Timothy Ferriss's best selling book "The 4-Hour Workweek" has peaked a lot of interest and stirred up some controversy.
Many people are wondering, how exactly can someone only work four hours a week and actually earn a decent living? For those who haven't read the book, Ferriss outlines the path to a 4HWW in 4 detailed steps.
The steps are as follows: definition, automation, elimination, and liberation.
While the 4HWW could never be achieved without steps 1,2, and 4; it is the automation step that is the meat and potatoes of the process.
Automation includes creating, starting, and ultimately automating your own business.
While he does have suggestions for the corporate warrior to lessen his or her workload, the 4 hour goal could never truly be attained while working for someone else.
Ferris refers to this liberating process as a muse.
Finding one's own unique muse can be a problem for some.
Ferris recommends marketing a product that fills the need of a niche that the reader is a member of.
Still, this is easier said than done, and many have read the book with good intentions yet have never made it past the muse stage.
The good news is that there are other options beyond muse creation for those looking for a four hour work week.
Network marketing and direct sales have changed in recent years, the industry is no longer limited to selling toothpaste and lotions.
There are some high quality products and companies out there which can function as muses and start people on the path to automation.
Some of these products allow people to sell high ticket items, which is one of Ferriss's requirements for reaching a 4HWW.
Success in the industry is not guaranteed, but with the right willpower and guidance an individual can earn a hefty income through direct sales and network marketing.
Once this is achieved, the new entrepreneur can heed Ferriss's advice and work towards the four hour work week.