“If you’re having trouble thinking bigger, just think stranger.”
This episode is a review of the past year, as well as a look at how I plan for new years.
I haven’t written New Year’s resolutions for roughly six years. Instead, I do a post-game analysis with a series of exercises and odd questions. This episode describes that, as well as a few lessons I’ve learned.
All of the links and resources I mention in the audio can be found below.
Thank you for listening, and wishing you and yours all the best in 2017!
- Listen to it on iTunes.
- Stream by clicking here.
- Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”
Want to hear another podcast with an end-of-year review? — Listen to my last podcast of 2015. In this episode, I share 25 of my favorite learnings from 2015: tips, gadgets, and quotes from podcast guests that I’ve incorporated into my own life. (stream below or right-click here to download):
This podcast is brought to you by Four Sigmatic. I reached out to these Finnish entrepreneurs after a very talented acrobat introduced me to one of their products, which blew my mind (in the best way possible). It is mushroom coffee featuring chaga. It tastes like coffee, but there are only 40 milligrams of caffeine, so it has less than half of what you would find in a regular cup of coffee. I do not get any jitters, acid reflux, or any type of stomach burn. It put me on fire for an entire day, and I only had half of the packet.
People are always asking me what I use for cognitive enhancement right now — this is the answer. You can try it right now by going to foursigmatic.com/tim and using the code Tim to get 20 percent off your first order. If you are in the experimental mindset, I do not think you’ll be disappointed.
This podcast is also brought to you by Wealthfront. Wealthfront is a massively disruptive (in a good way) set-it-and-forget-it investing service, led by technologists from places like Apple and world-famous investors. It has exploded in popularity in the last 2 years and now has more than $2.5B under management. In fact, some of my good investor friends in Silicon Valley have millions of their own money in Wealthfront. Why? Because you can get services previously limited to the ultra-wealthy and only pay pennies on the dollar for them, and it’s all through smarter software instead of retail locations and bloated sales teams.
Check out wealthfront.com/tim, take their risk assessment quiz, which only takes 2-5 minutes, and they’ll show you for free exactly the portfolio they’d put you in. If you want to just take their advice and do it yourself, you can. Or, as I would, you can set it and forget it. Well worth a few minutes: wealthfront.com/tim.
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.
Scroll below for links and show notes…
Selected Links from the Episode
- Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Timothy Ferriss
- Making Oprah from WBEZ
- How a Gang of Skinheads Forever Changed the Course, The Oprah Winfrey Show
- Shopify’s Build a Business Competition
- The Culting of Brands: Turn Your Customers into True Believers by Douglas Atkin
- Debt by David Graeber (Get it on Audio)
- The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World and Trickster Makes This World: Mischief, Myth and Art by Lewis Hyde
- Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud
- Seth Godin likes Kramer knives
- Mystery Show Case #3: Belt Buckle
- 1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly, The Technium
- Testing The “Impossible”: 17 Questions That Changed My Life
- My Life Extension Pilgrimage to Easter Island
- How to Say “No” When It Matters Most (or “Why I’m Taking a Long ‘Startup Vacation'”)
- DonorsChoose, QuestBridge, and BUILD are education-oriented nonprofits I enjoy working with.
- Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton
- The Five Minute Journal: A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day
- The Secrets of Gymnastic Strength Training, Part Two — Home Equipment, Weighted Stretches, and Muscle-Ups
- Jason Nemer — Inside the Magic of AcroYoga
- Wired Business Conference
- How to 10X Your Results, One Tiny Tweak at a Time
- The 30-Day Challenge: No Booze, No Masturbating (NOBNOM)
Show Notes
- What I took away from a documentary about Oprah Winfrey. [07:29]
- There are only two emotions: love and fear. [08:18]
- Are you attempting to be a force of good in the world, or are you representing darkness? [09:44]
- Book, podcast, and knife recommendations from Seth Godin. [10:36]
- “If you delight them, you’ll never lose them.” [11:39]
- If I had to charge two times more for my product or service and couldn’t do any paid advertising, what would I do instead? [12:50]
- 80/20 analysis: 20 percent of activities, experiences, or people who produced 80 percent or more of my most positive emotions and outcomes. [14:21]
- Should I go on a podcast tour? [19:14]
- I need to see more sunrises and spend fewer days in big cities. [20:34]
- If it is not on the calendar, it is not real. [21:12]
- Can money buy happiness? [22:20]
- Using my journal to spot patterns. [24:14]
- Thinking in threes: three things to add and three things to remove from life. [26:57]
- Matchmaking? [27:21]
- The solution to cleaning up dog hair without anyone moving my stuff. [27:50]
- Can I pay for every possible VR demonstration? [28:38]
- Coming up with absurd ideas for experiments. [30:17]
- 10x vs. 10% [33:16]
- The importance of scheduling the fun stuff. [34:54]
- I’m taking suggestions for potential 30-day challenges and experiments (remember NOBNOM?). [36:59]
- A virtual hug and legitimate gratitude to all of you and best wishes for the new year! [38:58]
People Mentioned
- Oprah Winfrey
- Tony Robbins
- Seth Godin
- Lewis Hyde
- Kevin Kelly
- Peter Attia
- David M. Sabatini
- Navdeep S. Chandel
- Derek Sivers
- Dan Sullivan
- Molly
- Jocko Willink
- Sarah Silverman
- Jerrod Carmichael
- Shay Carl
The Tim Ferriss Show is one of the most popular podcasts in the world with more than one billion downloads. It has been selected for "Best of Apple Podcasts" three times, it is often the #1 interview podcast across all of Apple Podcasts, and it's been ranked #1 out of 400,000+ podcasts on many occasions. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out this page.
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 do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Brian Oberkirch for the inspiration.)
Yes, I’d love to participate in some monthly group challenges. Let’s do it.
Hi are you going to have a transcript on the podcast on review 2016? Thanks!
Hi Tim! I just completed Tools of Titans during the holiday break. Actually, I read it taking notes and highlights, I re-read it to clean up my notes and I re-re-read it with the final highlights. If it’s not clear at this point, I really liked it! Now I ordered some follow up books and a couple of products will be arriving soon. Thanks for a great book!
I just started reading the Happy body (about 1/3 way through) and I had a question for you. I often heard you speak about the author with respect, and you mentionned a few times his mobility routine that you sometimes do, but you don’t seem to have adopted his entire system. Any reason why?
thanks again!
P.S. Sorry if some phrasing is weird, english is a second language.
Thanks for the kind comment! I love Jerzy’s work in Happy Body. In an ideal world, I would do his entire HB morning/mobility routine. Since I’m also doing some Gymnastic Strength Training (GST) per Coach Sommer, I modified and combined them a bit. To be honest, I think both coaches would disagree with my mixing and matching! You can’t go wrong with Jerzy.
I too have Tools of Titans, it’s been a fantastic book. I’ve been reading random chapters as I see fit for what I’m working on. Persuasion — Scott Adams section, ect… I really like that I can flip to any chapter (category) and get solid applicable information.
Enjoyed this, and like the rolling podcast idea. I still think you are missing a great chance to do the V-log idea with the long form discussions. The random show video’s were hilarious, and (my opinion) the audio only ones lose some of the charm.
For experiments, why limit it to one? Why not 1 every 3 months? Pick a no coffee one for Feb., a a no complain April, etc.,
Tim you are the man. Love hearing your thoughts and personal philosophy on life.
Tim, I’d be the first to jump on the mobile podcast circuit facebook page! Park City is the perfect summer stop on your tour. Hiking, mountain biking, camping, national parks nearby. And your own personal tour guide “)
Doubling-down on Park City. Love living and working here:)
Another Great Podcast! Thanks for writing the new book Tools of Titans too! So Good! I love you you can just pick it up for 2 minutes or 2 hours and gain value from the time.
Also, Please come to Seattle for your traveling live podcast!
Tim,. Thank you for all of the work you share. I learn so much from the Podcast. I battle with depression and your willingness to discuss your personal struggles has inspired me. Keep up the great work dude!
Here’s the initial facebook page Tools of Titans Park City Edition
https://www.facebook.com/toolsoftitansparkcity/?view_public_for=1741331276184892
Tim – I love the Facebook group idea and would love to hear more about how you anticipate that process coming together.
I’m not sure about the no masturbating challenge – it’s the only skill I’m world class in and I’m still trying to figure out a way to turn it into a profitable venture!
Maybe No news, no procrastination month???
Thanks for the many gifts you have passed on – you really are a force for good in the world.
The Tour would be excellent
I’m in for No Carbs No Complaining.
Thank you for Tools of Titans…it was gifted by a mentor and as you said….”this is the book I’ve always wanted “
Hey, if you feel like stopping back in Memphis, lemme know. I might be able to hook you up with some of that BBQ again. Just saying.. connections… 😉
Idea of play, live podcasting through a tour. Hope you consider cities outside US as well. I don’t normally use FB but have just created a Tools of Titans Bangalore group:), now have a strong motivation to gathering a community of over 200 member here 🙂
Tim- count me in for NoCNoC!!!!
Hi tim this was awesome! I appreciate all the content you’ve put out there as its helped me immensely improve the quality of my fortunate life here on earth. If you, or anyone else, could recommend a book or resources on WHAT to do with your life or HOW to make this decision that would be fantastic. As highschool graduation is approaching everyone is going to college but I’m not sure this is the route for me as I have no clear goals, just a desire to grow and learn anything really. Again I appreciate everything much love from NorCal!
You might be interested in the Uncollege movement ~ good stuff to google if that sounds appealing are Uncollege.com, Zero Tuition College, Praxis University (internship/ apprentice program) & Unschooling. “Better Than College” by Blake Boles, and Teenage Liberation handbook by Grace Llewellen are great reads for someone in your shoes. And there are educational platforms like Ed-X (not to be confused with the also great Ted-X!) & Coursera offering a smorgasbord of free non-credit college courses from top schools. Good luck & keep asking the big questions & finding your own way! 🙂
Hi Tim
Thanks for this episode
I like the idea of the live events and the monthly challenge
However, the idea that got me thinking the most was the one from Ophra about not providing a platform for evil.
It strikes me that this can be difficult in practice. sometimes those that try to seem good really aren’t
Your comments about bigoteers come to mind here.
Hola Tim,
Al principio enhorabuena con el libro “Tools of Titans”! Estoy en el medio de lo y que bueno es. Me encanta la idea de los experimentos y voy a participar cuando lo está ocurriendo. Desde el tiempo en lo que he leído su primero libro mi vida o sea mi mente ha cambiado por lo mejor. Acabo de terminar mi trabajo para descubrir una vida trabajando para yo mismo. Por eso, gracias. Algún día me gustaría darte un regalo de ser tu guía en Montana. Necesitas visitar Missoula, Montana, la ciudad en que yo vivo. Glacier National Park está cerca al norte y no es muy lejos. Pues, cuídate amigo y salud!
-Kalub
Hi,
When Tim is referring to iCal, is this the standard calander on the Mac, or some other add-on App?
Thanks
It’s the standard Mac calendar app.
Thank you
Excellent episode Tim. Facebook groups are forming up all over!
We can’t wait to see what comes of the traveling “TimTim TalkTalk” show. 🙂
Absolutely love the idea of doing more month long group experiments. I think there are plenty of individual experimenters out there who could use the boost that a strong community would create (myself included). I hope there’s a lot of support for the initiative!
Hi Tim!
Loved this episode! Feeling such a great loving energy radiating from it to all of us!
Thank you!
No Carbs No Complaining!
Let’s do it starting January 1st! Up for a challenge?
I’m pretty good with my carbs, the most carbohydrate rich meal is broccoli or cashews. Even dark chocolate got upgraded to whole cacao beans
I personally got to get it a bit lower (carbs) for fitness modelling goal I’m getting after. That challenge will definitely help!
And No complaining is such a powerful thing! It switches the mind from reactive and passive mode to pro-active and let’s do it, fix it, make it.
Live Podcast Tour!
Yes! Yes! Yes!
New York is ready!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ToolsOfTitansNewYork/
NEW YORK JOIN!!!
I created the group on the way to the gym this morning at 5 AM for all New Yorkers.
I’m posting a link here, feel free to remove or share. I’ll be working on group promotion, will get in touch with all your fans and some friends who will help to promote too. But you know, New York is one active city. We will get 250 fans in no time.
Also an idea I got. While you are not in NYC we might meet up as a group and work on some projects together, kind of mastermind groups or something similar. Just the right kind of people to make the right sh*t happen. Plus maybe support each other with challenges like that experiment or do fun gigs together. Who knows.
And another thought. I know you enjoy teaching and teaching kids is so worth it and so rewarding and so much impact it can produce. – Go for it! It can change lives’ trajectories so much!
But have you ever thought about teaching some adult courses?
As I’m getting more into hero’s journey and unlocking our potential as individuals I thought, maybe you could take a group of individuals with great ideas who are struggling somehow to make it more mainstream or to a level where they want it to be, and take them step by step with their full commitment to massive action through some plan we create together, and that way create a really big ripple in the world.
It can make a really big difference, when you take that potential lying in many people squashed by society often and make it shine. And there is no better thing to do that, than personal mentoring.
You could document it, even make it into ZERO-to-HERO reality show with the host Tim Ferris and a group of linchpins as “lab rats”
Thank you again Tim! For so many things in my life that changed.
And Happy New 2017!!!
Hey Angela – There’s another group (Tools of Titans New York City) that already has over 150 members. Maybe you two should join forces!
whats the link Jhaneel? Share please! Makes more sense! 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ToTNYC found it! Great group! Really great job with promoting and posting updates about all Tim’s stuff. I’m deleting my group 🙂 One less job for me to do 🙂 Thank you Jhaneel!
I’m throwing in Sioux Falls, SD as a potential site for your traveling podcast idea, and if you could get Jocko to come with you, that would be awesome!! I’m not quite done with Episode #212, but will finish it on the way home from work. When you decide to jump into the traveling podcast idea with both feet, I’ll get that group FB page up and running! All the best to you in 2017!
I have generally enjoyed the focus on really successful people. I would be interested in something like “the tools of average people”. Stay with me…
Most people are average and without average people, really wealthy and successful people could not live the lives they live. We need people who deliver stuff, pick up the trash, teach people things, deliver social services, operate the vast and complicated nation that underlies literally every piece of our lives, and so forth. Most of these people will be middle class at their peak, most will have to work full time jobs, and we really need them to keep doing that.
My thought is that it would be cool to talk to these folks too. What do they do to make their lives awesome? What are the tools they use to adapt to the changing world? What do they find really inspiring in the world? How does the average person forge their path?
I think you have laid out a lot of useful tools throughout your discussions with incredible people, but I think there would be significant interest in how regular people do it too.
hey Dave, in some ways I agree with you. I sometimes have to take breaks from the podcast because frustration tops inspiration when it comes to the tools I can actually implement in my life – many need more resources than I have at this point in my life. For example, I love the idea of scheduling a month off twice a year, but I can’t afford it and I don’t have the vacation time. But on the other hand, I bet half the guests Tim has on the podcast would consider themselves “normal people” who are applying these tools to become extraordinary… it’s kind of the point. These are average people, but the tools have helped them achieve above average success at whatever they valued.
Best,
Sara
Sara/Dave,
I agree with both of you. In fact, I have a 3/4 written book called “While Fat Americans Sleep” about habits-and everyday heroes. I stopped writing when I realized that I was still too angry from my Afghanistan deployment (hated fighting to not lose instead of to win), and there was too much vitriol throughout. Here are some of the examples I had in mind:
o The volunteer coach who started as a parent, but continued into his 70s; o cottage-business non-profits (animal rescues, veteran organizations, disease organizations)–these are generally led by passionate every folks from their garage.
o people who quit smoking, drinking, or lost 30+ lbs and have kept it off for a significant time
o volunteer yoga instructor at the Y
o cancer survivors
o immigrants that have fully adapted/integrated into American life
o etc, etc
I think at times, to echo Dave, hockey stick/power-law success examples may be too great of a leap to understand. I write this knowing that I’ve enjoyed every podcast–and agree with Sara that these folks act/talk/and likely think of themselves as ‘normal’.
Maybe a 4-1/5-1 ratio. I like Tim’s Drunk Dialing–that is close to the idea, but I also think it would be interesting to know who the other listeners are. I imagine we all share some pretty significant values.
bsn
Thank you Thank you Thank you for sharing. You are pretty amazing.
You never fail to open up my mind…I can’t get enough of all that you put out there 🙂 Keep it coming
From a NY working Mom:)
Tim,
What a great podcast. I was just thinking about how to review my year in the most effective way. Going through my calendar to 80/20 the experiences and people that made me happiest/most miserable is brilliant. I just picked up the Tools of Titans and can’t wait to dive in!
The touring podcast idea is great. I would love to start a Facebook group here in San Diego – I’m sure we can get a nice size group going here. Keep us updated.
I would also love to participate in 30 day challenges. The thing I’m struggling with the most right now is the time suck of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc – I’d love to do a 30 day streaming service cleanse.
Finally, your podcast/blog/other work has made my 2016 much more successful and enjoyable. Thank you for everything you do.
Hi Tim – been feeling inspired by all of your stuff for a long time now, and reading your blog posts as well. I have some stuff I would like to mail you, but can’t find a shipping address or P.O box for you. Is there anywhere I can find that information? Thanks so much.
You’re a true gift, Tim Ferriss,
Sarah Silverman. Yes, ple-e-e-ase.
You and your Molly on the road as in “Travel’s With Charley”? Inspired idea.
Short action film fest . . . made a short, goofy, action film with a buddy; the most fun I’ve had in my life!
10x your podcast idea (side project): 10 people from the world over (ages 17 – 80), transform their lives over a year, implementing your and your podcast guests’ methods, a-la your new book “Tools of Titans”. The ten folks make a daily audio journal. Perhaps, an individual or small group of past podcast guests consult once a month, to course-correct and supercharge results. With editing for highlights and choice narrative arc, cut with past podcast guest commentary, you’ve got an everywoman/everyman story, marking fundamental leaps in development, maybe uncovering common patterns where we run aground. Could be fun.
Happy New Year.
Seems like we have similar ideas about transformation 🙂
Would absolutely love to do more month long challenges. NOC NOC sounds just hard enough to be a great challenge!
NOCNOC please. No carbs. No complaining.
Tools of Titans is the best possible companion to the podcast—thanks for putting it out.
I’ll suggest Salt Lake City as a stop on your World Tour. You already know about the great outdoor recreation opportunities, but we also have a vibrant startup, tech, and recreation scene. We can get you some great local panelists if you decide to do a group show.
The Tools of Titans SLC Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/ToolsofTitansSLC/.
I’ve changed this to a Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1692359724123538/
Tim I can’t listen to your podcast in headphones anymore because of the harsh S sounds , I dont think its always been like this. But every episode I download recently I have to stop at the first S . Other podcasts work well. Hope this is a simple fix for you, love your work!
Tools of Titans – Cleveland group is here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/231328577320913/
Working on pulling this event together.
Bought the book for myself and a friend. Had the best time reading it outloud with my wife. We ended up laughing like idiots over few chapters, as some of the points were clearly intended for me while some were intended for her. Not even sure why it was an adequate response, but most definitely best times.
Thank you for everything,
Tim.
Tim,
Great episode. Unrelated to this episode but the last few Five Bullet Friday emails are not loading in my Outlook. I’m curious if this is a common problem that people are having or if it is a singular issue. Any help would be appreciated as I enjoy them and haven’t seen the last few. Thanks for all you do and keep up the amazing work.
Hello Tim,
Thanks for everything you do. My life has been changed just by creating a morning routine. I’m more mindful, happy, and productive than I’ve ever been. I’m now working my way through Tools of Titans to see what else I can try out (currently trying out the suggested GST exercises).
My question is this: you have a great deal of information on how to lose weight, but is there anything you would recommend for gaining weight (bulking up)? I’m a 5’6, 22 year old male weighing about 120lbs and one of my resolutions is to bulk up to around 135lbs. I’m very active – and I feel like even if I eat a lot more, I’ll just stay at the weight I am if I continue to work out. I suppose I could stop working out, but is there a healthy way to do this?
Thanks again,
A lifelong learner,
Brandt
You are in need of the geek to freak blog post. Here you go, http://fourhourworkweek.com/2007/04/29/from-geek-to-freak-how-i-gained-34-lbs-of-muscle-in-4-weeks/
Thank you Tim for the tools and frameworks to reflect on the year retrospectively! We want you in Montana and are working on building the following. https://www.facebook.com/groups/371530346540603/
Happy new year and warmest aloha from Montana!
Tim, Thank you for all you do especially the 4HWW. It’s taken a few years but as I close the books on 2016 I managed $66k in sales while working about 5 hours per month on it. It let me take a dream job which doesn’t pay well, so truly life changing. Thank you for all the tips, tricks, and inspiration. Now I must go finish Tools of Titans, thanks!
Well done Matt – any tips over and above what Tim said in 4HWW?
Thanks for your 2016 insights and review approach foe the year. There are some real gems in there. You have definitely given me something to think about over the weekend. Thank you x
Hi Tim,
I am a Navy Chief who has been active duty for 22 years so far, and one of my junior officers recommended Tools of Titans a couple days after it came out. He said he could probably use it to help shape his life a bit (paraphrasing), and I could use it to learn how to clean things up a bit and improve on what I already have accomplished. I agreed at first, but I have been reading parts of the book repeatedly and I find myself stopping, researching the people and ideas, then going back and reading what you and your guests had to say again. Now, I think this book could actually change my life. Not just the contents of it, but the fact that it will lead me to research further into things I otherwise would not have. That really does say a lot, since I have read many books including everything Malcolm Gladwell has written. (Yes, I skipped to his section within the first 5 minutes of opening it.)
I told my junior enlisted to purchase your book to keep in the shop so they can read it and share ideas. I think it will definitely help at least one if not most of them.
I was assigned (online class) to research some blogs and write my own, that’s what brought me here. Now I’m afraid I’ll get way sidetracked from my assignment and just read your blog and listen to your podcasts.
Thanks for sharing your collection of insights with us!
Jay
Hi Tim,
I had not heard of NOBNOM before this podcast, but it is something that I have effectively practiced independently. I learned a lot by doing NoFap (No Masturbation for 90 days) for instance.
Another practice I have is that if I find myself slipping into an off mood, I’ll keep a daily count of how many of the following “vice” activities I’ve been practicing in that period. In order to course correct I will strive to reduce the daily count of those vices over the coming days and that seems to help me get back in a good state. Such activities:
– Excessive drinking
– Excessive eating
– Excessive Masturbation
– Staying up to late or Undersleeping
– Skipping Social Opportunities (due to low energy rather than a deliberate choice).
– Lost focus at work (i.e. browsing and listening to podcasts excessively)
If I even get back down to a count of 2 then I’m usually in a good place. That list of vices will surely look somewhat similar but also different for everyone!
Tim Ferriss – Your book just helped me get my dream job. I was interviewing with the President of a company, and I mentioned the 80/20 rule of efficiency (you spoke of this in the 4 Hour Workweek). Lo and behold, he asked me, “Do you know who Tim Ferriss is?” Our interview quickly turned into a conversation about your podcast, and now I will be starting my dream job! Thank you!
Also, I am in for NOCNOC! Catchy name, by the way. If you do more of these monthly challenges, you should gather data/stats from people that participate – essentially 10x’ing your own guinea pig experiments to hundreds of willing subjects to see if results can be duplicated! Dare I say you can use this data for… Your next book? The next Weight Watcher-esque business? A documentary? The sky is the limit!
Tim,
I love your idea about your book tour around the US. I think your idea would be EVEN BETTER if you come to Europe as well!
I live in Frankfurt, Germany. I work in finance (PE), run a little Business Book Club (over 250 members) and also just started a finance podcast. I am pretty confident I can put together a group of 250 people (actually, I think 250 people is way too conservative of a number) for a live event within a few days!
As an added bonus, the Frankfurt Book Fair (arguably the largest in the world) will take place here in Frankfurt from October 11th until 15th. So why not combine the two events?
Tim, I am a huge fan and would love to help you spread the word about the Tools of Titans (amazing, by the way!)
Please let me know what you think of the idea and how I can be of service to you and your cause!
I totally understand it if you are too busy to reply and thank you for reading this far! (see what I did there?)
To a healthy and happy 2017!
Leonardo
A great podcast. Again, amazing value, sincerity and honesty. Thank-you and have a wonderful end to the year fellow listeners (and Tim:)
Happy new year Tim and everybody. May your next year be awesome. I took a leap if faith in 2016, we will see in 2017 how the landing turns out. Super excited.
My challenge for Tim Farriss in 2017: 50% of podcast guests must be women. Good luck & cheers to another great year!
Great challenge
QOD: “What if I chopped off my legs” LOL
Hi Tim, I live in Canada, and it appears that WealthFront is not available to us. Do you have any recommendations for similar investment services that can be used by Canadians?
Many thanks and Happy New Year to you!
Jessy
Here are my notes on the show if anyone wants a summary: https://www.evernote.com/l/AAnvIO6Qi9hF14qj-hiZ2xWwXBTaXYWCb9M
——
Great episode Tim, I’m right in the middle of doing a very similar practice. Glad to have a few more questions and tools.
I also love it when you share specifics. We’re just as granular as you are about learning people’s morning routines and practices. Even if it seems vulnerable or extraneous to share (“chop off my feet”), the examples are incredibly valuable.
I’d love to know what you meant by Seth Godin’s “Doing more is a four letter word.” Also looking forward to learning about this polygamous king 😉
Nice notes, thank you! Do you have any others? How can I get if so?
Regards,
andy
I think ‘doing more is a 4 letter word’ is saying it’s something you shouldn’t say. Like in ‘the effective executive’ when he says something like: Everyone gets time management wrong, the idea is not to fill each day with some fidget, the idea is to do less!
Great notes BTW
Happy New Year Tim!
By the way I heard in an interview that you previously did illustration. Do you ever draw for fun?
Catherine
Favorite quote of 2016: “Don’t be a donkey.” -Derek Sivers-
Says it all for me.
Just finished my 80/20 list. What a powerful tool – thank you! Some surprising discoveries included on the “positive” side were that making amends to those I’ve wronged makes me happy, and that I have far more friends than I realized. Surprises on the “negative” side tell me I have to stop trying to force a bad relationship with a relative to improve, and that an investment I thought would be great is actually a huge mistake and should be sold in 2017. I guess the theme is that I get blinded by the fantasy sometimes when I don’t like the reality. The 80/20 exercise has helped me be objective. My life needs a few tweaks, but is really pretty great.
I’m so happy to have discovered your podcast!
Hi Tim! I enjoyed the podcast. Here are my thoughts…
1. My experiment for 2017 is not an Apparel Diet – instead, a resale, garage sale, friend swap only year. With your reach, how awesome it would be for you to do something similar while promoting recycling in a fun way!
2. Love the podcast tour thought. Of course, I am voting for St. Louis.
Happy New Year’s Eve.
Melissa
Tim, love this content! Happy New Years and just wanted to comment that I love how Barnes and Noble has been stacking Tools of Titans on the floor in fat stacks…great eyeball grabber! -Nick
Hi Tim, I used to read your blog a lot before you started your video and pod casts. I’m hard-of-hearing/deaf, so without transcripts of your shows, I haven’t been able to follow your blog anymore. I still check back in to read the titles and dream of the conversations contained within, but it seems like there are still no transcripts. I hope that in the new year your team can implement regular transcripts for your shows. Internet accessibility is a thing now, more so than ever. There are quite a lot of people even with mild hearing loss who would benefit from a transcript. Thanks for your consideration.
Seconding that.
Great podcast. As usual. A big thank you for the all the “tips and tricks” this year. Big one for me was the info about the keto diet. Keto obviously meant no carbs but also no boozing. No boozing meant better relationships, work output, decision making and sporting performances. All this improvement has resulted in an increased sense of gratitude and fulfillment. Your podcasts reach well beyond the subject matter discussed and provide inspiration and motivation to be one’s best self. I am in for “No carbs, no complaining”. Long may “Tim-Tim, Talk-Talk” continue. xx
Hi Tim, wishing you and all your readers a very happy new year, from Dublin Ireland. Have my copy of “Tools of Titans” on my beside locker ready for 2017! Best to you and yours xx
Hey Tim,
Just listened to your end of 2016 podcast and enjoyed it very much. I think you should definitely do the RV live podcast tour w Molly. Please add Baltimore, where I live, to your potential list. I was at the NYC live podcast and loved it. You were terrific as were your guests. Only issue I had was not knowing the agenda or timing of the evening. I paid for the upgraded seats but had to leave at 10:30 for a late dinner appointment (I stupidly assumed that with a 7:00 start it would be over by 10:30) so I missed whatever bonus the pricier ticket was meant for. What did happen for those lucky top ticket holders who were able to stick around?
I’m off to review my 2016 calendar and do my 80/20’s. I have been on your diet since August so I am already down w the no carbs but I plan to try to add the no complaining. Keep on keeping on!
aloha tim and hauʻoli makahiki hou (as we say here in hawai’i nei)
i just wanted to say mahalo nui loa for all of your brilliant and good, good work. i was instantly hooked after listening to one of your podcasts and proceeded to buy every one of your books. i am writing a dissertation right now and wished there was a book on the 4 hour dissertation ;). thank you for being a source of inspiration.
Hi Tim. In this episode you briefly mention the difference between correlation and causation. Spurious correlations ( http://www.tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations ) is a hilarious example of that difference. My question is: At what point in your experiments and more broadly do you believe that something goes from correlation to causation?
Hi Tim, thank you for this podcast. I would love to see you change the “no carb, no complaining” to “know carbs, know complaining”. As a psych nurse practitioner I find it very helpful and meaningful to discover the rationale or reasoning behind our behaviours. Just changing this one word..no to know…opens a magnitude of possibilities. Looking forward to a discoverable 2017.Thank you again, your insight, it has been very helpful in my and my client’s daily practice of life.
Hey Tim,
I’m upset I’m going to be missing your Seattle stop on the Tools of Titans book tour at Town Hall, so I love the idea of more tours that stop in Seattle, be they podcasts or Acroyoga. I love the podcast, love the book – signed up as soon as it was available for pre-order. I force my brothers to listen to the podcast because I think they can be so much more than they believe they can and you’ve made all the tools available for them (and me)! Thanks for this episode – and all episodes. I’m really glad you’re neurotic enough to write down and record everything meticulously – I don’t have to do as much of it myself – details aren’t my strength. I’m neurotic in other (wonderful?) ways though, and have often thought of making a “Neuroticism is my Superpower” tshirt. Actually, That probably already exists…
In the new year, I have one request: more women on the podcast who are awesome at things other than extreme sports/ exercise – not that those women aren’t f**king inspiring. Loved Tara, Maria Popova, and Brene Brown. Would love to see comedians, authors, start-up founders, and other women who are badasses.
Thank you for the hours and hours of ideas and inspiration,
Sara
A worthy listen. Time for me to pick up a pen, and take stock, thanks for the prompting.
More experiments, more 80/20 analysis, (worked really well for me this last 12 months), tighten up on diet and fitness.
Really must try that 5 minute journal thing.
Thank you so much Tim! You’ve been a master in many levels. Thanks to you I’ve learned so much and achieved so much…
Wish you all the best along your journey! Keep learning, keep moving forward and motivating such a large audience.
Peace and Love
Tim – Road show for podcast would be great, please come to Boulder. Perhaps a Brad Feld interview. You and him talking about the overlap of depression, good habits, learning, startups and how to move forward would be aweseme to say the least. I know you could fill Boulder Theator. If you come before June you an get turns in at Abasin also :-). Also love the idea of a monthly challenge. For the No Complaining I am thinking of using a “price” like $5 for every complaint to a foodbank or otherwise notewrothly cause. As I am getting better I am helping.
Happy 2017! Thanks for the book I love it and it will be the book I gift the most in 2017.
Tim, I genuinely adore almost all (I’d say about 80%) of what you say and do. Wish I didn’t struggle to implement my thoughts and ideas from reading your stuff. Read all the books, been to seminars, including Tony Robbins Upw (even worked as one of his security team members of about 8 in London about 3 years ago back…..that way am experience).
Been to Robert Kiyosaki seminars. Entered and won online body transformation competitions (Tom Venues of Burn The Fat Feed The Muscle.) and won the most ripped make category by teaching 3.9 bodyfat. Even had Mens Health rip off my photos to sell bogus supplements, and giving me a range identity!!
Today, tonight, in sit at home by myself, overweight, low in cash, high in debt, and nothing but ideas fluting around in my head.
I DON’T KNOW WHETHER THIS IS A CRY FOR HELP, OR JUST ME BEING IN AWE AT HOW YOU’VE ACHIEVED ALL YOU HAVE . Of all the mentors, gurus and self made people, you’re the guy whom I have the most speciation for.
Thank you for all you’ve given.
Darren McAllan
Few predictive text errors there. But it’ll be fun trying to work out where and what they are.
Traverse City, Michigan would love to have you for a Live Podcast Tour event. Facebook group created, and I know we could fill any venue around here!! A beautiful town in Northern Lower Michigan with a vibrant food/arts scene, beaches, dunes, wineries, and microbreweries – heaven on earth.
I listen to your podcasts in the bath. Good acoustics. Thank you for your most recent podcast. It was encouraging as the end of the year becomes a weird time full of less likable thoughts and the feels. I also received “Tools of Titans” today and I intend to spend new years eve reading it which might possibly be second best way to spend the last night of the year. A bottle of Odette would definitely make it the first. I digress. I hope to attend your live podcast next year, hopefully in an esoteric town in Montana. Even if and especially because I live in L.A. Happy New Year and thanks for being insane.
Hi Tim!
Please consider Oklahoma (City) for your podcast tour. We would love to show you our sunrises and even more beautiful sunsets.
Thank you again for the insightful podcast.
Hi Tim!
You should check out El Paso, TX, it’s on the way to Austin 🙂 It’s an interesting mix of cultures on the border of the tumultous Juarez, Mexico. The people are extremely friendly, creative and laid back. People are starting to move here for the opportunity and cheap cost of living. I’m one of the them, originally from El Paso, I moved back 3 years ago to start a business, among a few other, community, business and creative individuals. Would love to share some of their stories with you.
JJ
I’m based in Australia but the live podcasts would be so valuable to everyone based in the USA. 👍🏼 Also I started a low carb diet today so would be keen to do one in a group environment to have accouantablity.
Dear Tim, I listened to this in the transition from 2016-2017, in Wales, in the bath. Loved the NOCNOC idea, and so many other little gems. I have bought 3 copies of Titans so far (one for me) having banged on about the SlowCarb diet and other stuff from 4-Hour Body and Work Week to lots of my friends and family. I actually met an entrepreneur today, and I mentioned you. Somehow he hadn’t heard of you! And the first word I used to describe you was “generous”. Keep putting it out there fella 🙂
I made copious notes during the podcast; the one thing I’ve already done since though is go through my calendar for 2016. That really jogged my memory! There are some great patterns showing with more analysis happening tomorrow! Thanks and Happy New Year, Tim.
I loved hearing your process, especially helpful was looking back through the calendar and choosing the 20% to schedule for the next year and the 20% to cut out of the next year, so simple, yet so powerful.
Also – the acroyoga/podcast tour sounds freakin awesome
I’d like to suggest an alternative “C” to the NoCarb/No Complaining challenge (having thyroid issues and need a few carbs to keep things optimized). But, how about a No Clutter Challenge to accompany the No Complaining? Everyday day for 30 days, donate/toss one item.
Thanks for the inspiration — you’ve found your big “C” — your Calling!
Yes to monthly group challenges!
Tim,
I love your idea about your book tour around the US. I think your idea would be even better if you come to Europe as well!
I live in Frankfurt, Germany. I work in finance (PE), run a little Business Book Club (over 250 members) and also just started a finance podcast. I am pretty confident I can put together a group of 250 people (actually, I think 250 people is way too conservative of a number) for a live event within a few days!
As an added bonus, the Frankfurt Book Fair (arguably the largest in the world) will take place here in Frankfurt from October 11th until 15th. So why not combine the two events?
Tim, I am a huge fan and would love to help you spread the word about the Tools of Titans (amazing, by the way!)
Please let me know what you think of the idea and how I can be of service to you and your cause!
I totally understand it if you are too busy to reply and thank you for reading this far! (see what I did there?)
To a healthy and happy 2017!
Leonardo
Totally keen for the No Carbs No Complaining Challenge. I started the no carbs about two weeks ago – and have been feeling so good!! I’m going to keep it up! And I’m all for cutting back negativity – no complaining it a great idea!! And I reckon knowing that others are doing it at the same time will be really helpful! I also love your tour idea – any chance you’d consider coming to Aus??
“Matchmaker?” Ha. I’m a great wing. Used to work it for my brother. Happy to help you find someone who can keep up with your antics.
Also, down to try the no carbs, no complaining. Thanks for the initiative (and the awesome podcast archives).
Hi Tim! I loved hearing about how you think about planning / evaluating your year – very inspiring.
I love the idea of a live podcast tour across America. I had three ideas for you:
* As you said you love things that involve physical exercise, how can you combine it more with exercise? Instead of driving it, can you bike it (I am sure fans would drive a support vehicle for you)? Can you hang-glide part of it? Walk part of it?
* I’ve been thinking a lot about this whole “blue / red” divide in the US. I think one of the ways to heal this divide is to get people to know / understand each other. If you, a “blue state” person, were to do a trip through all these “red states,” could this somehow be combined with the healing? Is there someway to bring greater understanding of each other through this tour? Perhaps going to high schools across America and talking with kids at each place would combine your interest in high schoolers?
* I love the videos people make that summarize trips – like “Where’s Matt” dance video. Or how James Courdon did a year end carpool karaoke that knitted together many of his visits. Is there an interesting way to sum up a journey in 3-5 minutes at the end? Perhaps that involves the fans?
Onward and upwards!
This was an interesting read, thanks a lot Tim! I’m a long time student of Gymnasticbodies as well, and I think it’s great to hear that you’re enjoying benefits from the programme as well. All the best fo you for 2017, I look forward to more great podcasts!
Regards,
Niels
Hi Tim,
I think the monthly challenges are a really great idea. Here’s one that might be fun for everyone: 30 days of watching the sun rise while meditating/mindfulness. Could be called the ‘No Snooze – Great Views’ challenge!
I’m currently reading Tools of Titans – thank you for all of the great information, tools, tips and advice you share every year. I hope 2017 is another great year for you and yours.
Dave
“Think Stranger” sounds great : )
Thanks for sharing and have a great 2017!
… who’s there …?
Tim, I wish you a beautiful 2017, without many carbs and complaints :-). Instead with lots of good times à la 20/80.
Thank you for inspiring me on many levels, most recently, I very much love my foursigmatic morning cup of Lion’s Mane.
Should you decide to take your podcast tour overseas, how about you inspire us in Munich, Bavaria/ Germany?
Greta
Thank you for producing your podcasts at a relatively high volume. I appreciate that I can listen to them while I shower. I place my phone in my rain boot to both protect the phone from shower mist and amplify the audio. I can’t hear most audiobooks and other podcasts over the running water, but I can hear yours.
Hi Tim. Would love love love you to do more live shows. I’m part of the Tools of Titans London Facebook group (fingers crossed). Any chance of live streaming them on something like periscope or a creative live type format?
Wonderful episode. So good that I’ve listened to every podcast you have ever done and this is my first comment. I listened last night and immediately went to work this morning using your “What do you think I should do more/less of in the coming year”. While having a great conversation with my mom (she was struggling to answer the question), I rephrased the question and asked, “When you talk do dad/my brothers about me, what concerns or worries do you have about my life?” She immediately went, “Aaaaahhhhh great question” and then proceeded to go on a 5 minute monologue about some life decisions I’ve made and how they make her feel uncomfortable about my future. Lead to a deeply rewarding conversation.
Thank you so much Tim. When I look back on what I have learned throughout the last year, I have you to thank for the vast majority of it. You have been an incredible influence on my life and I couldn’t be more grateful for your work and efforts. Thank you for making me a better person, and please continue along this path. I will always be one of your true fans.
…Fear Challenge for you in the coming year – Freestyle poem during a live podcast (I was the jewish friend of the Kimchi guy who asked you to battle me at B&N in NYC ;))
I really enjoy reading your thoughts and feel excited about them every day/ week/ month, thanks for that! I’m actually thinking of starting my own little similar service and blog (not really sure yet, I am extremely motivated but don’t really know where to start), about investments, personal development, nature/ adventure and health/ fitness. A few of my big interests in life. You have been a big part of the people and things inspiring me to do this!! Wishing you a great life full of wealth, freedom and happiness in the new year!
Many thanks for the New Year’s blog. I vote for the NoC NoC project and wonder – Would you come to Vancouver BC to do a podcast or is it only US you are considering? I loved “Titans” and I’m on the second read. Freedom to.. or Freedom from… really sums up a lot. I’m enthralled with how you ask the questions we all want answered whether we know it or not. And the best part? These fabulous folks answer you with candor and humor. I’ll get over to Amazon now and add my comments. Cheers.
I would like to throw Missoula, Montana into the hat for a live podcast stop. An experience in Missoula would be consistent with many of your hopes for 2017, live podcast in a smaller place, spending more time out of big cities, and seeing more sunrises. Missoula is surrounded by tree-less mountains that offer great vantage points for watching the sun, come up and go down.
Providence Tools of Titans Group is live. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1659419267684504/
When will Tools of Titans be available on Audible/audiobook?
Totally support your idea of live podcasts throughout the country: it will bring us, your true fans, so much joy! I do hope to see you in Seattle: this will be one of my 2017 dreams come true!
Happy New Year, Tim!
Your messages need to go beyond the US of A. Can we do a Tools of Titans / Bangkok? How to get it going?
Hello, I looked and couldn’t find a group for Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge so I started one. If your in the area and love to chat about all things Tim Ferriss and especially Tools of Titans 🙂 I’m hoping there is more Tri-Cities fans on here.
So Tim, I’m going to be looking into the 5 minute journal. I’m so scatterbrained as it is, I need to find focus this year.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/toolsoftitansKWC/
Happy New Year Tim!
2016 was a productive and awesome year for me and reading/ listening to your materials made a significant contribution to this. Thanks for your great work!
A couple of points:
– Count me in for the monthly challenges (for January, I can only guarantee the no complaining aspect – will need to develop a plan for the ‘no carbs’ bit! :D).
– Awesome idea regarding the podcast roadshows! Please will you consider doing one in London, UK this year as well? Happy to organize the Facebook group and other logistics for this – let me know!
Here’s to an even more awesome 2017!
Much love and respect,
Ula
The strange 30 day challenge of no carbs no complaining… “What would a No-Carb vegan diet look like?” I’m wrapping my mind around that. A few ideas, a slow death, an amazing fast, or nuts…
And Tim thanks for Tools of The Titans; I actually was gifted the book from Noah K. when you two did the live a event a few weeks ago. That was a ton of fun, more so than I expected.
Love from Portugal,
Emeric
Loved the poignant sign-off and Seth Godin’s “More is A Four-Letter-Word”. Thank you for how often your raise morning journalling – I started on 20 December and a fine run since, finding so true the Ferrissian quote from an earlier episode “Journalling acts like the windscreen wipers to the soul”. Tim – wishing you a rich 2017. Kevin Brennan
I’m new to your work and there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of a political line, but I did listen to this podcast and wanted to encourage you to take your Live Podcast to the hinterlands of America even if you may have to speak to smaller audiences. Many communities have become economically and culturally gutted and isolated from the larger culture….a
lot of despair out there and your message/s might help create inroads where there can be face-to-face dialogue about what makes a better life. You could maybe select a couple of communities that could use the help…you mentioned Portland ME, for instance, but maybe the venue could be a smaller community center that could reach a different demographic…thanks and Happy New Year!
Hmmm what to say. First, thank you. As I was sitting down to write my new years goals, I was procrastinating and saw your email. The podcast gave me a new process to think about. As usual, it was information dense (like). Lot’s of great ideas to fit into a practice that works for me. Thanks for sharing. Also, the podcast tour ideas is GREAT!
Tim – I’m grateful for your insights and thankful for having discovered you in 2016 – a year in which I needed an awakening.
I just watched you on Jocko’s 50th podcast. Everyone needs to watch this. Like many – I’ve suffered from recurring dark episodes. In the past, doctors just threw pills at the issues. Upon absorbing your podcasts, I started researching different approaches. This led me to Duke Integrative Medicine, which has been a game changer. They set me on a holistic approach including sleep, exercise, mindfulness, compassion, gratitude and most importantly (for me at least), nutrition.
Folks, listen to Jocko Podcast #50.
And thanks again, Tim, for all that you do. It helping people more than you may even realize.
Best