How To Buy Back 10 Years Of Your Life | Ep 930
In this episode of The Game, Alex Hormozi discusses strategies for reclaiming time through outsourcing everyday tasks. He examines how activities like meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, and commuting consume a substantial portion of the average American's week, and explains how these tasks can be delegated to free up approximately 23 hours weekly.
Hormozi breaks down the costs and benefits of various outsourcing options, from meal delivery services to professional cleaning and driving services. He also addresses sleep optimization through environmental adjustments and explores transportation alternatives for business travelers. The episode provides practical calculations showing how an investment of $2,000-3,000 monthly in these services can effectively double the time available for pursuing primary goals.
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1-Page Summary
Outsourcing Domestic Tasks
Alex Hormozi explores how outsourcing daily tasks can significantly reclaim time in modern life. He notes that Americans spend approximately 13.5 hours weekly on meal-related activities, which can be reduced through meal delivery services. For about $750 monthly, having prepared meals delivered can eliminate grocery shopping and cooking time while maintaining portion control.
Hormozi also discusses the benefits of outsourcing laundry, which typically consumes four hours weekly. A drop-off service, costing $60-80 monthly, can save the equivalent of two workdays per month. Similarly, professional cleaning services can eliminate the six to seven hours weekly that Americans typically spend on household cleaning tasks.
Optimizing Sleep and Rest
Given that we spend a third of our lives sleeping, Hormozi emphasizes the importance of sleep environment optimization. He recommends using earplugs, blackout curtains, and covering electronic lights with electrical tape to achieve complete darkness. Additionally, he advocates for cooling mattresses, which can benefit couples with different temperature preferences while potentially reducing energy costs.
Outsourcing Transportation and Travel
For daily transportation, Hormozi discusses how using driver services can reclaim the 1-2 hours Americans spend daily on commuting. While this might cost $600-1000 monthly, it allows for productive use of travel time. For business travelers, he recommends semi-private air services like JSX, which, while more expensive than commercial flights, can significantly reduce travel time through faster boarding and security processes.
Principle Of Buying Back Time Through Outsourcing
Hormozi calculates that outsourcing routine tasks can save approximately 23 hours weekly. The total cost for these services amounts to about $2,000-3,000 monthly, but the time saved can be reinvested into revenue-generating activities. This approach, he suggests, effectively doubles the available time for work that advances one's primary objectives.
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Counterarguments
- Outsourcing may not be financially feasible for everyone, as the cost of $2,000-3,000 monthly is significant and may not align with everyone's budget.
- The assumption that time saved will be used for revenue-generating activities may not hold true for all individuals; some may prefer or find more value in personal activities or leisure.
- The social and emotional aspects of cooking and meal preparation as a family or community activity are not considered, which can be important for bonding and well-being.
- The environmental impact of using meal delivery services and professional cleaning services, which may increase plastic and chemical use, is not addressed.
- The reliance on driver services and semi-private air travel could contribute to increased carbon emissions compared to public transportation or more sustainable travel options.
- The benefits of doing domestic tasks, such as physical activity from cleaning or the satisfaction of completing chores, are not acknowledged.
- There may be privacy or security concerns with allowing service providers into one's home regularly.
- The quality of outsourced services may not always match personal standards, leading to dissatisfaction or the need for additional time to correct issues.
- The argument assumes that all tasks can be outsourced with equal efficiency and outcome, which may not be the case for more personalized or complex tasks.
- The idea of outsourcing to save time assumes a linear relationship between money and time, which may not account for the complexities of how people value and use their time.
- There is a potential loss of skill development and self-reliance when outsourcing tasks that could be valuable life skills, such as cooking or basic home maintenance.
Actionables
- You can analyze your weekly activities to identify time-consuming tasks that could be outsourced or streamlined. Start by keeping a detailed log of your time for one week, noting how long each activity takes. Then, review your log to pinpoint tasks that take up the most time and research local service providers or apps that can take over these tasks, such as a local laundry service or a virtual assistant for scheduling and administrative tasks.
- Consider swapping skills or services with friends or neighbors to save on outsourcing costs. For example, if you're good at meal planning and a friend excels at organization, you could prepare a week's worth of meals for them in exchange for them organizing your home office. This barter system can help you both benefit from each other's strengths without spending money.
- Create a "time budget" to allocate your saved hours towards specific goals or revenue-generating activities. Just like a financial budget, assign the hours you save from outsourcing to categories such as professional development, networking, or side projects. Track your progress to ensure you're investing this time as planned and adjust your budget as needed to align with your priorities and objectives.
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Outsourcing Domestic Tasks
The modern convenience of outsourcing domestic tasks can reclaim significant hours in a person's week, suggests Alex Hormozi. From meal prep to cleaning, there are ways to save time and possibly improve health through service-based solutions.
Outsourcing Meal Prep and Grocery Shopping Saves Time
Americans Spend 13 Hours Weekly On Meal Prep; Reclaim Time With Meal Delivery Services
According to Hormozi, the average American dedicates about 13.5 hours weekly to activities tied to meal preparation, including grocery shopping, planning, cooking, and cleaning. By outsourcing meal prep and grocery shopping to meal delivery services, individuals can recover a substantial amount of time. Hormozi personally experienced the benefits of having two meals a day delivered, recommending a shake for breakfast and prepared lunches and dinners, which he estimates to cost around $750 per month. This service not only saved him time but also helped him maintain his health by offering controlled portions and avoiding grocery shopping except for essentials like Red Bull and Coke Zero. Hormozi found that outsourcing meals led to a 13.5-hour weekly time saving.
Outsourcing Laundry Tasks Provides Another Substantial Time-Saving
Americans Spend 4 Hours Weekly On Laundry Suitable for Drop-Off Service
In exploring the benefits of outsourcing laundry, Hormozi mentions that on average, people spend four hours a week performing laundry tasks that include sorting, washing, drying, folding, and putting clothes away. Outsourcing this chore to a drop-off service could ...
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Outsourcing Domestic Tasks
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Counterarguments
- Outsourcing may not be financially feasible for everyone, as the costs can add up and may not fit into every budget.
- Meal delivery services may not cater to all dietary preferences and restrictions, potentially limiting their usefulness for some individuals.
- The quality of meal delivery services can vary, and some may not offer the same nutritional value as home-cooked meals.
- Relying on meal delivery services could reduce opportunities to learn and practice cooking skills, which are valuable life skills.
- Outsourcing laundry may not be practical for those with specific care instructions for their clothing or those who prefer to handle delicate items personally.
- Drop-off laundry services may use cleaning chemicals or methods that some customers would prefer to avoid for health or environmental reasons.
- Hiring cleaners involves allowing strangers into one's home, which may raise privacy and security concerns for some individuals.
- The environmental impact of outsourcing tasks like meal delivery and laundry services, which oft ...
Actionables
- You can streamline your wardrobe to minimize laundry needs by choosing versatile, easy-care clothing that requires less frequent washing. By investing in quality pieces that mix and match well, you reduce the volume of clothes that need laundering. For example, merino wool garments are naturally odor-resistant and require less washing, while dark-colored items show less dirt and can be worn multiple times before needing a clean.
- Create a shared neighborhood resource pool for cleaning equipment to reduce the time and cost of maintaining your home. Partner with neighbors to invest in high-quality, shared tools like carpet cleaners, pressure washers, or window cleaning equipment. This way, you can maintain a clean home without each household needing to own, store, and maintain these items individually.
- Develop a habit of daily 15-min ...
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Optimizing Sleep and Rest
Alex Hormozi underscores the significance of optimizing the sleep environment for better health and productivity, given that a third of one's life is spent sleeping.
Improve Sleep With Blackout Curtains, Earplugs, and Cooling Mattresses
Better Sleep Boosts Productivity and Energy Through Brain Recovery
To enhance sleep quality and, by extension, increase daytime productivity and energy, Hormozi offers several actionable tips.
Hormozi uses earplugs to block out noise, creating a sense of calmness and quieter sleep environment. Though they might initially be uncomfortable, Hormozi explains that with time, the discomfort fades. He also advocates for the use of blackout curtains to achieve complete darkness in the sleeping area, to the extent that one cannot discern whether their eyes are open or closed. Additionally, he advises covering any small lights in the room, such as those on electronics, with electrical tape to achieve total darkness.
Further, Hormozi recommends investing in a cooling mattress, which he finds invaluable for couples with differing temperature preferences and for providing potential savings on heating and cooling costs by focusing on cooling just the bed area rather than the entire residence.
An optimized sleep environment not only helps save on energy costs but also contributes to comfort and reduces sleep disturbances. Hormozi argues that a good nig ...
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Optimizing Sleep and Rest
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Counterarguments
- While blackout curtains and earplugs can be beneficial, they may not be suitable for everyone; some people may find comfort in a little natural light or ambient noise.
- Cooling mattresses might be beneficial for some, but others may not find them comfortable or may have allergies or sensitivities to the materials used in these mattresses.
- The initial cost of investing in blackout curtains, earplugs, and cooling mattresses can be prohibitive for some individuals, making these recommendations less accessible.
- Some individuals may have medical conditions such as sleep apnea or insomnia that require more than just an optimized sleep environment to improve sleep quality.
- There is a risk of becoming too reliant on a controlled sleep environment, which could make it difficult to sleep well in less-than-ideal conditions, such as when traveling.
- Covering small lights in the room might not significantly impact sleep quality for those who are not particularly sensitive to light.
- The advice provided may not take into account the diverse cultural attitudes and practices surrounding sleep, which can influence individual sleep preferences and needs.
- The suggestion to prioritize sleep by optimizing the environment does n ...
Actionables
- Create a sleep ritual that includes gentle stretching or yoga to relax your body before bed, as this can help transition your mind into sleep mode and improve overall sleep quality. For example, a 10-minute routine of simple stretches or yoga poses can signal to your body that it's time to wind down, potentially leading to a deeper and more restful sleep.
- Experiment with aromatherapy by using essential oils like lavender or chamomile in a diffuser in your bedroom to enhance your sleep environment. These scents are known for their calming properties and can help create a soothing atmosphere that promotes better sleep. Start with a few drops in a diffuser about 30 minutes before you plan to go to bed.
- Personalize a pre-sleep audio playlist that incl ...
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Outsourcing Transportation and Travel
Alex Hormozi discusses how outsourced transportation services, such as Uber, and semi-private air travel like JSX, can save individuals significant amounts of time traditionally lost in commuting and business travel.
Rideshare or Private Transport Can Save Time
Hormozi delves into the benefits of using a driver or participating in rideshare services as a means of saving commuting time. He envisions a future where transport costs could decrease due to energy-efficient driverless fleets.
Average American Spends 1-2 Hours Commuting, Reclaimable via Driver Services
He notes that the average American spends 1-2 hours per day commuting, and this does not include additional time spent parking and walking to one's final destination. By using driver services, one could potentially save between 30 and 50 hours per month, translating to more productive time for tasks like working or checking messages. The cost for these driver services, Hormozi estimates, might range from approximately $600 to $1000 per month, varying by the frequency of use and distance traveled.
Utilizing Semi-Private Air Travel Streamlines Business Trips
For business travelers, Hormozi talks about the efficiency of semi-private planes, like those operated by JSX. This mode of travel allows for faster boarding and deplaning than commercial flights, saving valuable time typically spent on security checks and TSA screenings.
Semi-Private Planes Allow Faster Boarding and Deplaning Than Commercial Flights
He compares the costs, highlighting that while a JSX flight might cost about three times what a commercial airline charges, the time saved is sign ...
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Outsourcing Transportation and Travel
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Clarifications
- Semi-private air travel, like JSX, offers a middle ground between commercial flights and private jets. JSX provides a more exclusive and streamlined flying experience compared to traditional airlines, with benefits such as faster boarding and deplaning. Passengers on JSX flights enjoy amenities and services akin to private jets but at a more affordable price point. This type of service caters to individuals seeking a balance between cost-effective travel and luxury.
- Energy-efficient driverless fleets are autonomous vehicle systems that operate without human drivers. These fleets are designed to optimize routes, reduce idle time, and minimize energy consumption through advanced algorithms and sensors. By leveraging technologies like electric propulsion and predictive analytics, these fleets aim to enhance efficiency and sustainability in transportation. The ultimate goal is to revolutionize the way people and goods are transported, leading to reduced emissions and improved overall transportation systems.
- In the text, the author compares the costs of semi-private air travel with commercial airline charges. While a JSX flight may cost about three times more than a commercial flight, the time saved and efficiency gained are highlighted as significant benefits. This cost difference is justified by the convenience and time-saving aspects of semi-private air travel, making it a preferred option for those valuing time and productivity.
- Associated time costs for frequent travelers typically include the time spent ...
Counterarguments
- The cost of rideshare or private transport may not be justifiable for individuals with lower incomes or those who prioritize other budgetary concerns.
- The environmental impact of increased reliance on private transport services could be negative, as it may lead to more vehicles on the road if not offset by a significant adoption of energy-efficient or electric vehicles.
- The time savings estimated may not apply to all individuals, as some may use commuting time productively, such as for reading, resting, or other activities that are not possible when driving.
- The assumption that all commuting time is unproductive may not hold true for public transport users who can work or engage in leisure activities while commuting.
- The cost estimates for driver services do not account for the variability in city infrastructure, traffic patterns, and regional cost differences, which can significantly affect the actual costs and time savings.
- The benefits of semi-private air travel are primarily accessible to a small segment of the population, such as business travelers or the affluent, and do not address the travel inefficiencies faced by the average traveler.
- The comparison of time savings with semi-private flights may not consider the total t ...
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Principle Of Buying Back Time Through Outsourcing
Hormozi shares insights on the value proposition of outsourcing, highlighting how it can significantly save time and boost productivity for professionals and entrepreneurs.
Outsourcing Routine Tasks Frees Up Time Each Week
Reclaim an Extra Work Week For $3,000/Month
Hormozi illustrates that by outsourcing everyday tasks like meal preparation, laundry, and house cleaning, individuals can save approximately 23 hours per week. This substantial time saving is likened to "multiple work days per week" and can amount to reclaiming an extra work week each month.
He continues by breaking down the numbers, estimating that outsourcing different tasks could save 13.5 hours per week, with a cost of about $750 per month. When additional services are considered, such as sleep optimization and landscaping, the monthly cost comes close to $1,500. With substantial time savings, the total can accumulate to around $3,000 monthly for a significant reclaim of time, up to 45 hours per week. Nevertheless, Hormozi notes that travel costs may not be a recurring monthly expense, potentially reducing the total to about $2,000 per month.
Reclaimed Time Reinvested Into Revenue-Generating Activities
Outsourcing Boosts Productivity and Accelerates Progress Towards Goals
Hormozi emphasizes the concept of "buying time back," suggesting that the time reclaim ...
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Principle Of Buying Back Time Through Outsourcing
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Outsourcing routine tasks like meal preparation, laundry, and house cleaning involves hiring external services or individuals to handle these responsibilities. By delegating these everyday chores to others, individuals can free up significant time that would have been spent on these activities. This time-saving strategy allows individuals to focus on more important or productive tasks, ultimately increasing efficiency and productivity in their personal and professional lives.
- The cost breakdown for outsourcing tasks includes different services like meal preparation, laundry, house cleaning, sleep optimization, and landscaping. The estimated monthly cost ranges from $750 for basic tasks to around $1,500 when additional services are considered. With travel costs factored in, the total monthly expense could be around $2,000 to $3,000 for significant time savings. Hormozi suggests that investing in outsourcing can lead to reclaiming up to 45 hours per week for more productive activities.
- "Buying time back" through outsourcing is the idea of reclaiming time by delegating routine tasks to others, allowing individuals to focus on more important or revenue-generating activities. By paying for services that free up time, individuals can effectively 'buy back' the hours they would have spent on mundane tasks. This strategy aims to increase productivity, accelerate progress towards goals, and create a positive impact on personal and professional development. Ultimately, outsourcing enables individuals to reallocate their time towards tasks that align with their main objectives, leading to increased efficiency and goal achievement.
- Outsourcing routine tasks can free up significant time, allowing individuals to focus on revenue-generating activities. By delegating time-consuming tasks, professionals can redirect their energy towards more productive endeavors. This shift in focus can lead to increased effic ...
Counterarguments
- Outsourcing may not be financially feasible for everyone, as the initial costs can be high.
- The quality of outsourced work may vary, potentially leading to additional time spent on oversight or corrections.
- Some individuals may derive satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment from completing routine tasks themselves.
- Outsourcing personal tasks can lead to a disconnection from everyday life skills and self-reliance.
- The time saved through outsourcing does not automatically translate into productivity; it requires discipline to use the time effectively.
- There may be hidden costs or inefficiencies associated with outsourcing that are not accounted for in the initial calculations.
- The assumption that all reclaimed time will be used for revenue-generating activities may not hold true for everyone, as leisure and rest are also important.
- The social and ethical implicat ...
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