The Debate on Optimal Work Hours

The question of how many hours one should dedicate to work remains a hot topic. While many advocate for shorter workdays, citing increased efficiency through reduced hours, a movement towards a four-day work week is already taking shape in several countries. Conversely, some individuals prefer the traditional work model, fearing that any change might induce unnecessary stress.

What about those who are self-employed? How do they structure their work hours?

Alex Hormozi's Approach

Alex Hormozi has recently gained attention thanks to his successful book launch. As a millionaire and entrepreneur, his work ethic and skills are commendable, and I find myself learning something new each time he speaks.

Although one might argue that Hormozi's "12-hour workday" is not always accurate—since he has days with minimal work—it's worth noting that even regular employees can experience "off" days. For Hormozi, these off days translate into more time for productivity. On the days he does work, he fully commits to a rigorous schedule.

For instance, a typical day in his life might look like this:

• 7 AM — 1 PM: Writing, Leadership Call, Pipeline Review, Book Call, Bi-Weekly Meeting
• 5 PM — 6 PM: Brief Walk
• 6 PM — 7:30 PM: Dinner

The meetings he schedules are what he considers his "real" work.

Is this lifestyle sustainable? Hormozi himself claims he thrives on this routine, as he is genuinely passionate about what he does. I can understand why someone in his position would adopt such a demanding schedule.

My own routine might resemble the following:

• 8 AM — 4:30 PM: Regular Work
• 5 PM — 6 PM: Workout
• 6:30 PM — 9 PM: Writing
• 9:30 PM — 11 PM: Product Creation
• 11 PM — 1 AM: Reading

Throughout the day, I also take short breaks to engage on social media platforms.

Dan Koe's Minimalistic Approach

In contrast to Hormozi, Dan Koe is another author who is on the brink of launching his first book. He has significantly influenced my perspective on the Digital Economy, providing valuable insights for free—much like Hormozi. Koe emphasizes a minimalistic approach to work, encouraging individuals to allocate a limited amount of time for creation, experimentation, and productivity.

His ideal work structure might look something like this:

• Morning: Creation, Output, Focus
• Afternoon: Learning, Reading, Socializing
• Evening: Journaling, Meditation, Planning

Koe advocates for deep work to be prioritized in the morning. However, for those working a 9-to-5 job, how can one incorporate this model into their lives?

Navigating Work as a Regular Employee

To build your ideal future, it's essential to put in effort outside of your 9-to-5. I've developed a personalized routine by practicing what I call an "anti-scheduling" week. Initially, I record tasks after completing them to understand how much time they actually take. In the following week, I schedule these tasks based on the insights gained.

This approach aligns with Parkinson’s Law: the time allocated to a task often expands to fit that time frame. Therefore, having less time can sometimes lead to greater efficiency.

Starting with small, manageable tasks can lead to significant improvements. If you struggle to concentrate for 30 minutes, try starting with just 15. Remember, any effort is better than remaining stagnant in your comfort zone.

Which Approach is Superior?

So, which is better: a 12-hour grind or a 4-hour efficiency model? For those juggling various responsibilities, the latter is often more effective. Once you transition from your 9-to-5, you'll likely have mastered your scheduling and know what works best for you.

Ultimately, it’s about whether you prefer to spend more time on "work" or leverage the freedom of your time. Reaching a point where you can reflect on these questions is the real goal.

Remember, it’s not the schedule that’s most critical; it’s the consistency you maintain. By subscribing to my channel, you can support my journey without any additional cost on your part.