How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss
All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life
Next Projects: Short Experiments Over Long Plans
Tim shares his preference for 6–12 month experiments, interest in film, comics, and storytelling, and caution about chasing growth.
#248: Learn to escape the trap of over-optimizing and design a more meaningful life. We explore setting boundaries, resetting priorities, and turning failure into fuel for success. We also dive into Tim’s creative process behind his new card game and the surprising value of play.
Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of The Tim Ferriss Show, one of the world’s most popular podcasts with over a billion downloads. He loves experimenting with productivity, health, storytelling, personal growth, and, most recently, card games.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/tim-ferriss-over-optimizing-failure-play
Partner Deals
DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web
Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent
NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance
Shopify: $1/month trial for the easiest e-commerce platform
Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances
For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
- The 4-Hour Workweek
- The 4-Hour Body
- The 4-Hour Chef
- THE NO BOOK
- Where Are You Still Using Single-Ply?
- Coyote Card Game
Personal Power by Tony Robbins
Secrets of Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson
Think Like a Game Designer Podcast
ATH Podcast
- Ep #216: Purpose, Friendship, and Human Skills with Simon Sinek
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(00:45) When Tim Realized That Optimization Could Bend Life in His Favor
(06:40) The Role of Patience in Optimization
(08:14) Dialing Back on Optimizing
(11:23) Do Relationships Require Less Optimization?
(16:45) Fighting Natural Tendencies for a Better Life
(19:57) The Impact of Journaling
(23:42) Does Tim Still Find Himself Over-Optimizing?
(25:14) The 3 Levels of Listening
(29:47) Designing for States
(31:40) Different Lenses for Optimization
(36:28) The Optimizer Curses
(40:53) How to Avoid Decision Fatigue
(45:32) Being Rich Enough to Rent
(48:37) Knowing When to Say “Yes or “No”
(55:35) Active vs. Passive Intuition
(01:01:40) How Decisions Get Influenced When You Have Kids
(01:08:01) Is "Play" a State to Aim For?
(01:13:38) Incorporating Play in Adulthood
(01:18:13) The Process of Creating a New Card Game
(01:28:18) The Next Big Project for Tim
(01:30:53) Humans as Storytellers
(01:34:10) Where to Find Tim & His Work
Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The AI-powered Podcast Player
