July 18, 2007

Outsourcing Worry

This is the most brilliant idea I've come across in a while! When Amy Grant raved about Tim Ferris' "4 Hour Work Week," I decided to check it out. (Once again, Amy did not disappoint!)

One of my favorite stories from this book about how to live more and work less is from AJ Jacobs, relating his experience with an international Virtual Assistant. AJ finds his overseas assistant to be exceedingly effective and quickly has fun outsourcing projects to her. First it's simple research for articles he's writing, then it's sending emails to discourage annoying solicitors, then tracking down gifts for his son, and eventually he asks her to intervene on a marital dispute.

That turns out so well that he attempts to delegate his therapy, which his shrink doesn't go for, BUT he does succeed in turning over his "worry" to his lovely assistant. He tells her he's been tearing his hear out over a business deal that's taking too long to close, and asks if she's interested in tearing her hair out in his stead. She promises, "I will worry about this every day. Do not worry."

Brilliant delegation!! AJ reports that every time he started to ruminate over the deal, he'd remind himself that his VA was already on the case, and he'd relax.

I just read this story last night and have already related it to three clients who wanted help in handling worry and anxiety. The laughter this story inspires is well worth the investment of time in reading it! (Not to mention the alignment this idea creates with my favorite law of attraction theme: "Easy"!)

But honestly, this book is packed full of revolutionary ideas about what life can be, and how to design the luxury lifestyle many want but aren't moving toward. I'm already a huge fan of Tim's "low information diet" and ending time management. His push to be effective instead of efficient, to challenge the status quo, end multi-tasking, use the 80/20 rule to gain freedom from futility - chapter after chapter is filled with new perspectives on creating lives we love.

Tim recommends changing the age-old question "What do I want" to "What would excite me?" in order to get better answers (and explains why). He also says most people choose unhappiness over uncertainty, which was certainly my obstacle for many years.

I've practically made it mandatory reading for every one of my clients, and would encourage you to give it a "look see" as well.

And if you're reading something that's rocking your world, please post it as a comment and share the wealth! Thanks, everyone. : )

4 comments:

  1. Hey J!
    Sounds good. What I'm reading right now: Deepak Chopra's Peace is the Way.

    Deepak talks a lot about Quantum physics, oneness, meditation, and God and War and how to bring peace now to the planet by changing our perception of ourselves, the planet. It's all about Law of Attraction, unity, and gives a practical way to handle what appears hopeless and powerless positions against war.

    It helps me feel like I can make a difference in creating peace on the planet. Very powerful.

    Zoe

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  2. I haven't read Deepak in a while, and it sounds like I might be due for some as this description strongly appeals. Thanks for sharing, Zoe!

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  3. After reading The Secret I was inspired by the coaches in the book. I began seeking more understanding of why the Law of Attraction works. I was spiritually directed to this book, Miracle Prayer by Susan Shumsky, D.D. This book explains why the Law of Attraction works from many religious and spiritual points of view. It also gives instructions, prayers and affirmations on releasing the past, letting go of past mistakes that hold us back, letting go of the Law of Society (race, class, education, etc.), and all limiting thoughts. This book is good for those of us that need to know why so the how will come.
    Best Wishes!
    Christy

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  4. The book that I always seem to go back to time and time again is "The Science of Getting Rich" by Wally Wattles.It's how 'The Secret' began but more than 100 years ago.Because it was written so long ago and still works without fail, this in itself is testament to this book. For me it's the ultimate in LoA. If you haven't read it, give it a go. It's a quick read, but don't be decieved. It's the kind of book that needs to be read and re-read, and each time something new jumps out at you. It's the book that started me on my LoA journey, and which 3 years later is still by my side (albeit slightly dog-eared now!!)

    Vanessa
    Vision Life Coaching
    van-vinos.blogspot.com

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