The 4% Fix

A must read for those who want to amp up their productivity. Brown is a confident and clear writer who will help navigate readers to transformation without overwhelming, using a method that many will see success with.

Waking up early to “seize the day” or “eat that frog” are common themes from some of the most well-known motivational gurus. While Karma Brown leans on this same theme for The 4% Fix, the approach is entirely different and reengineered for those of us who just can’t manage to set that alarm for the crack of dawn to get things done. Brown explains how we’re competing against biology when we start off too ambitious with our attempts to add time to the day. She also addresses common psychological blocks that keep us from taking steps to increase our productivity. Once she covers examples of success and the possibilities available to us when we shift our mindset, we’re off and running with inspiration.

Brown’s insight into the science of sleep is most helpful in realizing why most of us are never been able to take the leap into early morning productivity, despite the clear benefits. She provides a step-by-step plan for easing into the concept until the alarm is set for at least a full hour earlier than we would typically rise. Her realistic account of why we can’t hold ourselves accountable for unbridled success is perfect for anyone who needs a little “kick in the pants” to get moving.

A poor narrator can make or break my opinion of a book, and I’m happy to report that the narrator for The 4% Fix is the perfect match for the content. She’s down-to-earth, lively, and animated without being condescending. That condescension factor is common with self-help books, but Ann Marie Gideon is an absolute delight. I only wish she could narrate every audiobook I listen to.

For anyone who can’t quite get a grasp on why motivation eludes you, despite your best intentions, The 4% Fix is the perfect solution. You’ll get a great deal of insight into your biological roadblocks and a plan for overcoming them and finding true success without feeling like you’re sacrificing for the greater good. This might be the final book you need to take charge of your life and meet all those goals you’ve been setting that seem just out of reach.

This is more than a book about “get up at 5 a.m. and it will change your life,” and I believe it comes at a time where many are looking for guidance and order in their lives after this past year.
I retired two years ago, and until that point, I lived this highly organized, get up early, pack it all in a day. I’d found out years ago when my goals were to train for races and write a book that working full-time (and a part-time job for a few of those years) the only way to get my running miles in was to get up before the sun and run before work. I focused my late nights on writing.

Then I retired. The saying “if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it” rings true. My life became unorganized, unfocused, because I had all day to get it done, right? That’s where this book comes in. I no longer get up super early, I don’t need to, but I needed focus and organization so I could continue with my life goals. The author has many excellent quotes and inspiration throughout the book, and here are some favorites I’m taking with me into my daily scheduling and goals: Your 4% time spent should focus on something FUN, something you WANT to do (specifically for your goals, dreams.) “A goal without a plan is just a wish” which is so true! You can’t just say “I want to run a marathon, I want to write a book” (my goals years ago) without figuring out a step-by-step plan to get to that point, and be willing to put in the work to get there. The author mentions a Japanese term, Ikigai (pronounced Ick-ee-guy) which is a reason to jump out of bed each morning. That resonated with me once I retired. We all need a reason and purpose to our day. This book helps you focus on accomplishing the purpose you choose. If you are looking for inspiration to organize your day, help you achieve your dreams and goals, this is the book to help you get there. I listened to the audiobook of this, and I thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me the informative audiobook.

Audiobook Review
I’ll admit I’m a total night owl. In fact, I love that nursing (my profession) has a night shift where that always needs workers! Though I am currently working days, I don’t think I could ever see myself as a morning lark, which the author pushes strongly for in this book. I am lucky I have no other commitments than work, so on my off days, I can choose to order my day as I like or as needed. The author certainly got me thinking about how to make the best use of an early hour on those off days. You don’t have to set your alarm an hour earlier, as the author recommends throughout the book, to reap the benefits of the ideas in the book. Rather, choose an early hour to work on a project that interests you (and preferably something motivating and enjoyable), like preparing for a race or writing a book. Always had something you wanted to do but didn’t think you had the time? Carve out an hour for yourself to make it happen. The author is a strong fan of waking up an hour early to do so. She talks about her own experience and even a bit of cognitive and sleep science. The book is friendly and conversational. It certainly got me thinking about how I spend the early part of my day on my days offbecause nothing is going to happen for me on a 12-hour workday except sleep, eat, and work. If you’ve ever wanted to make time for yourself or a pet project a priority, this book will cheer you on and give you actionable ideas to make it work for you.

I received a free copy of this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.

Nice read from an entertaining author. The 4% fix is a good read, short chapters and each one brings a great point of view and opportunity to find your own fix in our everyday lives, without major drama.
Cheers to Karma.

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