good, I gave her the money to buy it for Julie's mother, Susan Summer as a gift. Susan has worked on a number of children's books and dreams of having one of them published.
As we explained to our neighbor Sharon why we were purchasing the book she got excited and insisted we meet the author - Peter Reynolds and have him sign the copy. We met Peter and explained our story, to which he explained his method of getting started - very small, and recommended Susan get published with a service such as LuLu. I was exstatic, as I've suggested the very same service to Susan before. He wrote an amazing page to Susan in the book and encouraged us to share his story - both The North Star, and of its creation with her for inspiration.
Challenging the Status Quo vs. Being Stupid - Retirement being a Worst-Case Scenario - The bit that really hit me was "One week into retirement you'll be so damn bored that you'll want to stick bicycle spokes in your eyes." I love my Grandpa to death, hes a great guy, he worked for AT&T, and he was able to retire relatively early and had sufficient money to live nicely for almost 30 years now. Unfortunately I've also watched him not do much, be bored, and have his mind slowly deteriorate. As they put it in the book, if you're going to be bored and opt for a new job or start a new company -- why wait; do it now!
Seduction tactics show themselves in general life again -- First thing I thought at "Ask for Forgiveness, Not Permission". This was a big theme and common tagline when I was seducing women, that its much easier to ask for forgiveness if one of your advances was too bold, than to ask for permission before trying. "Get good at being a troublemaker and saying sorry when you really screw up." - Thats me!
Emphasize Strengths, Don't Fix Weaknesses. I don't entirely agree with this one. I do think that I need to focus on using my strengths instead of weaknesses, but I find great value in improving on my weaknesses, even if as they say 'the best you can often achieve is to become mediocre in these areas'. I'd rather be well rounded, and maintain my strengths than allow my weaknesses to become my achilles heel.
I will combine the previous section with "Things in Excess Become Their Opposite." Which is similar to a common theme from a professor in my Learning to Lead class at Tufts Gordon Institute (Masters in Engineering Management) - who says "The strengths which got you where you are now may not be the same things which continue to take you forward, and infact may be holding you back." His common example is that if you were a great engineer, that doesn't do anything for you when you want to become a manager -- you're looking to be a great manager, and if what made you a great engineer is that you were anti-social and focused on your work; then you may have issues trying to become a manager with that skillset. You need to spend time to improve upon your weaknesses to take you forward. This further emphasizes my point above.
Money Alone is Not the Solution - Couldn't say it better myself. I already learned this lesson back in 2001 when I thought I was making an amazing amount of money, but I had no life and no friends - Which segue's into their next point - Relative Income Is More Important Than Absolute Income - I currently make 25% More than in 2001, at 40% of the hours. I'm the poster-child for this book!
Distress is Bad, Eustress is Good -- Didn't speak to me until I read "People who avoid all criticism fail. It's destructive criticism we need to avoid, not criticism in all forms." I feed on constructive criticism. I need to understand how to improve, better myself, do it smoother next time. I HATE criticism which just says that it wasn't good, but provides no positive feedback. The feedback I recevied from Justin on my final class presentation was PRICELESS. The detail, differing perspectives, and presentation advice really helped shape our product into one which it could not have been even after 20 presentations to audiences.
Fear Setting and Escaping Paralysis - Don't get me wrong -- its good, its a necessary section, but I've explored this nearly identically and in more depth in How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. I encourage anyone to read it if this is a particular sticking point. I've already overcome, conquered and answered everything in this chapter. Anyone who needs proof, please see me quitting my last job before having a new one -- and the pure-energy I received when I had a new job in 6 weeks which paid twice as much, 30% less hours, cheaper commute, and has helped me grow to where I am now.
... More Posts to come as I continue reading.