What is a Good Life? #88 - Playing With The Edges Of Growth with Derek Sivers

Sep 17, 2024

Derek Sivers, an insightful author and former musician known for his engaging TED talks, shares transformative stories from his varied life. He explores how embracing diverse perspectives can reshape our understanding of challenges. Sivers discusses the journey from musician to entrepreneur, emphasizing the continuous pursuit of growth and self-actualization. He dives into the paradox of wealth and altruism, and the emotional journey of creative expression. This conversation inspires listeners to reflect on authenticity and the joy of exploring life with curiosity.

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INSIGHT

Multiple Perspectives

Derek Sivers' guiding question is "What's another way to see this?".
This mindset encourages exploring multiple perspectives and solutions.

ANECDOTE

Synthesizer Poster Inspiration

A synthesizer advertisement featuring diverse artistic circles inspired Sivers to explore different musical expressions.
This "what's another way" mindset influenced his creative process.

ANECDOTE

Reframing with Tony Robbins

Derek Sivers' circus boss recommended Tony Robbins' book, "Awaken the Giant Within.".
The book's concept of reframing, finding the good in any situation, resonated with him.

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On the 88th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Derek Sivers. Derek is an author of philosophy and entrepreneurship, known for his surprising, quotable insights and pithy, succinct writing style. Formerly a musician, programmer, TED speaker, and circus clown, he sold his first company for $22 million and gave all the money to charity. Derek is the author of Useful Not True, How to Live, Hell Yeah or No, Your Music and People, and Anything You Want. All his books, latest projects, and musings can be found on his website: https://sive.rs/

In this insightful and engaging conversation, Derek takes us on a journey through his experiences as a musician, philosopher, circus performer, entrepreneur, and author. A journey spanning several continents that embraces, lets go of, and challenges multiple perspectives, and is underpinned by considerable explorations of growth, curiosity, joy, and play.

If you feel stuck in your way of thinking, stagnant in your current life, or tired of your perspectives, not only will Derek’s life serve as an incredible inspiration, but his thoughts and ideas may guide you to places you never imagined.

Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for full interviews and clips.

For further content and information check out the following:

Derek's website / books: https://sive.rs/

- For the podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos
- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/
- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/

Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life if you'd like to further explore your own lines of self-inquiry or create experiences that lead to more connecting and genuine conversations amongst groups of people or you'd like to join my weekly silent conversation groups.

00:00 Introduction
02:42 What’s another way to see this?
07:10 Not stopping with the first thought

10:10 What could be the benefit of any situation

13:30 Navigating emotion and choices

17:50 Exploring the edges of growth

23:20 Leaving the old for the new

28:10 What is the growth choice?

33:10 Exploration, play, and growth

38:40 The greatest joy in life

44:10 The motivation for the writing

47:40 Not being attached to one perspective

50:40 Realising ideas into existence

53:40 Celebrating our work

59:40 The moment of release

1:02:40 Giving 100% of proceeds to others

1:07:40 Justifying our own actions

1:12:40 The multiplicity of life

1:19:55 What is a good life for Derek?