Alex Shalman.comPractical Personal Development

Tim Ferriss is like a big kid that got everything he dreamed of. I mean that in the best way possible. The man works hard, lives for adventure, and makes things happen. He’s taught himself multiple languages, mastered tango, kick boxing, driving super sports cars, traveling the world with only 10lbs of luggage, and performed an extraordinary amount of philanthropic duties.

Does this sound exciting? It excites me too. Who wouldn’t want to have that lifestyle? Tim Ferris is passionate about helping you realize the potential within yourself to achieve the same things he has. In his New York Times #1 Best Selling book Four Hour Work Week, Tim explains how he went from working 80 hour weeks, to four hour weeks, while effectively multiplying his income.

Tim realizes that some people would be bored out of their mind with extensive resources, and free time, but he keeps himself occupied with the most noble and exciting activities in the land. You can follow his adventures at Four Hour Work Week Blog, or purchase his amazing book on Amazon.

1. How do you define happiness?

TTT: I think the term “happiness” tends to be overused and thus under-specific, so I prefer to ask “what makes me excited”? I have a thorough exploration of this semantic change in The 4-Hour Workweek, but suffice enough: I think that pursuing what excites you and energizes you is what most refer to as “happiness.”

2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness now, versus when you were a child?

TTT: It would depend on more specific timing. Childhood is a broad range. I would say that 80% of my time now vs. 90% of my time then is spent in that zone, but this doesn’t necessarily mean my set-point for happiness in lower. Adults have more obligations, and this can create the illusion that children are intrinsically happier. I think the external realities have a lot to do with changes in our psychological profiles.

3. What do you do on a daily basis that brings you happiness? (and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day)

TTT: I eat slowly with friends, and I exercise as a form of moving meditation.

4. What things take away from your happiness? What can be done to lessen their impact or remove them from your life?

TTT: People who consume energy instead of energizing those around them. The fix? I avoid them. I have a zero-tolerance policy.

5. What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness?

TTT: Learning and loving. It’s that simple.

Photo of Timothy Ferriss

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To get more info about what the Happiness Project is and isn’t, please visit the Introduction Post. To see a running list of all participants, which I will be updating as things happen, please visit the Happiness Project Page.

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