DiscoverAll the Hacks: Money, Points & LifeHow to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss
How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss

How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss

Update: 2025-10-01
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#248: Learn to escape the trap of over-optimizing and design a more meaningful life. We explore setting boundaries, resetting priorities, and turning failure into fuel for success. We also dive into Tim’s creative process behind his new card game and the surprising value of play.




Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of The Tim Ferriss Show, one of the world’s most popular podcasts with over a billion downloads. He loves experimenting with productivity, health, storytelling, personal growth, and, most recently, card games.




Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/tim-ferriss-over-optimizing-failure-play




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Resources Mentioned


Tim: Website | Podcast | X



Terry Real’s Books


Stumble Upon


Diggnation


Personal Power by Tony Robbins


Secrets of Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson


AcroYoga


Exploding Kittens


Think Like a Game Designer Podcast


Procreate


ATH Podcast





Full Show Notes


(00:00 ) Introduction


(00:45 ) When Tim Realized That Optimization Could Bend Life in His Favor


(06:40 ) The Role of Patience in Optimization


(08:14 ) Dialing Back on Optimizing


(11:23 ) Do Relationships Require Less Optimization?


(16:45 ) Fighting Natural Tendencies for a Better Life


(19:57 ) The Impact of Journaling


(23:42 ) Does Tim Still Find Himself Over-Optimizing?


(25:14 ) The 3 Levels of Listening


(29:47 ) Designing for States


(31:40 ) Different Lenses for Optimization


(36:28 ) The Optimizer Curses


(40:53 ) How to Avoid Decision Fatigue


(45:32 ) Being Rich Enough to Rent


(48:37 ) Knowing When to Say “Yes or “No”


(55:35 ) Active vs. Passive Intuition


(01:01:40 ) How Decisions Get Influenced When You Have Kids


(01:08:01 ) Is "Play" a State to Aim For?


(01:13:38 ) Incorporating Play in Adulthood


(01:18:13 ) The Process of Creating a New Card Game


(01:28:18 ) The Next Big Project for Tim


(01:30:53 ) Humans as Storytellers


(01:34:10 ) Where to Find Tim & His Work




Connect with Chris


Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn




Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss

How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss

Chris Hutchins