Foundation: Kevin Rose and Tim Ferriss

It's funny seeing you Kevin present you professionally to the audience. I'm used to you guys just casually chatting on the "Random Show" Please thank Kevin for putting this together and you of course for doing the show! You are amazing and have truly changed my life (You have no idea, I will e-mail you with the full scoop very soon). Best, Alex

Hey Tim I sent you a email recently through Amy. I feel like being the first to comment on this is the best way to get in contact with you and have you read my email. It would be great if you could get back to me. Thanks John

Hi, I have to see the video yet but I am surprised there are no controls for play, stop, sound. I see them in the original website but not here using FF.

As always, great content here. Love the new format of the show…slightly better twist on random show

Dude you're interesting as shit, I am going to start plotting my muse tomorrow.

Interesting new format. Seems less Larry King and more documentary format. I thought your grades in high school were so so if I recall re your application to Princeton story in the FHWW?

Interesting interview Tim. Great comment about making the "greatest dent in the universe."

Tim, Thanks for sharing those stories. You had me thinking about my first teacher that spanked me because I wasn't into the coloring book. I had a real good 1st grade teacher as well. You're like the world's most interesting man… Manny

You guys make a cute couple. ha… I joke I joke. Great vid until it restarted around Tim working in San Jose. Using Safari, there is no play bar to jump the video ahead to where it restarted. Keep the vids coming.

Great video. Thanks guys.

FANTASTIC! More of these please!

Very cool inside look. Hope the new book does well Tim!

Great, I was checking my itunes for a new episode of Foundation, but I guess is not updated yet. Love the show, thanks!

Great vid guys! Tim, I recently read Michael Ellsberg's new book, and now I've hired a personal assistant from Bangkok. It's been hard to say the least, but like you say in 4HWW it's also management education. It's the best course in management! Question for Tim: Did you ever use outsourcing for Christmas shopping and family-related items?

Was really helpful to hear about how stressed you get with putting a book together… in terms of my own perfectionism around projects. Good to hear I'm not alone. Also, the idea of writing each chapter as a stand alone, high value article is going to be super helpful for me and my readers. Thanks to you and Kevin.

Tim, thanks for sharing your personal story. Talking about time reminded me of an expert from the Quran: "By time, Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience." http://quran.com/103 Thanks and take care

The day you felt the richest, love it. A great question that almost always yields a great story. For those of you who find conversation often runs dry remember that question and ask it. You'll be in for a great ride as you listen to the adventure. How you maintain the top quality on this site is incredible Tim. Thanks dude.

Can't watch full-screen :/

Please thank Kevin for putting this together and you of course for doing the show! You are an Inspiration Tim.

Hey Tim, I've read all your stuff and watched your videos and presentations. It's great to get new information on your early life in this biographical style video. When I first heard of you, I took extra precautions to make sure you weren't a hack and searched for hit pieces against you ('Tim Ferriss scam' on google among other things). I thought you were too good to be true, which was an excuse not to make moves towards life improvements. Thanks for offering a separate path in life for those of us who weren't exposed to experts and elite mentors, schools, or role models early in life. You're a life saver, really.

Great to hear about your early life in this. Thanks for the book recommendations, will definitely check them out as i'm planning to do more writing for 2012. Merry Christmas!

Hello Tim, great video as always. In 4HWW, I read in the spring of 1999, after leaving school unfinished, you went through jobs in 3 month period. You wrote that you were convinced your life was over. Man, I'm in a situation very like that. I graduated from my university last spring successfully (much theory, not so much knowledge). I'm a very type A or goal oriented person, pushing myself to the limit, but only in the academic field. You can say that I'm a book smart. Since I don't like my first major, I'm pursing second major (finance, which I thought I liked, seeing investment bankers, etc… ), and working and studying has been more than I can accomplish. Assigning from my second job, I went into second job in the field of finance, just in a rush for cash. And now it appears it was not a good job, another startup. Plus, I must earn a money for my family and man, I'm in a very bad situation financially now. My self esteem hit rock bottom, I don't like what I liked, nothing I like, I see no future in me, just stuck in my mistakes I made in the past, which I thought were cool or very hardworking, but smart. Now I'm kneeling on my mistakes and regretting it, for the first time in my life. I'm just like I don't know who I am, and as you wrote your life was over, I don't see any future and the dull days are continuing. Days are just passing by and it's getting worse. Some days, I'd even consider committing suicide, but I can't do this for the sake of family. I want to ask god if I have a bright future, just like yours. What do you think? How did you recover from your situation and what advice would you give me? I just want to live my life my own way, but I can't (it's mostly because of finance, because now I'm grown up and contribute for my family, it's very much dependent on me, but I'm not doing it well) because of the choices I made just trying to be cool, striving for more higher goals. I just want to go back to the time when I could make the correct decision and go through the easy and sure path to success. I'd really appreciate your advice, how it'd be not an ordinary one, but a true experience of your own.

Not assigning from my second job, resigning from my second job.

Corrected the mistakes, just can't focus or concentrate well these days (which I've never been, and I suspect it might be some kind of clinical depression): "Hello Tim, great video as always. In 4HWW, I read in the spring of 1999, after leaving school unfinished, you went through jobs in 3 month period. You wrote that you were convinced your life was over. Man, I’m in a situation very like that. I graduated from my university last spring successfully (much theory, not so much knowledge). I’m a very type A or goal oriented person, pushing myself to the limit, but only in the academic field. You can say that I’m a book smart. Since I don’t like my first major, I started pursing second major (finance, which I thought I liked, seeing investment bankers, bit pay, etc… ), and working and studying has been more than I can accomplish (both are very challenging). Resigning from my second job, I went into the second job in the field of finance, just in a rush for cash. And now it appears it was not a good choice, another startup (not a good one for me, since I don't know have much experience). Plus, I must earn a money for my family and man, I’m in a very bad situation financially now. My self esteem hit rock bottom, I don’t like what I liked, there's nothing I like, I see no future in me, just stuck in my mistakes I made in the past, which I thought were cool or very hardworking, academically very challenging. Now I’m kneeling on my mistakes and regretting it, for the first time in my life. I’m just like I don’t know who I am, and as you wrote your life was over, I don’t see any future and the dull days are continuing. Days are just passing by and it’s getting worse. Some days, I’d even consider committing suicide, but I can’t do this for the sake of my family. I want to ask god if I have a bright future, just like yours. What do you think? How did you recover from your situation and what advice would you give me? I just want to live my life my own way, but I can’t (it’s mostly because of financial situation, because now I’m grown up and must contribute for my family, it’s very much dependent on me, but I’m not doing it well) because of the choices I made just trying to be cool, striving for more higher goals. I just want to go back to the time when I could make the correct decision and go through the easy and sure path to success. I’d really appreciate your advice, hope it’d be not an ordinary one, but a true experience of your own."

Great interview, I learnt a few new things about you Tim. Will look for foundation in the future and see who else Kevin interviews. Would have been nice to have a few controls on that panel. I missed the odd bit and with no rewind function it makes it more than awkward to go back. It's quite good to do this reflective style interview on yourself for everyone else here too. What led you down the path to how you are today. I've always thought of myself aiming a bit randomly and making the odd bad or hard decision, but looking back, it all makes sense and the dots connect.

Kevin and Tim, good fun video, very inspirational and it's brilliant to see the mixture of serious to fun. From the 80/20 to the parents getting older to the actual nuggets of chapter content and getting to the point.

Tim, If you had read 4HWW (and not noticed your name on the cover) when you were in college, do you think you would have approached your studies in a different manner?

Fantastic insights in this episode. Thanks for that.

Kudos for mentioning the Ghibli Museum, Tim! I love how Studio Ghibli films can rekindle the lost feeling of childlike wonder. Also, many thanks for sharing this. You and Kevin both got very human toward the end of the video. It's a side that both of your audiences rarely get to see. I'm glad that you find it important to take the macro-lens even further now and again to remember what is truly important to us (something we all seem to struggle with). Happy Holidays!

Tim, I think it's safe to say that you're a great role model to a lot of us, especially the recent-college-graduate-trying-to-create-himself. At that time in your life, who were the biggest living role models for you? …and props to Kevin for being a great interviewer. 😀

Forgive me, a bit of an unrelated question: Can someone give me a recommendation for best resources for amateur MMA conditioning//nutrition/technique? All I can find are programs by the pro's who spend ~8 hours a day training, I'd like something that gave me a lot of the results with 1/10th of the time. Thanks in advance. 🙂

Tim, Thanks for sharing some about your life pre-4HWW. I'm an eighteen-year old high school senior, and there are some interesting parallels up to this point between my circumstances and your own as far as education is concerned. I'm looking forward to the 4-Hour Chef! Is the Amazon release date (Sept. 2012) correct? For anyone who has a daily commute and appreciates their "classroom on wheels", here's an mp3 version of the interview for your iPod: http://www.filedropper.com/foundation–0015–timferriss–smallh264101

Kind of disappointing that there wasn't any real new information about you given in this interview. Most of what you talked about you have already said before. I was really hoping for some new insights into who you are as a person.

Hey timmy, jim,tim, I have heard you reference "Bird By Bird" several times and I enjoyed the book. Also, you referenced Zinsser, which every college freshman matriculated in any course related to writing has been forced to overpay for in the college book store (still a good book). But, for my money, and I have hacked this subject like Sherman marching to the sea, is "The Courage to Write(How Writers Transcend Fear) is the best book out there for hitting deadline. I have no relationship to the book at all, the anecdotes and research surpasses all other books I've read on the subject. Including the "War of Art", Joe Rogan I'm looking in your direction. Finally, someone who wants to create like Fischer on the page, and be underneath the game, has to listen to Drout's lectures on rhetoric on audible. Again, no connection. Goodnight Cleveland!

It's interesting hearing your beginnings. I wish you guys would have added another hour to talk more about the in-between from Japan to super successful workaholic with your supplement company. I loved the part about the seminar. Super inspiring! I'm trying to start up my own company now, and looking for ways to make some cash. Great idea. Thanks again, Chase

Wonderful! I really appreciate the slower pace, more in-depth interview format. It fills in some holes from the previous Random episodes. Probably this is best done infrequently. Nicely done, all around. Best,…

I now realize I left a dangling modifier in that last post. Please, don't harangue me with sniper visions of erudition, I limned the idea effectively. Discipline is remembering who you want to be.

3-4 year fan, my FIRST comment on your site, and it's just to say that it is very entertaining to see you get a little tipsy on camera. Flush complexion, flamboyant head tilts, increased animation, and casual hits on Kevin. Love it! p.s. Random Leek(SV30) is an awesome EDC. I recently purchased a Bali-song(BM42) to satisfy my obsession with cultural knives and compulsive need to fiddle with my hands. AND yes I did learn the pen tricks! blade finger twirling FTW! p.p.s. If I fail to leave a comment on your next post it's due to my hands being entirely wrapped in bandages.

So why don't you just call this The Random Show, so I can get it automatically in iTunes. Its you and KR shooting the proverbial shit. Why another RSS feed?

Nice, i was wondering when kevin is going to do this video. But the rabdom show is a brilliant idea!

Hi Tim, this is really a great video showing more of the personality of Tim Ferriss (thanks also to Kevin for creating it). I´ve read all your books, in German and English, and I´m a very frequent follower of your blog. As I recently turned 40 (OMG), I think it´s time to take stock. I´m not pleased with everything so far, but how you designed your life is really a desirable goal – not and only because of the money, but of the extra time you gain to spend with your family. What was really touching and emotional to me in this video was your statement, that it´s "really hard to see your parents become older!" I can totally subscribe that! This also makes me sad to see, that the time we have together is running so fast and is diminishing. I also loved the way you played with the dog. Seems that you are also a dog aficionado and shows that you are "ein guter Kerl" 😉 Hopefully we meet one day in person and have a good German beer together. 😉 I´m wishing you all the best, happy holidays and a very Merry Christmas. Best regards from Southern Germany, Tobias

Says release date Sept 2012 on Amazon and you are already pitching it? Man this is going be a long slow run to watch….

Kevin and Tim – Your comments on taking time with family hit home the most … Time is the only commodity that we can't buy or buy back. Getting the priorities in line and making time for those who have been with us from the very beginnings. Great show guys! Patrick

I love the serious music that hits awkwardly right at the end. "Tune into the random show to see us doing stupid shit" – DONG – Cue funeral music and 1-Word Title.

Curious to know if learning multiple languages has helped you become more articulate when speaking English. – AU

You guys always crack me up… "rubbing bear claws all over your chest." Haha… Re: the balance between work you are passionate about and spending time with family and those you love – I don't think there is such a thing as balance. A friend recently used the phrase "sweet spot" referring to the place where work, family, health, etc all come together in the appropriate amounts. It's not really something that you can get to equal out, but you just shift depending on different phases or times in your life. Sometimes you are really focused on a project and that requires more attention, and then you finish that up and take time to really focus on family. Having time away from any of these things makes the time that you do get to spend on it that much sweeter. I think trying to do anything else just makes ya feel kinda like a failure as a son/daughter, parent, employee, boss, healthy person, etc because you get consumed by that feeling of not doing it good enough. Those are my thoughts, anyway. Thanks for another great inspiring and funny video. Happy holidays!

Can't see the video controls in Safari, either….and that's a bummer!!!

I couldn't see the controls either. You can watch it here: http://revision3.com/player/embed?videoId=10720 😉

Tim, simple solution for your Saturday vs Email on your iPhone situation. I believe you have an iPhone now, yes? Go Ahead and step your email on the phone, then on Friday night just go to Settings/Notifications and click on Mail and switch off badges, and notifications. Then Sunday, switch it back on. Have your cake and eat it too. And you'll have one less reason for Kevin Rose to call you Retarded, er.. um… I mean the "R" word.

Tim, I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about launching a book or any action. Most people are not willing to put in the time to succeed, I once met a real estate agent who was looking for business coaching and within minutes of us meeting he told me he was not willing to drive across town to meet potential clients. He expected them to come to him. He wanted success but he did not want to do the work to get there. I have built business from scratch from taking the time to go to people because like you I believe you have to put in the time. Then the riches flow afterwards. Thank you to you and Kevin for your time. All the best, David

I got distracted at work, had to stop reading, mac using firefox won't restart the vid. Is this posted somewhere there are controls so I can skip the part I already watched?

Tim, I like these videos. Recently I watched some document about body language and communication, and they claimed that only 7 percent of information is communicated by words, the rest is body language and voice tonality, and I believe it is correct(at least partially). By making videos like this, you can present yourself much better. Thanks. Saludos from Valencia, Feliz Navidad y mucha suerte con tu nuevo libro.

Great interview, the chemestry between them really transmits. BTW Tim you look like the coolest peter pan ever.

Hi Tim, My husband is a fan of yours. We're heading to Ethiopia in a year and a half and I was wondering whether you wanted to come. If not, how about to the the Tour de France in 2 and a half years? We're kind of fun to hang out with. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Wow great videos on that site. The dark side of this is now I won't get any work done today 🙁

Hi Tim, Nice video! I have already read The 4 hour work week and I loved it. This video gives details about your early life. It’s interesting hearing your beginnings. Thank you 🙂 Happy holidays and Merry Christmas for you too!

dude that's friggin' sick about being recommended by Hugh Jackman, congrats.

GreatJob!

BTW, I cant wait to read/see the new book 🙂

I was working while I was watching/listening to this yesterday I immediately stopped what I was doing and called my dad. We had a really great hourlong talk. Thanks for the reminder. Best Christmas Present Ever!

Tim, greetings from Afghanistan! Currently reading your material, while being deployed- as such, first thing noticed was you are wearing military issued clothing. Nice. I would like to get in touch with you at some point in the future. Long shot, but looking for mentor-ship for my post-military future. Thanks for giving me something to look forward to outside of my current situation.

Is that a bottle of Turley Zinfandel you're drinking there Tim? Good choice!

for those, like me, who have trouble watching the video on this site (I use Google Chrome and the ShockWave keeps crashing 🙁 ) here is the link to Kevin Rose' Youtube page where he uploads all his Foundation videos. I happen to have a subscription to his his videos since they're quite interesting and fun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccFYnEGWoOc Of course you can watch the vid in full screen on Youtube as well Enjoy!

Tim, What is the name of that $20 Wine? "Redwood" ? Thanks for telling us about Rombauer as well. So good… 🙂

Just wanted to share a great success story from an ex-coworker of mine with blood sugar problems. I shared a lof from 4HB all the time with everyone at work and convinced him to get a copy just before leaving that job. I left for a 4 month trip to Mexico and now that I am back, I checked in with him and this is the great response I got back. "Well there is a lot to share, first a thank you that I don’t have to shoot insulin. That health book you told me about included information about eating Cassia cinnamon to inhibit/lower your blood sugar. My Hba1c kept bouncing between a 9 and a 10 rating for over a year. My doctor said if I couldn’t break the cycle he would have me start injecting insulin into my abdomen. This rating was developed in Europe and is more accurate than mg/dl testing that we use in the U.S. My most recent lab results showed that I hit an average 8 rating, which means I can keep taking the oral medication and avoid the needle. A side effect of taking 3 grams of C. cinnamon a day (1/2 gram per cup of coffee/tea) is that it acts as a blood thinner. Side note: 3 grams is the recommended dosage of Spice in the Dune series LOL! That is good for me because an above average blood sugar count causes your blood to thicken. So it thins out my blood which makes it easier for my heart to pump it throughout my body. This C. cinnamon therapy is still being tested and research. It doesn’t work for everyone, but it is working for me. Some people can't even eat 1 gram of C. cinnamon because it causes sores or bleeding in their mouth. That’s it for this lunch break."

Where the links from the Christmas specials? There were some good websites, that I can't find otherwise, like the memorise different language words site, can someone post it back, or leave here a link? can't find it through google… Thanks

As always, great content here. Love the new format of the show…slightly better twist on random show

Just spent the last 9 months of my life helping nurse my mother back from what was suspected to be 2 mild strokes (or a stroke and a heart attack depending on which doctor you ask) I know what you mean about watching a parent get older. But this last year humbled me and made me realize what's really important so in all it was a good experience – said in total hindsight of course lol

I don't usually leave a comment just to say "I liked this", but I really thought this was excellent. Thanks for your sincere and unfiltered perspective on the challenges we face in work and business…and life. Watching my parents age is one of the hardest things for me as well. And the acceleration of perceived time is also pretty scarey. I have been wondering about / searching for some way to slow it down, if that is even practical. I feel like continuing to have new experiences and to develop personally is probably the best way to expand time, but it sounds like even with all you have done in recent years, it is still accelerating.

I have been trying to find the right venue to ask a simple question about the 4 Hour Body Diet. I have the book. I like my lattes. I use a Hood product, a fat free low carb milk called Calorie COuntdown. It has 3 carbs per cup as opposed to the usual 12 in regular skim milk. Does the make-up of this milk clone product fit into the plan in may way? It has been my biggest challenge with the plan.

This was great! I'm in Mendoza, Argentina, traveling from California after reading 4 Hour Work Week. The conversation flowed proportionally to the amount of wine you had consumed, as any good conversation does. Cheers, and thanks!

Tim, Me.. You.. Studio Ghibli museum. Totoro Tea Set?

These shows make me happy 🙂 Thank you for the shows 🙂 Keep them coming.

Hey, is there a URL for a version of this video with a scrubber bar so I can fast forward. I just watched like 15 min of this and it froze, and now I have no way to get back there other than to sit through the first 15 min again. It's good stuff, but common… put the controls back on the video 🙂

Hey Tim! On setting expectations with partners (or anyone with any relationship): Read the Partnership Charter by David Gage, an excellant book written by this guy who does this for a living. For me, it was awesome. http://www.amazon.com/Partnership-Charter-Start-Right-Business/dp/0738208981/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326643786&sr=8-1 If you're going to read ONE CHAPTER: Read "Getting What You Wish For: The Power of Expectations" If you can read two chapters: Also read "Is It Fair?"

Hi Tim, great video! I read your book 4 hour work week. Trying to learn to live by it. Tnx!

Tim, I always look forward to see a new Random Episode and really appreciate Kevin taking a deeper dive into your life. I've taken so many things from your books and blogs. (I even downloaded Evernote – finally!). One of the thoughts that immediately hit me when you were talking about your study abroad program in Japan. We've traveled all over with our young kids and believe that it's an invaluable education and life experience for them. I have to admit that I hadn't given much thought to a study abroad program and how it could impact our kids lives forever. Your experience of living in Tokyo for a year has made you consciously and unconsciously approach life differently: You are not afraid to just pickup and go somewhere, Learn a new language, I'm sure you feel comfortable talking to anyone, Many of your beliefs are based from Asian cultures and philosophies, You've adopted the physical and mental aspects of martial arts. All of these will be with you for life and probably impact all parts of your life. It's now time to re-read the 4hr Workweek for probably the 15th time. Thank you, AJ

Hello Tim, Think I found the right place to ask these questions. First I wanted to say I am a big fan of 4HB. Two weeks ago started the slow carb diet and working on an exercising plan (kettle bell swings, Myotic Crunches, cat vomit). I already feel much better and down 15.5lbs. I am doing cardio 6 days a week, but feel I want to add more lifting. I am looking at replicating what you did in Geek to Freak. My questions are: 1. Can I have Ezekiel Bread on the slow carb diet? 2. On the simple supplement regimen you used, do you take those every day or only on the days you workout? 3. Does cardio (running, Stairmasters, Jacob's Ladder) count as a workout needing the pre and post supplements? 4. I am doing PAGG already, should I suspend taking that while I do the regimen in Geek to Freak? I know you get a ton of questions and I want to thank you in advance for answering. I am in a 12 week challenge at my gym (national chain) and I would love to plug your book. Just thought I would throw that in as you wade through the thousands of comments and decide which ones to answer :-).

I like the this format. It was nice getting a back story on you Tim. Now you need to flip the table and give Kevin an interview. I am curious about his back story as well. Thanks for the up close and personal interview.

Hi Tim, In the video, you mentioned 3 books that were helpful to you on becoming a better writter/communicator. One was "simple and direct" I think…(since there are no controls, I could't rewind). What were the titles of these 3 books and who are the authors? Thanks

That was not a slow bottle of wine.

Tim, your approach to work and fitness is refreshing and intriguing, yet simple. Your bringing to light what has gone unsaid or avoided by the establishment. I'm an RN, Case Manager and I can tell you from my experience, a lot of people avoid the inevitable until it's too late and the damage has been done. I like to think that I set a positive example and at 48 years old I'm fit with a six pack and have time and energy to teach Spin class, train at the gym and ride my mountain bikes. Life is for the living and not a spectator sport. I'm glad you promote getting in the game and not sitting on the bench. I hope to be as successful in business as you someday, Thanks for the inspiration! FYI, I broke my leg mountain biking therefore have found the time to read and watch your material

Brief descriptions of the 6 tonsil stones treatment options recommended by medical doctors.Description of the 5 steps on how to easily prevent tonsil stones.

Tim, I love the 4-hour workweek. I opened this book and you was writing about a life-style that I am seeking. I just don't buy into the traditional work your ass off, and end up broke and broken down. I'm a student of Brendon Burchard.(The Expert Academy) I'm currently creating a brand, a lot of books are coming. I would appreciate if there is any information you can give to me to help me through some of the pitfalls a new author might face. Thanks Tim!

HiTim, I had a question regarding Irish gaelic, I believe you mentioned you learned gaelic. Can you tell me why you decided to learned IrIsh gaelic and which dialect and also how did you master it (what were the sources you used…)? Thanks! Mike

One of the things I learned from this is that time is our most valuable currency and yet most people see money as more valuable than time. Thank you Tim!

Hi Alden, One that I've been using is The Juggernaut Jiu-Jitsu Physical Preparation Manual from http://www.jtsstrength.com/the-store/ . (Note, no affiliate link.) And Tim, I've been using the IF protocol and eating template from the Ipad app.. It's been easier that I expected, and I spend less time planning meals. Merry Christmas, and an incredible New Year! Abraços, Coop

Hi Aiden, I'm working on something similar that you may be looking for. It's military style. As you know Marines and UFC share some similarities when it comes to MMA and the warrior culture. Check it out by clicking on my name.

Too bad you weren't first John. Better try the next post.

er verträgt kein Bier! kauf Rotwein! 🙂

I think it's clear that his transcript was "thin" based on ineligible grades from his previous school and his study abroad. So it is probably fair to say that they weren't Princeton typical or "so so".

I'm on this blog all the time, and although I've learned so much and my motivation is at an all time high, I can't think of any really amazing ideas for a business venture. I constantly feel like I'm so close but it's just not coming to me. Does anyone else have this problem?

Dear Maxie, I do know the feeling, alas. Please don't lose hope. Here are my recommendations: 1) Call a professional if you are really feeling suicidal. Sometimes you need to talk to a pro: 1-800-273-8255 2) Give these a read, as they might help: http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2009/01/12/nick-vijicic-get-back-up/ http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2008/01/23/depression-how-you-label-determines-how-you-feel/ http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2008/10/03/harnessing-entrepreneurial-manic-depression-making-the-rollercoaster-work-for-you/ There's no shame in feeling like hope is lost. Just make sure you don't think it's a permanent state! It's not! I sincerely hope this helps, and I'm sending positive vibes your way. All the best to you and yours, Tim

Hi Maxie, I took the time to read your post, I normally gloss over the lengthy ones and Im about to do the same myself! The great thing about the TF network, you don't necessarily need TIm's input, we're drawn to this blog as we're all of similar ilk. What attracted me, was your self-diagnosis of your personality – an A-type goal driven individual. When things seem bleak, it is very difficult to see the forest for the trees. It's human nature to dwell in familiarity when in the dumps, ie: to push past dark times and look for those positives & opportunities that do exist. Im no shrink, nor academic, but I also am a very driven person, but understand t is difficult to focus on the good when living in the bad. Im generally a happy person, but I've found through meditation, I've been able to achieve some of the clearest clarity & vision of my life. Since my meditation, I now know in good and bad times that opportunities do exist, whereas it's common to blanket out the good when down. I'm working on a start-up now, which I hope you'll all know about in 6 months time, but please in the dark times, re-read the 4HWW, or read it if you havent. Many have made comments that it's changed their lives. It didnt change mine, it changed my vision. In summary – everyone is born to lead and succeed, it's what separates us from animals. You have these attributes, I can tell from your opening lines. You need to make changes. Dont become familiar with dullness. You need to quit jobs, study, move, move house (change partners?!).. Money is not the resistance barrier, it's an excuse. Here's a good exercise. Only do this when you're in an up-beat mood – this is important. 1. Look at your life. Your partner, your house, family, job, financial situation, hobbies etc. 2. Assume you could delete the whole lot.. Everything. (don't worry, it can be temporary) 3, Now, write on a clean white sheet. What would I want back on that list. 4. Look at what you left off. 5. Look at what additiionally you added. This is what needs to happen, period. Again, re-read 4HWW, you need to change things. try kiva.org for a loan to clear debts, you'll be surprised the generosity of the human spirit. They grant small finance to people genuinely trying to better themselves. Thousands of everyday people (like me) grant small amounts of loans through this site, but stay close to this group, they're a fabulous group of individuals. They'll help you understand your potential, not your pitfuls.

the problem might be that you are overloading your brain with awesomeness. I know how it sounds. An awesome blog like this one can give you plenty of motivation. But it doesn't do much for you personal level, because muse creation is your job and yours alone. No one knows your skills, background, interests, strength and weaknesses like you do. So I suggest stepping away from the all the books, success manuals, magazines, articles, videos and blogs, including this one for a short while. Take some time to sort out your ideas and passion without the clutter and you'll find something that is right for you. It could also be that you have many ideas, but not pulling the trigger. Maybe you don't think your ideas are awesome enough. I'd say try them all in a low risk way. Create videos, sell stuff to friends, cold call someone, design the most wonderfully stupid you can think of and so on. Momentum helps to get your ideas flowing. Lastly, note that ideas are pretty much worthless. Millions of people have hundreds of millions of ideas every day but most don't come to fruition. The profit is in the execution. Many times in the implementation of an idea , not the idea itself, that makes a business successful. So start with your small ideas and make it a habit of executing them. it's good practice for the day you find your once-in-a-life-time passionate idea. God speed.