5 comments about Gold: The Once and Future Money.

1. I'm simply an average joe looking to preserve wealth from the coming inflation in the US dollar. This book did indeed help me understand central banking and how a gold standard can work. However, it contained way too many details with dates and years of various historical events.
   
   What I really wanted, was a book that could help me conceptually understand the commodity of gold in an easy to read format. All in all I appreciated the book and am glad I read it. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more had I read "The Coming Collapse of the Dollar and How to Profit from It" first as it did not dive into obscure details of historical events.



2. Good Insights But Unconvincing
   
   Fiat money serves three purposes: legal tender, token for exchange and store of value. The author seems to propose a money system pegged to gold and believes that it will serve to stabilize the value of the paper money as the value of gold is relative stable in the long run. The author argues that, under the new gold based money standard, the value of paper money can be maintained through adjusting the money supply, possibly by the central bank. The author also believes that a gold-based money system is better than commodity-basket based system or a currency board system exchange system. The author points out that there is an inherent conflict between a country's domestic monetary policy in terms of maintaining an interest target and its foreign exchange policy in terms of keeping a fixed exchange rate.
   
   The question that is not clearly answered is how the supply and demand of gold, and therefore related fluctuations of gold price/value, affects the value of money and the equilibrium between money supply and demand. Equally important and not clearly answered is how a country using the proposed gold-pegged money can defense itself against currency attack by speculators. When there is sell-off of the currency, according to the author, the central bank needs to retire the excess currency (money supply) it took in from people for exchanging gold. This is to maintain the value of the paper money pegged to gold. Reducing money supply seems to push up interest rate and restrain economic growth. A large scale currency attack may also push up gold price as the demand of gold for exchanging the currency intensifies. To keep the pegging creditable, the central bank has to exchange gold for the currency when it is demanded. The central bank either has to keep a gold reserve large enough or buy/borrow gold from the market. To buy gold, the central bank may have to borrow foreign currency (hard currency) to do so, especially when its currency is under attack (weak). Then the problem is essentially no difference than the familiar one we have seeing for a currency-pegging exchange system except the author claims that the value of gold, in the long run, is more stable than all paper money including "hard currencies" such as the dollar, pounds, etc. The author claimed that if the central bank maintains its credibility, then it does not need to keep a large gold reserve. However, if the credibility is better or at least as good as gold, we wouldn't need a gold-pegging or any pegging system. The whole idea to have the money pegged on something is because that people believe the value of that "something" in itself is stable.
   
   As society has not find any universal stable measurement for "value" as we did for length and weight, we just don't have a stable media to store the value. Actually length and weight are only relatively stable under normal conditions on earth. The light of speed is probably the only constant in the universe we know so far. The value of gold, just like all other currencies and commodities, changes when the supply and demand fluctuates. It may be arguably more stable than other paper money. Nevertheless, it does not totally eliminate some major problems faced by the paper money. Plus, gold system may have its own problems. Is it immune from short-term speculations that could bring down a nation's economy?
   
   Overall, I found the book valuable in providing a lot of economic insights on historical events. But I found the argument for a gold-pegged standard as the solution unconvincing. The ultimate solution may be, when globalization reaches its summit, one world currency is created. Then there is no currency risk. Only business cycles need to be dealt with. Then the money does not have to be pegged on anything except people's faith in the stability and survivability of themselves and responsible management on money supply. When there are multiple currencies, good management of and consistency among policies of exchange, monetary, and fiscal seem to be the gold standard demanded.



3. The book starts and finishes strong--the first 100 pages or so and the last 50. But the middle gets very bogged down in intricate economic history with lots of minutiae. The author begins in the mercantile ages, perhaps the 1600s or thereabouts, and continues to the early 2000s. I was disappointed that the last few years were pretty much not covered, as that is what I'm most interested in. Discussion is not limited to the USA and covers the entire world. I think every economic event, significant or not, was touched on. Discussions of US presidents are mostly limited to Nixon, Carter, and Reagan.
   
   So aside from the start and finish of this, this is mostly a book of economic history. Maybe I was expecting something otherwise when I picked it up. I support the author's premise, and he seems very confident in it. I'm new to the gold standard and I plan to learn more about it. I ended up skimming the middle 200 pages or so as I could not bear to read them in depth anymore after entering them. I understand that history is important for lessons, but I prefer summaries of it. It's never been my strong point, and this book is littered with dates and years that have always been anathema to me.
   
   If you're new to the subject of the gold standard like me, this may not be the best initial choice. Or you might want to skip it entirely and instead seek other books or shorter articles online. This review might be somewhat useless, but if anything I would say to be mindful of the history in this book. Consider using Amazon's preview feature to see what I mean.
   
   *Wow, coincidentally it's unbelievable how much I'm in agreement with Average Joe. I also have "The Coming Collapse of the Dollar" on my reading queue.



4. This book is absolutely unbelievable vuluable and probably worth paying 1000$ for it (or should I say, 1 oz of gold!).
   
   Not only does it explain in details what the gold standard is, and how it has worked in the past, but it also gives a very good overview of the various currency systems used in the past, the various fallacies about currencies, gold, politics, economics schools, etc.
   
   It also reviews the history of our society through a different angle/lens. I feel like I understand the history now, and all the crises, wars, chaos that seemed to come out of nowhere has found a rational and sensible explanation. I had turned off my TV set and my radio receiver about 10 years ago, stopped reading the news papers and any other kind of useless noise, and all of the sudden, the world makes sense again.
   
   Unfortunately, ignorance is bless...
   
   Many thanks to Nathan Lewis for sharing his knowledge and wisdom. I just wish that the book was twice as thick, so that you could go into more details about the causes and consequences of the various policies and actions taken by the governments or the IMF, etc. because sometimes the short cuts you take are more than hard to follow and even though I think I was able to follow you, I would have preferred to be sure about it.



5. This is a great book discussing the reasons why Gold will be the ultimate monetary standard and why an individual should consider making gold a part of his personal portfolio. However, the people looking for an investment guide should look elsewhere. This is a history book discussing the possible future of the gold standard in America by historical example from the US and select countries.
   
   It doesn't take 400+ pages to give you reasons why to put some of your money into gold, but this kind of historical detail helps a potential gold buyer understand the yellow metal is not so much an investment as it is an insurance policy. This book reinforced my already skeptical leanings towards the Fed and US monetary policy. It also made me wonder what's being taught in high school history nowadays with respect to economics as it relates to the causes of war. The sections discussing the civil war and WWII in particular were great gap-fillers for me, and the authors explanation of the Japanese financial slump made perfect sense.
   
   Importantly, the author makes it clear on page 114-155 that he does not advocate a 100% gold-backed currency. That is, it is not possible and we should not be expected to back every last dollar with gold. Rather, gold should be part of the system to include a convertibility aspect. The strength of the gold standard comes not from digging up gold and burying it again in government vaults, but from the strength of the governments promise to uphold the integrity of the monetary system. A fixed reserve requirement would assist this promise tremendously. Currently, there is little to reassure anyone of the validity of the "full faith and credit" we now depend upon.
   
   The sections discussing IMF and the upheaval for which they are responsible should be required reading for all members of congress. The IMF is directly responsible for the Asian monetary crisis, the Balkan upheaval and countless other disasters and yet they escape blame every time. The author points out the IMFs hypocritical habit of meddling in less-developed countries with ridiculous and irresponsible policies that would be laughed out of the room in stable economies.
   
   Though the author picks apart nearly every US administration with regard to the dismantling of the gold standard, the book is refreshingly bare of the usual tin-foil-hat-wearer conspiracy theories - always a problem when reading anything about gold standards and monetary policy in general.
   
   There are two small negatives to this book: First, the look forward suggested by the author is highly unrealistic. I pessimistically think there needs to be outright economic collapse and perhaps even conflict before anything will budge bureaucratic inertia. Second would be the books length, but that's a small price to pay for a very worthwhile history lesson.
   
   Overall its a great read.

5 comments about Bookkeeping for Nonprofits: A Step-by-Step Guide to Nonprofit Accounting.

1. This book will help bookkeepers new to non-profit accounting. The book goes into detail, showing actual entries, and the reasoning behind them. It also points out dos and don'ts, basic accrual accounting, and what reporting an accountant will need for the 990 form. The book is a primer for the non-profit bookkeeper and/or organization treasurer.



2. Good book, great illustrations. Very clear. However, if you've been doing corporate accounting for a number of years, this is pretty basic. Better for someone with limited experience. I was hoping for something a little more advanced.



3. Useful, relatively easy tor read reference on not-for-profit (NFP) accounting, generally aimed at non-finance/accounting person. Not so useful for an organization using cash accounting methods (versus accrual), common in smaller NFPs. Some good ideas for low-end (i.e., <$50K income/year) NFP BOD members.



4. Excellent presentation on the essentials of accounting for nonprofit organizations. Many simple examples of typical and unusual transactions.



5. This is a wonderful guide for those taking up the task of doing the books for a nonprofit organization. It is chock full of information, yet it is in an easy to read format that the beginner or lay person will understand.
   
   Bookkeeping for Nonprofits is extremely user-friendly, giving you all the information you need to set up an accounting system for a nonprofit in a very simple manner.
   
   This is an excellent resource.

5 comments about The McGraw-Hill 36-Hour Course In Finance for Non-Financial Managers.

1. I'm not a finance person nor do I plan to be one in the future. Will working in sales for the past 10 years I have become more aware of what I don't know and finance is surely one of those areas. This book covers the basic's of the financial world without putting you into a comma. The homework at the end of each chapter gets to be a bit of a pain since I was looking for the "concept" not trying to become an accountant. The best part of the book is it starts basic and builds off of that throughout the book which helped me understand some of the more complex financial terms. Good book for someone trying to get up to speed quick.



2. Very helpful for the student thinking of pursuing a degree in finance. If you have no finance or business experience, this is a good place to start.



3. The book is great, and a big thank you to the writers. When it came to the on-line exam and certification, I am still strugeling with the Mc-graw hill support. After sending them two emails I finaly got to the exam on the internet: [...].
   BUT, after I finished the exam, they basicly just said thank you and good bye. What I wanted when I passed the test with 90% was a form where I could enter my adress so they could send me the certificate, but no no. Two emails later, I havent heard a word from them yet. Mc-graw hill - this sux and if feels like you are close to commiting fraud when it is so difficult to first find the exam and impossible and close to impossible to get the certificate. This was not what I expected when I saw "Earn certificate of achievement through the free on-line examination" on the book cover. Without this trubble, the book would easily get five stars.



4. Business Basics Bestseller 1: The Easy, Interesting, Open-book Look at the Game of Business Numbers! 2nd Edition
   
   If the prospect of spending 36 hours going over finance and accounting stuff in the privacy of your own home doesn't excite you, but you still want to get into F&A, consider this option -- "Business Basics Bestseller 1."
   
   This gem of a book, at less than 150 pages (with sketches!), can give you a basic start on understanding business and its numerical underpinnings -- F&A. You'll find that BBB#1 is clear, concise, and easy to understand and you can finish each chapter in 30 - 60 minutes (there are six chapters). The author doesn't assume you know anything more about business than what you would if you opened checking and savings accounts and owned a car. The book is not simplistic, just straightforward. Don't consider the BBB #1 book a replacement for 36 good hours with McGraw Hill, just take a look at it first -- you can always buy both.



5. The best of this book is how accounting and management are described. Very practical and useful.
   
   The author send you the certificate as promised.

No comments about Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service (Knock Your Socks Off Series).

5 comments about Money Mischief: Episodes in Monetary History.

1. Milton Friedman is best known for his 2 monumental books: "Capitalism and Freedom" and "Free to Choose". Money Mischief is less well known, but equally great.
   
   Friedman provides a fascinating and easy to understand explanation of what "money" really is and how it works (or fails to work) in society. In addition to bills and coins, money can take the form of gold, cigarettes, or even large rocks. If this seems strange to you, read the book for a clear explanation. This book also provides the clearest explanation I have ever seen about the complex connection between money supply, growth, and inflation in an economy.
   
   Complete with fascinating real world case studies, I found Money Mischief impossible to put down.



2. Milton Friedman is a great teacher because he has the rare ability to explain complicated subjects in clear understandable language. This book in particular will give the reader insight into the mysterious world of money. At the end you will understand money so well that when you watch CNBC you will start questioning the actions of the Federal Reserve. I highly recommend this book. Also, be sure to youtube and charlierose 'Milton Friendman' for some great videos. We have lost a great human. R.I.P.



3. Milton Friedman is simply the best. So far I've read a couple of chapters and already am extremely enlightened.



4. Review by a non Nobel Prize winner:
   Dirty details of the progress of our United States Currency are the theme of this book. If you like the arithmetic to pop out as you look at text, and are one who likes absorbing and detailed accounts which provide tools for thought, you should like this collection of papers and essays on money. I did.



5. I will concentrate this review of Friedman's book on the the time period 1900 onward and cover Friedman's analysis in this book as it applies to the banking system set up in 1913 by the Federal Reserve Act.Friedman has an excellent discussion of the problems resulting from the attempt to introduce a bimetallic standard in the USA that occurred in the late 1870's and culminated in the 1896 election between William Jennings Bryan and William McKinley that resulted in the defeat for bimetallism.He has a number of other interesting discussions on other episodes involving attempts to inflate the money supply,however defined.However,it is in his discussions of post 1913 monetary policy that he gives a misleading impression about the central bank's powers .The Federal Reserve System(FRS),consisting of the 12 Federal Reserve District Banks of which the New York Federal Reserve District Bank has by far the most power ,is not a government agency in the usual sense of the word.THe Federal Reserve Board chairman is not a member of the President's cabinet.The United States government has only partial control the FRS.The FRS is subject to no government audit.The FRS is subject to no government budget constraint.The FRS is a quasi public,quasi private entity.The set up of the FRS,both in 1913 and 2008, reflects the tremendous economic and political power of the private profit maximizing(sometimes sales maximizing)commercial banking industry.Time and again in this book(as opposed to his coauthored 1963 Monetary History of the United States,1867-1960)Friedman gives the misleading impression that the government of the United States controls the money supply(as defined by Friedman, which is M1 or M1A)or the FRS controls the money supply.This is very misleading.The Federal Reserve System controls ONLY the monetary base.This is defined as the amount of notes(Federal Reserve issued currency)in circulation,plus vault cash,plus the FRS mandated bank reserves,based on a reserve requirement that all member banks must meet.The FRS can impact the amount of reserves available by open market operations but can't force the banks to make the additional loans if the banks do not want to use the expanded reserves.The banks can refuse to make use of the added reserves and hold them ,for safety first or precautionary reasons,as excess or free reserves.This is precisely what happened in the United States in the 1930-1934 period ,in Japan in the 1994-2003 period,and what has been happening in the 2007-2008 period.Ben Bernanke,in his desire to bail out Wall Street and the private commercial banking system ,has made hundreds of billions of additional loans available at special very low interest rates to the banking system.No additional private commercial bank loans have been forthcoming.The money supply increases or decreases as the private commercial banking system decides to expand loans or decrease loans according to their own private decision making calculus based on profit(sales) maximizing criteria.If commercial banks do not wish to lend then it makes no difference what the FRS does with respect to the monetary base.It can expand the base all it wants to.Nothing will happen unless,as J M Keynes so aptly put it,confidence is restored to the economic system as a whole so that expectations,a function of Keynesian uncertainty and not Friedmanite risk(Friedman always used the standard deviation of a hypothesized normal probability distribution to denote risk), of the future become optimistic.

5 comments about The AdSense Code: What Google Never Told You About Making Money with AdSense.

1. The title is GREAT, and the book was good overall. There was a lot of self promotion but hey we all got to eat :-)



2. I'VE READ MORE THEN A FEW BOOKS ON ADSENSE IN THE PAST AND NOTHING REALLY WOW'ED ME IN THIS BOOK. I WOULD SAY THIS BOOK IS GEARED MORE TOWARD BEGINNERS, OR PEOPLE JUST STARTING OUT WITH ADSENSE



3. I had high hopes for this book and it did deliver some gems. But it was NOT enough inside info, especially for a book called the "Adsense Code".
   It is a pity because Joel is clearly a smart guy who knows the subject he is talking about nevertheless he shares just the tip of the iceberg with the reader.



4. Quite an interesting book.Contains some useful information on how to use Adsense.Would have been great if there weren't many lengthy descriptions.



5. a fine book with fine info.But i expected a little more from this book.But anyway a good book

2 comments about The Global Consultant: How to Make Seven Figures Across Borders.

1. The Global Consultant contains excellent pragmatic advice on how to travel. I wish I had read this book before doing a world tour this summer (but the book wasn't out yet). It is an easy read with interesting stories that exemplify the authors' points about how to travel with less stress, reduce cell phone roaming charges, arrive well rested, enjoy your locations, and grow personally and professionally from the experience. In typical Alan Weiss style, it has strong marketing content that will help you expand your brand and reach, enhance your value to clients, price based on that value and how to get paid in foreign currencies. The strongest chapter was on "The Human Software for Global Consulting." The fourth paragraph in this chapter is an excellent business philosophy and worth many times the price of this book. If you want to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and grow your brand, this is a timely resource for our challenging economies.



2. The Global Consultant is really about how to live a fulfilling life as a global traveller, supported through high-value consulting. It is a combination of travelogue, consulting strategy, tips on thriving while traveling, and using the journey to become a more full person.
   
   If you are looking for tips on how to get rich quick by consulting internationally, this is not the book for you. (Nor is consulting your ideal profession!)
   
   If you aspire to live an enriching, global, life while creating value for yourself and your clients, buy it now.

5 comments about Click Here to Order: Stories of the World's Most Successful Internet Marketing Entrepreneurs.

1. I found Click HERE to Order an entertaining account of internet history. I learned a few things too. I find Joel's writing entertaining most of the time and in an easy going style.
   
   I did find it hard to follow numerous times as it is neither written chronologically nor in nearly as topical a format as the table of contents may suggest. Chapters seemed to just "take off" & go totally another direction than it started out. To a certain extent I believe this is the nature of the beast considering the topic Joel is attempting to document. (Glad I wasn't MY job to document this history!)
   
   Still I, found it entertaining & worth my time & money. Since I was familiar with most of the players already it helped fill in a number of interesting gaps. Also, there was an obvious effort to do thorough research about the beginnings of the world wide web and early browsers as well.
   
   Just don't consider it as the end all, be all documentation of history of the internet & all of the marketers. It is more a good old boy accounting of many of his friends and acquaintances. Since Joel is one of the power houses of internet marketing that DOES include many (if not most) of the more important people in this industry who may be considered pioneers.
   
   So I would say, sure go ahead, purchase it, enjoy it.
   
   Rex



2. I had high hopes for this book and the stories about the history of Internet marketing. The stories bogged down and almost put me to sleep--which shattered my own expectations for this book.
   
   While the promotional materials promised a lesson in Internet history, much of it was boring and dry. Also I expected much more of a takeaway element for the reader to learn how to follow in the footsteps of successful Internet Marketers but that information isn't in this book. If you are looking for specifics, I'd skip this title.



3. I was at one of the companies that Joel cites in the book. Every fact and I do mean every fact, even the smallest details, he writes about are incorrect. Therefore, I have little confidence in any of the 'facts' in the book. Skip this book.



4. I've been marketing products online now for about 2 years, and Joel's book does a good job of mixing the history of the internet and how it came to be (from over 50 years ago) with stories of entrepreneurs who have been successful online.
   
   I've met about 80% of the people featured in the book in person, and Joel's book gives you an appreciation of the challenges and obstacles many of these gurus have overcome to get where they are today.
   
   If you have an appreciation for history and want a "shot in the arm" to help you create some income marketing your business online, then I highly recommend this book. This book is not a step-by-step guide to making money online, but you can leverage the stories it tells to help you achieve the same goal.
   
   In ending, I think the biggest benefit to selling products online is the lifestyle choices it can afford you. It's a business that enables you to live anywhere in the world as long as you have a computer and internet connection available to you. Joel's book has so many stories in it that you should relate to someone featured in the book and know that YOU can be successful online too as long as you dedicate yourself.
   
   Favorite quote from the book: "You've got to go to events because so many great things happen there- you can even get your wife pregnant!" -Joel Christopher



5. I was greatly and positively surprised, that it's possible to write "one more" book about so called internet marketing heroes, and make it a so great read, that I finished it all the way on plane from Bangkok to Amsterdam - I just could not put it down.
   Now, of course why and what you can find in there.
   1. Author claims himself as adsense expert, but I need to tell, he should take a writers carrier - he can write great fictions - his writing style is so great, interesting, fun and entertaining - well, I wish I could write like that. You will enjoy the writing only, not talking about the content.
   2. History - in fact the book is a history based on conversations with those, who formed the industry - well, gain I need to tell, you should be from this sect - SEO/SEM/PPC/ROI/ORM and all those letter should make you dizzy and euphoric - only then you will truly enjoy this book.
   3... and only then you will see some hidden gems and secrets there. Because this book is NOT written in imbecilic interview style with a really guru in marketing, where author asks:
   
   - Mhm, where you host your site?
   - Mhm, what is an e-book, and what is a pdf?
   
   You know what I mean. Joel Comms book is free from those imbecile questions, and more - he does not made it in interview style, instead it's flowing on like a river, smoothly, and besides the stories, author practicaly throws in a hints where he touches ths or that topic.
   Impressive, that's all I can say

5 comments about Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia (Third Edition).

1. This is a great gift for any Disney fan. Many listing bring back great memories and coll trivia.



2. This book is a great resource for all Disney fans. All the characters, all the movies (unfortunately, the Mephisto movie made in collaboration with Salvador Dali is not in the book) and all the attractions, parks, properties and influentials employees are mentioned. Maybe just not as exhaustive as I would like it; it is, however, a great resource.



3. "Disney A to Z" is an awesome book that a true Disney fan cannot live without. It is a great book that will help you find out about old Disney movies, that you might have not seen. "Disney A to Z" encyclopedia is also an essential source for those that love to play the "Disney Seen it" board game. It gives a short description of ALL Disney movies including the short ones that came out after the World War II. I LOVE IT!!!



4. This is a must have for Disney fans. Everything from ABC's LOST to the Alice Comedies and from Steamboat Willy to Meet the Robinsons is covered here. Some articles are more detailed than others but everything is covered. Makes an interesting read just on its own. Film historians and students will find a wealth of connective material here to jump start them on research and fill in the dots on hard to find questions. A beautiful display of pictures is included with this volume. If you can't actually visit the archives (and I certainly would like to) then this is the next best thing.



5. This book really is the definitive source of all things Disney by the keeper of its archives. It is fascinating and complete, containing information about theme parks, characters, movies, television shows, music, and more. It is the must-have reference for Disney fans like myself.

5 comments about The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal.

1. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz is great book that offers good information and practical recommendations which are easy to implement. The authors share real examples throughout the book that almost anyone can relate to their own daily life. I love the balance of energy - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. If you aren't happy with your life - feeling stressed, overworked, down on power, missing something, ... - read this book! With an open mind and a desire to change, you will find useful information that you can immediately begin to use to change your life.



2. Since we hear so much about the challenges of time management, I really enjoyed the "paradigm" of energy management. The authors' use of illustrations with professional athletes helped drive home the point about how business professionals can apply the same principles. While reading, I took the free energy management inventory and recommend that others do, too. I found taking the exercises at the end to be quite beneficial to my own discernment and definition of purpose. Make the time to read this book!



3. I've shared this book with about 7 other people. Great book to give to friends who have lost their work/life balance - and a good reminder for myself.



4. The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life
   
   The Power of Full Engagement definitely makes the The 1% Club's Top Ten List!
   
   Ambition without peak energy is useless. This book by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz uses an athletic metaphor to illustrate how easy it is to mismanage our energy reserves, but also, how this can be corrected. This has been required reading form my clients since its release in 2003.
   
   You will find case studies that are easy to relate to and simple, straightforward action steps to address the real energy crisis. This book is loaded with great content and has excellent chapter summaries and a complete recap at the end of the book.
   
   Here is one key point that you should study further: "Most of us are under trained physically and spiritually (not enough stress) and over trained mentally and emotionally (not enough recovery)." Grab the highlighter!



5. Time is potential freedom. Energy gives you real liberty. The true currency of our life is not the hours, but what we put in those hours. We can systematically increase our capability and productivity by increasing our energy. This book shows you how.
   
   A great myth of our society is that humans are supposed to function as machines--working constantly, simultaneously, and consistently.
   
   In reality, humans work by having energy expenditure periods and energy recovery periods. It is like working out. You have to stress the muscle sufficiently to make it grow. Then, you have to allow time for it to actually recover.
   
   If you stress the muscle too little, it won't ever grow. If you stress the muscle too much, it will get injured. You have to find the right amount. Happiness is always a stretch outside your comfort zone.
   
   It is doing our recovery periods that we actually grow. Most people work for 8 hours at 50% capability. It is better to work in 90 minute cycles of 100% productivity with 30 minute rest periods in between. Three cycles of short sprints will give you 4.5 hours of 100% results compared to 4 hours with the 8 hours at 50%.
   
   Life is a marathon, and interval training (full sprints and full rest) is the best way to run it.