17 Questions That Changed My Life by Tim Ferriss: Summary & Notes
by Tim Ferriss
8/10•2-min read•Updated Nov 2025
Related reading: The 4-Hour Workweek, Tools of Titans, Essentialism
In One Sentence
The quality of your life depends on the quality of your questions—these 17 questions help cut through fear, clarify priorities, and unlock unconventional paths.
Key Takeaways
- "What would this look like if it were easy?" - question hidden assumptions about difficulty
- "What if I did the opposite?" - contrarian thinking often reveals opportunities
- "What is the worst that could happen?" - fear-setting makes risks manageable
- "Am I hunting antelope or field mice?" - focus on high-impact activities
- "What would I do if I wasn't afraid?" - identify fear-driven avoidance
- Good questions trump good answers—they reframe problems productively
Summary
Tim has always been good at asking the right questions, and this short PDF packs a lot of punch.
These are a staple of my daily journaling practice.
Who Should Read This Book
- Anyone feeling stuck who needs new perspectives
- Tim Ferriss fans looking for his core thinking tools
- People who want to question their assumptions
- Entrepreneurs and creatives seeking clarity
FAQ
What are Tim Ferriss's most important questions?
Key questions include: "What would this look like if it were easy?" "What if I did the opposite?" "What would I do if I couldn't fail?" "What am I avoiding?" "Am I hunting antelope or field mice?" These questions cut through assumptions and fear to reveal better paths.
Click to expand comprehensive chapter-by-chapter breakdown (~15-20 min read)
