#400: Books I’ve Loved — Tim’s Four Must-Read Books

Dec 9, 2019

Dive into a selection of transformative books that have inspired many to change their lives. Discover four must-reads for aspiring entrepreneurs, packed with practical wisdom to fuel creativity and success. Explore how 'The E-Myth Revisited' and 'Vagabonding' redefine business and travel journeys. Personal stories reveal how literature like 'Awareness' shifts perspectives on wealth and emotional fulfillment. Plus, learn about enhancing your mobility and recovery with expert coaching!

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ADVICE

Think Big

Read The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, especially the first two chapters, when doubt arises.
Set big, inspiring goals to combat stress and reorient yourself.

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ADVICE

Explore Business Models

Explore diverse business models with How to Make Millions with Your Ideas by Dan Kennedy and One Simple Idea by Stephen Key.
Consider licensing products to expand your options beyond traditional ventures.

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ADVICE

Build Systems, Not Just Teams

Read The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber to learn how to build scalable businesses.
Focus on systems and rules instead of relying solely on outstanding employees.

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Essential Reads for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

03:57 • 5min

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Exploring Essential Reads for Entrepreneurs and Travelers

08:37 • 2min

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Transformative Literature and Personal Philosophy

10:41 • 5min

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Enhancing Mobility and Recovery with Virtual Coaching

15:20 • 3min

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Vagabonding

An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel

Rolf Potts

In 'Vagabonding', Rolf Potts provides a comprehensive handbook for long-term world travel. The book is not just about travel but an outlook on life, encouraging readers to use the prosperity and possibilities of the information age to increase personal options rather than possessions. It covers practical advice on financing travel, determining destinations, adjusting to life on the road, handling travel adversity, and re-assimilating back into ordinary life. Potts emphasizes the importance of an independent spirit, simplicity, and a friendly interest in people, places, and things, making the reader an explorer in the truest sense of the word.

The Magic Of Thinking Big

David J. Schwartz

This book, first published in 1959, offers a comprehensive guide on how to think positively and achieve success in various aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, overcoming fear and excuses, and developing creative thinking and confident attitudes. The book is filled with real-life case histories and practical techniques to help readers apply these principles to their own lives, aiming to improve their job performance, relationships, and overall satisfaction.

The E-myth revisited

why most small businesses don't work and what to do about it

Michael E. Gerber

The E-Myth Revisited challenges the common assumption that most businesses are started by entrepreneurs. Instead, Gerber argues that most businesses are started by technicians who understand the technical work but not the business itself. The book introduces the concept of the E-Myth and explains that successful business owners must balance three roles: the Entrepreneur (the visionary), the Manager (the planner and organizer), and the Technician (the one who performs the technical work). Gerber emphasizes the distinction between working 'in' your business and working 'on' your business, and he provides strategies for systemizing and scaling businesses, including the concept of the Franchise Prototype.

One simple idea

Stephen Key

In 'One Simple Idea', Stephen Key shares his expertise on transforming creativity into marketable products by licensing ideas to companies. The book provides strategies for product development, sales, and negotiation, highlighting the potential for passive income without the need for manufacturing or business management. Key emphasizes that successful ideas should solve problems, have a 'wow' factor, appeal to a large market, and use common production methods.

Awareness

a de Mello spirituality conference in his own words

Anthony de Mello

In 'Awareness', Anthony de Mello combines Christian spirituality, Buddhist parables, Hindu breathing exercises, and psychological insight to challenge readers to wake up from the go-go-go world of illusion. The book, composed of short chapters and lectures, encourages readers to become aware of their thoughts, actions, and motivations. De Mello argues that true happiness and freedom come from dropping illusions and living in the present, free from the constructs of culture, conditioning, and fear. He emphasizes the need to observe oneself, understand negative feelings, and practice detachment to achieve a more authentic and fulfilling life.

How to make millions with your ideas

Dan S. Kennedy

Welcome to another episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, where it is my job to sit down with world-class performers of all different types—from startup founders and investors to chess champions to Olympic athletes. This episode, however, is an experiment and part of a shorter series I’m doing called “Books I’ve Loved.” I’ve invited some amazing past guests, close friends, and new faces to share their favorite books—the books that have influenced them, changed them, and transformed them for the better. I hope you pick up one or two new mentors — in the form of books — from this new series and apply the lessons in your own life.

To kick things off, here are four of my recommendations, which I had originally included in the back of The 4-Hour Workweek. I called them “The Fundamental Four.”

Please enjoy!

Books mentioned: The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, How to Make Millions with Your Ideas: An Entrepreneur's Guide by Dan S. Kennedy, One Simple Idea: Turn Your Dreams into a Licensing Goldmine While Letting Others Do the Work by Stephen Key, The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber, Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts, and Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality by Anthony de Mello.

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Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more.

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