Title: Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World
Author: Tim Ferriss
Year: 2017
Pages: 624
For me, Tribe of Mentors feels less like reading a book and more like having casual conversations with amazing people who’ve already walked the path you’re on.
Tim Ferriss brings together insights from all kinds of successful people, but what makes this book special is how real and down-to-earth it is. It’s not just typical self-help advice; it’s a collection of honest experiences and useful tips from people who’ve actually been there.
What I love is that the book doesn’t force you into one way of doing things. Instead, it gives you a mix of tools and stories, so you can pick what works best for your own journey.
The lessons about adapting, being consistent, and learning from mistakes show up again and again, reminding me that success isn’t something you achieve once—it’s something you build every day.
In a world where so many self-help books feel the same, Tribe of Mentors stands out because it’s real, practical, and human. It feels like Tim Ferriss invited you to join a conversation with a group of mentors who genuinely want you to succeed.
Whether you’re building a business, exploring creative projects, or just looking for purpose, this book offers valuable advice to help you find your own way forward.
As a result, I gave this book a rating of 10/10.
For me, a book with a note 10 is one I consider reading again every year. Among the books I rank with 10, for example, are How to Win Friends and Influence People and Factfulness.
Table of Contents
3 Reasons to Read Tribe of Mentors
Learn from the Best
Instead of spending decades figuring things out, learn directly from world-class performers. This book condenses life and career lessons from top athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, and thinkers. Their insights help you avoid common mistakes and accelerate your success.
Find Answers to Big Questions
Feeling stuck? This book helps you rethink your approach to success, productivity, failure, and happiness. The carefully crafted questions Tim Ferriss asks unlock deep, thought-provoking answers that apply to every area of life.
Customizable Wisdom
You don’t have to read this book cover to cover—jump to the sections that resonate with you. Whether you need advice on focus, decision-making, or overcoming setbacks, there’s a mentor here who has already faced (and solved) your problem.
Book Overview
What do you do when you’re turning 40, feeling the pressure of time, and facing big life questions that don’t have clear answers?
If you’re Tim Ferriss, you send an email. Not just to anyone—but to more than 100 of the most successful, creative, disciplined, and thoughtful people on the planet. You ask them a few of your favorite questions—the ones you’ve learned can open up new paths.
And then you collect their answers. That’s what Tribe of Mentors is: a book born out of personal necessity that quickly became a guidebook for anyone feeling lost, curious, ambitious, or all of the above.
At first glance, Tribe of Mentors might seem like a collection of inspirational quotes and success stories.
But as you read, something deeper emerges. This isn’t just a highlight reel of people who made it. It’s a mosaic of wisdom, gathered from individuals who have stumbled, failed, gotten back up, and figured out a few things along the way.
It’s like walking through a dinner party where every guest is interesting—and willing to answer your most pressing life questions.
What makes this book stand out isn’t just the caliber of people Ferriss interviews, but the kinds of questions he asks.
These aren’t generic prompts like “What’s your secret to success?” Instead, they’re things like: “What book have you gifted most often?” or “What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession?” or “What failure set you up for later success?” The magic lies in how simple the questions are—and how deeply they make people think.
One of the most powerful ideas that emerges again and again is how successful people relate to failure. Not with fear, but with curiosity. Many of the mentors in this book point to failures not as setbacks, but as turning points. Rejections that opened better doors.
Mistakes that taught lessons they couldn’t have learned any other way. The idea isn’t to avoid failure, but to mine it for insight.
It’s comforting to hear that even Olympic athletes, best-selling authors, and billionaire founders have fallen flat on their faces—sometimes repeatedly—and still moved forward.
Another strong thread is the importance of saying no. In a world obsessed with productivity and “hustle,” many of these mentors have learned the value of subtraction. They protect their time. They avoid commitments that don’t align with their values. They use rules like, “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no,” to guide their decisions. It’s a quiet kind of power—the kind that comes from knowing what truly matters and being willing to walk away from the rest.
And then there’s the idea of designing your life on purpose. Most people fall into routines or careers because it’s what they’re supposed to do. But the mentors in this book tend to break those molds.
They tinker. They test. They pivot. They treat life less like a ladder and more like a laboratory. Whether it’s through reading, journaling, meditation, or deep focus, they cultivate habits that help them live with intention, not just ambition.
What’s refreshing is that Tribe of Mentors doesn’t try to sell you a single path to success. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula here. In fact, one of the biggest takeaways is that you should define success for yourself—on your own terms, based on your values, your strengths, and your season of life.
You don’t need to be a founder, a millionaire, or a best-selling author to live a fulfilling life. But you do need clarity. You do need courage. And you probably need better questions.
In the end, this book is exactly what its title promises—a tribe. A reminder that no matter what you’re going through, someone else has been there. Someone has asked the same questions, faced similar doubts, and carved out a way forward.
And now, through Ferriss’s curious mind and thoughtful curation, they’re passing the torch to you.
So the next time you’re unsure what to do next, feeling behind, or wondering how the most successful people navigate life’s messiness—open this book. You don’t need to read it all. Just find a page, read a few lines, and let a mentor speak. The answers might surprise you. Or they might just ask you a better question.
One thing that stands out to me is how the mentors talk openly about failure. They share stories about times they struggled, made mistakes, and had setbacks.
It made me realize it’s okay to mess up sometimes. Actually, these moments can teach us some of our best lessons. That really hit home for me because it makes their advice feel genuine and relatable.
Ferriss also keeps things practical. He includes simple tips that anyone can use right away—like better ways to manage your time, how to make decisions more clearly, or tips for staying calm when things get tough.
These lessons aren’t complicated, and you don’t need to be an expert to understand them. They’re useful in everyday life.
What makes the book even more enjoyable is how it’s structured. Ferriss asked the same set of thoughtful questions to every mentor, letting each person answer in their own unique way.
This format lets you quickly find what you’re interested in, or just jump around depending on your mood or what you need advice on. It’s almost like sitting at a café with friends, asking them for quick tips or wisdom about life.
I think one of the most powerful parts of the book is how it shows success isn’t just about professional achievement or making money. It’s also about feeling fulfilled, happy, and true to yourself.
The mentors encourage you to define your own success and focus on what’s important to you—not what society says is important.
Another great point is how the book highlights consistency and habits. It reminds me that small steps every day can lead to big changes in the long run.
You don’t have to do huge, dramatic things to be successful. Building good habits, staying flexible, and learning as you go makes all the difference.
Ferriss decided to reach out to 100+ brilliant people across various fields—entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, investors, and thought leaders—to ask them a set of 11 key questions. These were carefully crafted based on his years of interviewing high performers on The Tim Ferriss Show. His goal was to uncover their best strategies for success, happiness, and resilience.
He expected brief responses. Instead, he was overwhelmed with deep, thoughtful, and transformative answers, offering some of the most valuable insights he had ever received. The result is this book—a collection of life lessons from diverse, successful individuals, meant to help anyone seeking clarity and direction.
The Power of Asking Better Questions
A key theme is the importance of asking better questions. Ferriss emphasizes that life rewards specificity. Vague questions lead to vague answers, while clear, targeted questions unlock profound wisdom. The 11 questions he asked include:
- What books have most influenced your life?
- What failure set you up for later success?
- What are bad recommendations in your industry?
- How do you stay focused when overwhelmed?
He notes that the order of the questions was strategically designed to encourage deep reflection. Simple ones like “What’s a great purchase under $100?” warm people up before diving into more complex topics like failure and purpose.
Failure is a Setup for Future Success
Nearly every successful person interviewed has failed—often spectacularly. However, they view failure not as a dead end but as data, feedback, and a necessary part of growth. Many refer to their “favorite failures”—experiences that seemed like setbacks but ultimately led to breakthroughs.
Key takeaways on failure:
- Reframe failure as learning. Every mistake brings valuable insights.
- Detach identity from failure. Failing doesn’t make you a failure—it makes you experienced.
- Play the long game. Many successful people failed early, but those failures became stepping stones.
A common theme is resilience—the ability to take a hit, learn, and keep moving forward.
The Importance of Saying No
High achievers are exceptionally good at saying no. They recognize that time is their most valuable asset, and they don’t let other people’s priorities dictate their schedules.
Ferriss suggests applying The “Hell Yes” Rule:
- If an opportunity doesn’t make you say “Hell yes!” immediately, then it’s a no.
- Mediocre commitments drain energy and steal focus from high-value work.
Another effective filter is The “7 Out of 10” Rule:
- When evaluating opportunities, rate them from 1 to 10. The trick? You can’t choose 7.
- This forces a real decision: if it’s a 6, it’s a no. If it’s an 8 or higher, it’s a yes.
Focus on What You Can Control
Many successful people have mastered the art of ignoring what they can’t control. Instead, they focus their energy on what’s within their grasp—skills, routines, habits, and mindset.
Some effective mental models:
- Stoicism: Accepting that life is unpredictable, so control your reaction.
- Radical Responsibility: Even when things aren’t your fault, act as if they are—because then, you have the power to change them.
- The “One-Thing” Focus: Identify the single most impactful thing you can do today to make progress, and prioritize it above all else.
The Compound Effect of Small Daily Habits
Consistent small actions create massive results over time. Many mentors stress that big success doesn’t come from a single breakthrough but from compounding small, smart decisions.
Key habits that compound over time:
- Daily reading – Knowledge builds exponentially.
- Journaling – Helps clarify thinking, track progress, and manage emotions.
- Meditation & mindfulness – Enhances focus and reduces stress.
- Physical exercise – Maintains energy and mental clarity.
A recurring idea is that discipline beats motivation. Motivation is fleeting, but habits and routines sustain progress.
Books Are the Shortcut to Learning
Many mentors say they owe much of their success to books. Reading is a form of mentorship at scale. Instead of reinventing the wheel, they study what others have figured out.
Common book recommendations across many interviews:
- Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl
- The War of Art – Steven Pressfield
- The Almanack of Naval Ravikant – Eric Jorgenson
- Sapiens – Yuval Noah Harari
- Poor Charlie’s Almanack – Charlie Munger
Ferriss himself notes that books are the highest ROI investment—for a small price, you get decades of someone’s wisdom.
Learning to Prioritize and Simplify
Successful people simplify. They know that most things don’t matter, and they focus on the few that do.
Strategies for prioritization:
- The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule): 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. Identify and double down on the 20%.
- The Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks as urgent/important and focus on what truly moves the needle.
- The “One Big Thing” Rule: Every day, ask: “If I accomplish only ONE thing today, what should it be?”
Many also use batching and automation to remove distractions and free up time for deep, meaningful work.
Handling Stress and Staying Focused
When overwhelmed, elite performers step back and reset.
Common strategies to regain focus:
- Movement (walks, exercise, stretching) – Physical activity clears the mind.
- Breathing techniques – Deep, controlled breathing reduces stress.
- Disconnecting from screens – A temporary break from digital distractions restores mental clarity.
- Nature exposure – Many top performers spend time outside to reset mentally.
Ferriss and several mentors emphasize that burnout comes from constant decision-making and low-quality recovery. True high performers rest as hard as they work.
Success Requires Playing the Long Game
Most people overestimate what they can achieve in a year but underestimate what they can achieve in a decade.
Lessons on playing the long game:
- Patience is underrated. Many people quit before they see results. The key is staying consistent.
- Compounding applies to everything. Skill, money, health, and relationships all grow exponentially with time.
- Pivot when needed. Many mentors didn’t end up where they originally planned, but their adaptability led them to success.
Happiness and Success Are Separate Games
A key realization from many mentors is that success doesn’t automatically bring happiness. In fact, chasing external success without internal alignment often leads to burnout.
What actually leads to fulfillment?
- Deep relationships. Connection with others matters more than money or fame.
- Purposeful work. Doing meaningful work brings lasting satisfaction.
- Gratitude. Many high achievers actively practice gratitude to stay grounded.
Ferriss concludes that there is no single definition of success. The most important thing is to define it on your own terms.
Overall, Tribe of Mentors doesn’t just give you inspiration; it gives you a toolkit filled with real-world advice. It’s friendly, warm, and feels authentic.
Reading it feels like joining a community of wise friends, each cheering you on and guiding you to build a life and career that really mean something to you.
4 Key Ideas From Tribe of Mentors
Better Questions, Better Answers
The way you ask questions shapes the answers you get. Successful people don’t just work harder—they ask sharper, more specific questions. Instead of “How do I become successful?” they ask, “What’s the one skill I can master this year that will have the biggest impact?”
Failure is a Tool, Not a Setback
Every mentor in this book has failed—some in massive, career-threatening ways. But they see failure as a step forward, not a step back. If you reframe failure as feedback, you start learning faster and worrying less.
Saying No is a Superpower
The most successful people are ruthless with their time. They don’t say yes to everything—they filter out distractions and focus on what truly moves the needle. If an opportunity isn’t a “hell yes,” it’s a “no.”
Small Habits Lead to Massive Results
Life isn’t shaped by big, dramatic moments—it’s built on daily habits. Consistently improving 1% every day compounds into huge success over time. The best performers master the basics, stick to routines, and let small wins stack up.
6 Main Lessons From Tribe of Mentors
Prioritize Like a Pro
Time is your most valuable asset—protect it. High achievers focus only on what truly matters and eliminate distractions. If something isn’t aligned with your long-term goals, it’s a no.
Fail Fast, Learn Faster
Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. Every mistake contains data, and the faster you analyze and adjust, the quicker you grow. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as an experiment.
Master Your Mindset
Success starts in your head. Whether it’s dealing with stress, handling rejection, or staying focused, mental resilience is a key skill. Many mentors in the book use meditation, journaling, or structured thinking to stay in control.
Optimize for Energy, Not Just Time
Time management is useless if you’re exhausted. The most productive people manage their energy—through sleep, exercise, breaks, and focus. When your energy is high, your output improves dramatically.
Surround Yourself with Smarter People
Your environment dictates your success. Every mentor emphasizes the power of relationships—whether it’s learning from experts, building strong friendships, or finding a mentor who challenges you to grow.
Define Success on Your Terms
There is no universal formula for success. What worked for someone else might not work for you. Instead of chasing external definitions of success, figure out what truly matters to you—and design your life around that.
My Book Highlights & Quotes
I decided that if I was going to succeed or fail, it was going to be up to me
Terry Crews
Discipline equals freedom
Jocko Willink
To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing
Elbert Hubbard
Be in a hurry to learn, not in a hurry to get validation
Evan Williams
Good things come to those who work their asses off and never give up
Daniel Ek
Be so good they can’t ignore you
Richa Chadha
Conclusion
For me, Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss isn’t just another book—it’s like having a coffee with some of the world’s most successful people, learning directly from their experiences.
What stands out to me is how Ferriss doesn’t give you a fixed path to follow. Instead, he gathers wisdom from diverse and accomplished mentors, offering you a compass to find your own way.
I really like how the book highlights the importance of learning from failure, building consistency, and embracing change. It turns setbacks into valuable lessons and challenges into chances to grow.
It feels practical, too, because each mentor shares real experiences and simple tips you can actually use to improve yourself professionally and personally.
For me, one of the best parts is how Ferriss emphasizes adaptability, resilience, and the power of daily habits. These themes come up again and again, giving you a strong philosophy you can build your own success around.
Reading this book feels like being invited into a circle of mentors, sitting at the table with them and gaining from their wisdom. It’s like having a supportive community guiding you forward in your own unique journey.
If you are the author or publisher of this book, and you are not happy about something on this review, please, contact me and I will be happy to collaborate with you!
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