I heard CD Baby’s founder Derek Sivers wrote a book of 40 lessons for entrepreneurs. I found the book, titled Anything You Want. But I didn’t instantly buy it – until I saw the cover.
“Anything You Want”That’s different.
Something about the playfulness and creativity of seeing the cover photo of a child neck deep in sand, with no title or author name on the front book jacket, intrigued me. I felt I was about to step into a world of no limit thinking. After all, how many publishers would release a book with a cover like that?
So I bought the book. And I love it. It’s a quick read but one that will stay with you. If you only read the principles on page 3 of the book, you’d have enough to work with for the year.
Example:
“Business is not about money. It’s about making dreams come true for others and for yourself.”
Yes! Whatever business you play in should be one you’re doing because you love it and see how it benefits others. You’re in the business of making dreams come true.
“Never do anything just for the money.”
Yes! I’ve been preaching this a long time. Money should never be the focus; passion should be. Follow your passion and let the money come as a result.
“Starting with no money is an advantage. You don’t need money to start helping people.”
Yes! Needing money is often an excuse to delay action. You can start with no money, experience or education. You can start and let the steps unfold. Just begin helping people.
“The real point of doing anything is to be happy, so do only what makes you happy.”
Yes! A trick of the mind is to make you believe achieving something will lead to happiness. Yet the truth is, happiness is in what you appreciate right now.
Sivers has other wise principles in his book. I strongly endorse them and recommend them. Here’s yet another major take-away:
“IF you’re not saying ‘HELL YEAH’ about something, say ‘no.'”
Yes! In other words, when presented with a choice or an opportunity, look for the “HELL YEAH! I WANT TO DO THAT!”
If it isn’t there, pass.
Go read Anything You Want by Derek Sivers.
It’s a “HELL YEAH!”
Ao Akua,
PS – Derek Sivers also suggests you do what scares you. He’s quick to point out that you don’t need to do what you dread, but you do need to go for the “HELL YEAH!” – even it makes you tingle with fear/excitement. Read his book for more. And go do what you know you want to do.
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12 Comments
I enjoyed the post. It caused me to think about why I do some of the things I do. It is because I like people and want to help if I can. I will check out the book.
Great post. It’s true, you don’t need money to start something. I was able to create an online violin program just using a computer and getting creative with digital camera and my violin. I found a place to make a free website and one month later I have “realized” my idea. It’s a bit daunting considering everything seems to require money but if you research the web, you can find what you need to get started with practically nothing. Plus, it was so much fun to create and now i’m learning alot of new info in the process. Just reread Zero Limits the other day, and I clean my site as well. Worth a shot. 😉
If you have to make a gigantic pros and cons list, it’s a no.
Wow! Did I ever do a double take when I saw that cover lol. He makes
some very good points. Why do we do the things that make us feel awful just to turn a buck. More people should do the things they enjoy, it would make them so much happier.
I will be checking this one out for sure!
Nice quotes from the book.
I’d never have even opened the book though, because for me the cover is a bit unsettling. It doesn’t look a happy face, more of a ‘help, I’m stuck in the sand’ kind of look!
I won’t be getting the book, but thanks again for the review.
Patrick
Like this review. In you PS – you said, “Derek Sivers also suggests you do what scares you. He’s quick to point out that you don’t need to do what you tread, …” Do you mean don’t do what you dread? That would make sense. Otherwise, can you explain?
My mistake. I meant dread. Thank you for catching it.
HELL YEAH!!!! Just great – thank you Joe!
Hi Joe! Am i right to think that if you want big amount of money you will need to visualize it and do what you love? Otherwise, if you visualize yourself a rich man and do what you don’t want to do, you will never achieve your goals.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Those quotes just changed my life!
Hey Joe,
I love what you do. I think a lot of people hear your message but I think I’m one of the rare few who really, really get it. To be honest, I’m feeling the need to ask you for an unusual financial request. It’s one from the gut. So odd I think you’re going to respond and help me and we’ll be face to face and me thanking you for my assistance. I guess we’ll see. Thanks J.
Joe,
I’m not sure you’re ready for this, but you need to help me. For the record, this isn’t coming from me….much bigger than both of us. If you’re inspired to help like I was inspired to ask, let me know.