Reflections on The 4-Hour Workweek: Lessons That Made This Quarter Easier

Katie Corbett holds the book, "The 4-Hour Workweek"

By Katie Corbett

Since I owe a lot of my success—and future planning—to the book, “The 4-Hour Workweek,” by Tim Ferriss, I have decided to revisit the book each quarter in 2023. Here are my thoughts in quarter one. I hope this inspires you to pick up a book that helps you live your dreams. Enjoy!

What is Your Intuition Telling You?

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By Katie Corbett

 

When it came time to write my post for last Friday, I couldn’t decide on a topic. I asked my intuition, and I got the feeling I should take a break. I had a busy weekend and still couldn’t think of a topic, so I’m blogging about this.

What answer do you get when you’re solving a problem or surmounting a creative obsticle? Leave me a comment and share your story.
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What is Your Vision for Your Latest Creative Project?

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By Katie Corbett

I decided to blog about my latest creative project (my novel) because I want to use this opportunity to brainstorm a little bit. It can be fun to move away from writing serious posts about deep life things, and think a little more about something fun and creative.

I envision my novel expanding into a series. My novel is about a pac of werewolves, and there are five members in the pack, so I would like to write a book from each of their perspectives. The first book in my novel is from the point of you of the pack Alpha. I think, for the subsequent books, I will write from the point of view of each of the other members. I am even playing with the idea of having each book be written in a different genre, but we will see. That is probably quite controversial, so I will get some feedback from my writer friends before making a firm decision.

I also see this book being made into a movie. It would be really cool to do some creative things with that, since one of my characters is blind, and another one experience is impulse control issues because she is a psychopath. I would love to find a creative Director who is interested in Exhibiting each of these characteristics in a fun way, so the audience can experience a little of what life might be like in that person’s shoes.

Are you working on any creative projects right now? What is your vision for your latest project? Is your vision as simple as getting started? I would love to find out, so feel free to leave me a comment.

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A Discovery Quote That Made me Think

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By Katie Corbett

As usual these days, I looked to my creativity app for inspiration. This quote popped up, and I found it thought-provoking:

“Discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

(Marcel Proust)

I found this quote so captivating, because over the past year, I  have been trying to find new places to go, things to try, people to be friend, in order to make my life more interesting. I took a job that required me to travel two hours one-way at least once a week. I made a lot of new friends, but haven’t had the time or energy to maintain those relationships along with my current friendships. I’ve tried various new hobbies, but have put them aside in favor of other pursuits.

In the end, I opted to dial back my lifestyle to more of what it had been the previous year with a slower pace, and a remote job. Instead of trying to look for the new and different elsewhere, I am now looking for the new and different in my every day life. Seeing every day as a new challenge and a new adventure has helped me remain interested in continuing to do what I have been doing.

Have you ever thought you needed a change of pace, and then realized all you needed was a fresh perspective? I’d love to hear all about it, so feel free to leave me a note in the comments.

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What Would Be an Extreme Scenario of Failure?

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By Katie Corbett

I found this question, “What would nbe an extreme scenario of failure?” in an app I use for inspiration. I’ve thought a bit about failure this week because I got a new puppy. Due to this additional responsibility, I’ve needed to let a lot of other things slide.

I think that rather than feeling like I’m failing just because I can’t keep up with all of my commitments, I’m going to choose to see the failure as not living my life to the fullest. I realize this seems cliche, but I found this comforting as I’m changing a huge part of my life.

For instance, if I didn’t get my puppy because I felt I needed to do many other things that others felt were important, that would be failing. I know that balance will come in time as I get used to this level of time commitment and responsibility.

What would be an extreme scenario of failure for you? Let me know in the comments.

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Who is Your Favorite Artist?

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By Katie Corbett

My favorite artist is singer/songwriter Avril Lavigne. I love and appreciate her work for many reasons.

I can relate to a lot of her lyrics. Especially when I was in high school, her music gave me solice during a lonely, confusing time.

She’s clearly doing what she loves. Anyone who has been in the music business for 20 years, as Avril has, is working from a place of passion.

I also think it’s cool that she dabbles in a variety of projects, from acting to fashion to film-making. She’s a woman of many talents.

Who is your favorite artist? Why are you a fan? Let me know in the comments.

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The Fun of Co-Writing

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By Katie Corbett

 

Typically thought of as a solitary activity, writing is fun when someone else is brought into the mix. I started working on a story with one of my friends this past week, and have found the process to be energizing and enjoyable.

With file sharing, software, and technological advancements, it has never been easier to collaborate on a project. With a little forethought, planning, and communication, it can be a fun activity for all involved.

I’ve learned a lot throughout this project. My co-writer lives in New Zealand, and our story is set there. She’s teaching me all kinds of really cool things like the way schools are set up, alternative words for fast food (takeaway), and incorporating New Zealand-style mannerisms and speaking.

Is there an activity that you think is solitary, but could lend itself well to collaboration? Find someone with similar interests and ask them if they would like to join you. You might be surprised at all of the fun you will have.

 

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When You Know You Feel Like Yourself

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By Katie Corbett

 

I enjoy feeling like I am authentically who I meant to be. I have more joy in life, feel a greater sense of well-being, and I am more productive when I feel most like myself.

 

I can tell when I am feeling most like myself, because I feel more emotionally balanced. I am not easily swayed by the feelings of others or the circumstances around me.

 

Another sign that I am living as my truest self is that I start to get interested in new hobbies. I recently picked up origami and ballet, and both of these ventures our results of my feeling very in-tune with who I am.

What are some ways that you can tell that you are living from your true potential? Leave a comment and let me know.

 

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If There Were No One Else in the World

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By Katie Corbett

 

I am a recovering people-pleaser. I am always looking for ways to figure out what I want, find out what is important to me, and accomplish those things.

 

I have pondered a question that has helped me do this effectively: “If there were no one else in the world, what would you do?” It is a very insightful question, and I have been surprised by the answers I have gotten.

At times, when I ask myself this question, the answer is something relaxing, like read a book, or take a nap. Other times it is something productive, like work on a specific project, or do chores.

 

At first, I was afraid that when I asked myself this question, I would only do activities that would give me the most pleasure. Asking myself this question has helped me trust myself, and recognize what is good for me in that moment without worrying about the opinions or expectations of others.

Have you encountered a question that has changed your life? Let me know; I would love to see it in the comments.

 

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Keeping The Silence: Leaving Email Notifications Turned Off

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By Katie Corbett

 

I am always looking for ways to maximize productivity and minimize stress. This past week, I tried something new that has helped a lot. When I got back to work after the holidays I left my email notifications turned off.

 

Doing this helped me realize that I am more productive when I can check my email at a time that is best for me. Rather than having a Pavlovian response every time my email pings, I can check the account when I have time and mental bandwidth to do any tasks necessary that might pop up.

I typically check my email mid-morning, again at around noon, and a final time later in the day at around 3:00 PM. This helps me stay on top of things, and make sure that I am not missing anything important without sacrificing focus time.

 

What new hacks are you trying to minimize stress, maximize productivity, and make your life better? Leave a comment and let me know.

 

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