This book by Derek Sivers is a collection of short, concise chapters offering practical wisdom on decision-making, prioritization, and living a fulfilling life. The central philosophy is that one should only commit to things that elicit a 'hell yeah' response, and say 'no' to everything else. This approach helps in avoiding burnout and ensuring time and energy are dedicated to the most important and exciting activities. The book covers themes such as what’s worth doing, fixing faulty thinking, and making things happen, providing numerous mental models and life lessons to apply in daily life.
In 'Anything You Want,' Derek Sivers shares 40 powerful lessons learned from his experience of accidentally starting and growing CD Baby into a successful business. The book emphasizes the importance of creating a business that is a 'utopia' or perfect world, where the focus is on making dreams come true for both the entrepreneur and the customers. Sivers stresses that business is not just about money but about helping people and making them happy. He also highlights the advantages of starting with no money, the irrelevance of traditional business plans, and the importance of prioritizing customer needs over personal gain. The book includes memorable stories of his mistakes and successes, including his interactions with Steve Jobs and the impact of his decisions on his business.
In 'Your Music and People,' Derek Sivers shares a philosophy on getting your work to the world by emphasizing creativity, consideration, resourcefulness, and connection. Although the book uses music as an example, its principles are applicable to any creative field. Sivers discusses how marketing is an extension of your art, the importance of being considerate and helpful, and how persistence and specificity are key. The book is praised for its practical advice and inspiring perspective on building a successful creative career.
In 'Useful Not True', Derek Sivers challenges readers to question their beliefs and adopt thoughts based on their usefulness rather than their inherent truth. The book emphasizes the power of reframing perspectives, recognizing that most statements are subjective rather than objective facts. Sivers argues that beliefs and meanings are tools that should serve us, helping us to take effective actions and navigate life more effectively. He encourages readers to separate events from their interpretations, question their thoughts and memories, and choose beliefs that lead to positive outcomes. The book is known for its concise and empowering approach, using practical examples and stories to illustrate its points[2][3][5].
In 'How to Live', Derek Sivers presents a collection of 27 independent chapters, each offering a different philosophy on how to live. These chapters often contradict each other, arguing for various approaches such as being completely independent, committing to one career or person, being fully present, or delaying gratification. The book is designed for reflection as much as instruction, providing actionable directives without quoting philosophers or naming specific ideologies. It invites readers to consider multiple perspectives and find their own way, emphasizing that there is no one right way to live life.
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In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Derek Sivers, a remarkable individual whose openness to new experiences has profoundly shaped both his personal and professional journey. What I appreciate the most about Derek is how he's taken important life's lessons and transformed them into wisdom about the things that truly matter.
Derek's passion for learning is infectious, but what's truly fascinating is his refusal to be boxed into any single worldview. This philosophy has served him well throughout his diverse career as an entrepreneur, writer, and musician. Many know him as the founder of CD Baby, which he started in 1998. The company grew to become the largest seller of independent music online, generating over $100 million in sales before Derek sold it in 2008 for $22 million. In a remarkable act of generosity, he donated the entire proceeds to a charitable trust for music education.
But Derek's impact extends far beyond CD Baby. Through his blog and five books, he's become known for his concise, thought-provoking writing on business, life, and decision-making. In our conversation, we dive deep into his two latest works. The first, "HOW TO LIVE," presents 27 conflicting approaches to life, each making a compelling case for a different way of living. Rather than providing easy answers, Derek challenges readers to find their own path based on their unique circumstances and perspectives.
We also explore his newest book, "Useful NOT True," which examines the powerful concept of reframing. Derek makes a fascinating case that success begins with perspective, which then shapes our strategy and actions. He argues that while our initial thoughts might feel true, they're often obstacles we need to overcome. By recognizing that no single perspective holds absolute truth, we can make more informed choices in our lives.
Many of you might know Derek from his three compelling TED Talks, including my personal favorite about the dancing guy on a hill – a brilliant metaphor for how movements begin. Our conversation weaves through various aspects of his life, from his early days to his writing, but what really resonated with me was our discussion about the importance of changing our minds. Derek believes that what we consider absolute truths can actually restrict our growth and shut us off from new learning experiences.
His insights about the power of changing one's mind have particularly influenced my own thinking about life and work, making it one of the highlights of our conversation. I genuinely enjoyed my time with Derek, and I believe this discussion will offer you fresh perspectives on your own life, work, and what matters most to you.
Connect with Derek:
Website
His books can be found below:
Useful Not True
How to Live
Hell Yeah or No
Your Music and People
Anything You Want
As well you can see any of Derek's Ted Talks below:
Derek’s Ted Talks
Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily 
