Frequently Asked Questions

As to learning SQL, look into nosql databases such as couchdb. A simple thing like this coupled with some JSON objects might be all you need. Easy-peasy!

You had me with the Lone Nut Follower and I love you more and more as time goes by. We need more people like you on this earth. I am a fan.

Derek,
Thanks for what you do, and this advice. Your willingness to share is inspiring.

It's a fantastic set of advice. It's honest, succinct, and extremely useful.

Maybe you and your readers could also benefit from these:
http://billslater.com/mentoring
http://billslater.com/secrets
http://www.billslater.com/billsadv.htm
http://billslater.com/webstats

Hope to collaborate with you someday. I have a career that is both extremely broad and deep technically. We could probably create and unleash something that would make the World better for all who would embrace it.

Finally, a Big Christmas Hongi for you. Only someone in NZ would know...

Keep truckin' dude

Gonna give you the highest compliment I can ....just forwarded this to my kids (12-15) to use as a resource on their journey...

Your sharing has been of great value and inspiration to me .....

Thank You and Merry Christmas

George.... not a musician

Dereck. Thank you very much for all this give back. I wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 👍

Could you keep this page live, updated once in few months or as and when a new question comes up, (v1.0, v2.0 etc.).

Great article it all there, apart from by burning question how do I learn how to ask better questions

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who is a "professional e-mail answerer" these days. Still, 11,000 people, I'm impressed. I was one of those, so thank you. I know how much time it takes. And here I am taking up more of your time.

I always appreciate the suggested books to read and want to thank you for your hard work.

you are not lost you are here

Great list. Much appreciated.

"Spend enough time in a state of frenetic shallowness and you permanently reduce your capacity to perform deep work."

So,,, I do not want to "permanently reduce" my capacity to perform deep work.

I will continue reading your notes now, and search for remedies to begin my recovery from this "always on" society so many of us are plugged in to.

As always Derek~ EXCELLENT post!
All the best for you, young man, during this holiday season~
Non Musician (well, I'm learning Good Riddance-Time of your life, and Last Kiss by Pearl Jam....and my damn fingertips are sore as hell!)

Amazing how sensible your answers and belief system are.
BruMo
Tulsa OK ~ West Orange NJ

Searching within often is where the wisdom lies. I quit my job two years ago (after working in this particular field for almost 20 years)and am now self-employed doing about exactly the same thing I did when I was employed by a university. I heard many people tell me they thought I was a fool to leave, but I had the courage to take the leap. I too work 12-16 hour days many days, but I have never been more fulfilled or more happy with both my professional and personal life. It is so important to trust oneself in these matters.

What tool do you use to count the number of emails and people you write to?
My">code.sive.rs/db-api/peeps/tables.sql">My database. — Derek

Genius to gather, collect and analyze emails from your fans and first class of you for responding to us.

Big sloppy Dating Game kiss to you along with a hat tip for all the reference-saves you've provided over the years--this post among them.

Are you related to any Sievers from Vincennes, IN? Our forefather came to southern Indiana rom Esterwagen, Germany around 1850.
No. — Derek

I accept everything you said in this post however the reason why people are interested in your mentoring, advice, reviews, speaking, etc; is because we want to find a creative way to stay connected with you. What you have contributed to this world, the advice that you would give on a daily, weekly, or annual basis would be so golden, man it's sad that it's really no way to stay in connected with you on the levels stated above. I respect you for not having a mentor but where I'm from it's nothing but negatively and staying connected to positive successful people is one important key to being successful. So if there is some way to achieve being connected to you from a mentor like perspective please rethink and or share...
Answering all those emails is my version of mentoring. — Derek

expressing or covering much in few words; brief in form but comprehensive in scope; succinct -
a rare quality - perfected by the one and only DEREK SIVERS!
thanx so much for sharing !

I like what you said about mentors. I have read so many advice books on having mentors but how to choose 1 mentor when you can have many in the forms of books.

Thank you.

Thank you Derek, reading your material always picks me up and inspires me when I'm a bit lost.

Grateful that you have compiled this!

At least 3 of those emails were from me. Thank you for your insight, Derek.

Thank you, Derek. Really appreciate your emails. Got a lot of good reading to do. Have a Happy Holiday. Again, thank you.
Arthur

No mentor needed. A freeing thought for the changes brewing in my head for 2017. Thanks for writing that and putting it somewhere I could read it.

Thank you, Derek! Regarding the reading recommendations: Ah, now I have a purpose for this Amazon Fire HD tablet I just got, but didn't really know why I ordered it ☺

You are a beautiful soul. Thank you for your generosity, Derek. Brightest and best to you here at the turn of the year.

Been a subscriber for a while but this post is really useful. Great books reco, the two posts "doing what you love and make money" and "happy, smart and useful" are great, last one linked to "efficient charity" where I got some great insights too

I am a woman and I want relationship advice!!

Ha ha, yes seriously.

I am in a marriage with a very successful geek and I think I am devolving into "taking him for granted." I know I'm not verbally supportive of his very intense life, because I'm not really in it myself, you know?

Got a book for that?? Thanks!!!

Sweet simple and to the point ☝️

THANK YOU DEREK!! I really appreciate you putting together this awesome list of FAQ!!! You sure have worked so hard to gather this information along your own journey. I find it very helpful! Thanks again!

Trey :)
IMDB.me/TreyMcGriff
WhiskeyChild.com

Awesome FAQ! Thanks Derek!

Cool man .when hungry eat, when tired sleep. Peace.

Once again extremely helpful! Thank you. I intend to buy several of the books you listed.

Self-improvement, reflection....have you read Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda? The personal philosophy inherent in your writing and in the life you share with others would find vast compatible horizons to imbibe.........

Thanks for all you do.
I think it is the calm that I can here in both your voice and your writing that is so inspiring.
Though I may never found a company and have a million in the bank, I can still try to get closer to the level of calm that you so obviously have.
And for that inspiration, I truly thank you.

I love your clarity and suggestions.
I love this email you sent us all of frequently asked questions.
I love the way I've been able to use CDBaby and HostBaby and thank you.
Thank you for keep on keeping on.
Lauren Pomerantz

I always marvel at the utter simplicity and economy of your writing, and it always makes me smile and think. Rock on.

Derek,

Thank you for forwarding me the questions and answers. Certainly some material that you referenced that I will read.

Thank you again. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your family and friends.

Bruce

You deserve the Noble Prize for helping people more than Bob Dylan for his literature, I still have a hard time understanding what he's been mumbling about.

Well that sucks.

Which I always reply, Well at least it does not blow.

?? Always need a random comment from somewhere.

Thank you for this brief yet useful summary. A book on technical writing has a chapter entitled "Brevity, the Soul of it". Well done.

I have a lot of these same problems. Thanks for posting these book titles for reference. I really appreciate it. Have a great day!

I always enjoy your posts, Derek.

I know you don't need to take the time to share your take on things, but we are all so grateful that you share your unique and thought provoking angles.

Hope you have a marvelous 2017! Kit

P.S. How on earth do you manage to answer so many emails?

Hi! Derek , I like that name Derek , yep! My German Shepherd guard dog's name is Derek . That name sounds so masculine , maybe that's why I named him Derek , then again ,maybe it was because my previous guard dog's name was Erick . Does that make any sense ? Of course according to the dictionary the word derrick means gallows , a hanging frame for those who get hung ! Now again , according to the dictionary, derrick is something we Okies are familiar with , that being an oil derrick . OK, so what ? Well , that's precisely the question you have posed to your audience in this last missive . Those of us who enjoy your comments , would say , well I learned a lot . Yes ! And well ?

Always good to read. But I think you're mistaken about the prohibition of alcohol among monastics. This might be true for other cultures, but the long and ancient tradition of western spiritualism acknowledges alcohol as a daily need.

Read the Rule of Benedict.

Clear Positivity. Thanks, man.

Don't stop. We need you now more than ever

Interesting post!

Hi, Derek,
In regard to the question "Why isn't my business growing?" And your answer: "As for an audience, I’ve been creating and posting things online for free non-stop since 1994. Yep, that’s 22 years now. And keeping in touch with everyone I met that whole time." I can personally attest to your faithfulness in building relationships. You and I first came in contact in 1994 when my first album was released... and, here we are! Still exchanging ideas. :)
Cheers,
Virginia

What do you think is the nature of reality. Why does subjective experience exist at all. Is there anything after death, or are we just part of the universe? Do all mathematically consistent universes exist at once, and are we experiencing them all at once, but only have access to the thoughts in one brain at a time. Is subjective experience discreet?

I'm glad I no longer need to ask most of those questions. On the ready and willingness to answer all of your emails, it's quite remarkable. And very appreciated, especially in light of having close friends of mine who routinely ignore some of my emails...which are thought-out, to-the-point, have a simple question or premise, and are never of the forwarded content type. Ever since social media exploded, many people would rather put most of their communication time into obsessively checking their profile pages and texts. They'd rather have five seconds of time with five hundred people than quality time with a select few. Thanks for all you share, Derek.

Simply, thanks.

Loved this. Thank you. Will be forwarding to my children.

Merry Christmas, I hope you have a fantastic new year.

Brilliant idea for a post.
One of the things I have always appreciated and noted about you is that you respond to emails <3. Thank you, Derek.

While I realize that the point of the “pay a translator” advice is to encourage brevity, I wonder if it still applies in light of the apparently phenomenal recent improvements in machine translation?

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/14/magazine/the-great-ai-awakening.html

Is there anything you still have doubts about? :)
Fantastic answers to very important questions. Love it.

None of these apply to me......thank God.

Thank you! Have a great Christmas.

Derek replied to my email earlier this year. World class champion.

Cheers,

Eric

It's interesting to see how many people are typically looking for guidance and a leg up. This really paints a more compelling argument for offering value to influencers, because it's rarely in the cards for them. Thank you for all that you do Derek :)

Thank you for this Solstice gift. You're one of the most enlightened people on the planet.

Wishing you and yours the spirit of the invincible sun all year long!

Lots of answers here. I will study them further.
I consider you one of my greatest mentors.
I have since you answered every email personally since I sold my friends CD's to CD Baby, you were still handling everything there, I think. Not too many people did that back then.
Finding more time for my self-nourishment, so keep it coming.
Thank you!
Annie

Hi Derek,

Long time since I last chatted with you. I still keep up with your words of wisdom and find myself quoting you at times.

I enjoyed reading this. You are certainly one of the good guys.

I thought I might share with you something I found out only 10-15 years ago (and I'm 60!)

My father, who is now 86, loves his computer. For the longest time I tried to get him to view different videos I found helpful about things: How to use iTunes (nobody really knows;-), How to use MS Word on Mac, etc.. It turns out I love watching videos and search there first for tutorials on subjects I want to learn more of.

Finally my Dad told me he learns by reading, not watching. He really can't follow videos. Huh?

So, it appears different people learn different ways. Many don't have the time or attention span or READ as they would rather WATCH (I think I'm mostly this way). In fact, lots of software now has video tutes instead of manuals. Just thought you'd like to know. Merry Christmas.

I'm always grateful for people who answer your email even though they are busy.

High Five!

Hi Derek! It's Diane Samons from builderbob@frontiernet.net, I really enjoy
Your articles and hope this note finds you healthy and well! I am going to launch my store in the next month or so , so that has finally came to fruition , thanks for al the good stuff! Take care !

are an amazingly caring soul!!!!!!!!!


Good Karma Mr Sivers..seeing the one heartbeat of all lifeforce..and making it stronger!!!  


Truly an angel of artists..answering all those emails...god bless u forever an ever

Merry Christmas Derek!

Derek,
I have gotten an immense amount of value from you. More of an indirect contact. Kinda like the Eno Oblique strategy cards. You are a really fascinating person. Thank you for the content!
Best,
Jeremy

Thank you Derek. I have been following your work since your first podcast with Tim Ferriss. I work for a large multinational. I had a junior analyst (21 year old) who has been on my team for less that 6 months. He asked me for advice about a career ahead of him. I sent him to the page on your site where you reviewed the book “So Good They Can’t Ignore You”. That boy stepped up in the gas and improved his overall attitude during the following 4-5 months so much that I had no choice but to promote him in this promo cycle in November. As a manager I was absolutely thrilled. Thank you for your advice.

Derek

The thing that's always struck me about your work and life, is that you've made a conscious decision to focus on the things that matter and to ignore the rest. I think for some people they're still stuck deciding what they want to do, rather than throwing themselves into the trough just for the hell of it.

Anyhow, thanks for all your hard work this year posting to your site, answering emails and just being a top bloke.

Happy Christmas from a slightly grey and damp Devon, England. (One day, I might actually get to meet you in person -- you're always very welcome to stay my friend.)

Blessings and best wishes
Julian.

Audio-Rarities is out of trade registery at 14 dec,after letter of protest back into the trade registery on 20th dec 2016.

(thanks for you article)

best regards and all the best for 2017

Hi Derek,

Thank you for this post and thank you for your dedication, compassion and generosity to answer all our emails.

Merry Christmas and happy new year.

Best wishes from Stockholm!

thanks for the great list of faq's.

>answered 30,904 emails from 11,971 people. It was practically a full-time job

hihi :D Honestly I think you need to include this link as your email-signature to prevent repetitive replies!

Thanks Derek iam going to do some reading this sharing
helps.

As someone lucky enough to see you talk at BoS 2010 I am personally sad you will not be doing more talks or interviews in near future but fully understand why.

YOU ROCK! That is all.

I love that last picture, it's so true! Thanks for your heart and time!
Cheers from Switzerland :)

Books are the best mentors! Available 24/7 and usually the best distillation of a person's life/career/experience. Wouldn't it also be awesome to have a community sharing platform that easily sources and connects would-be newbies to seasoned experts in any given field? Maybe one day...

I feel extremely grateful for your help Derek,
wish you all the best :)

Best regards from Slovakia :D

Thanks Derek for your email sent out to all us smart and lucky people who have subscribed to your list. Your podcast with James Altucher (latest) is saved to my phone for gym / walking listening. From a purely selfish perspective I wish there were more. I can't get along with Tim Ferriss post drunk dialling and so don't revisit you there. I'll check out your other appearances. It's cold here today but we're heading for Christmas temperatures in Yorkshire of 15 degrees c. Bonkers. I hope wherever you are in the world for Christmas that it makes sense, and your day is happy and full of love. I look forward to your missives in 2017.

I'd add another resource for career. A website called 80,000 hours or the book "Doing Good Better". 80000hours.org/

In my view people ask about their career, they are looking for a why or purpose, not a how or a what. Which Cal Newport is also my go to resource. Also the first few Chapters of Fred Factor and obviously sive.rs.

Always giving - Thanks Derek!

Derek Sivers, a very Merry Christmas, to a wonderful person, and our genius. Love from Avril xxxx

Your thoughts are worth more than a penny, and your advice is priceless. Merry Christmas and have a bright New Year.

Derek,
This is truly inspiring! Big thanks!

Hi Derek, it's always such a pleasure reading your thoughts. I'm really interested on your Kindle experience. Do you use an actual Kindle device or a tablet ? Do you alternate devices ? I've an old, simple device (with buttons) and dislike the small screen (short interval until the need to flip a page again) and its low resolution. At the same time, living in Brazil, it's the best way to get access to books so I want to invest myself more on this format. Also, do you miss a real bookshelf ? (or maybe you grew out of physical space). I know things are changing but I grew up used to have a look at my parents books since I was very young and the digital format makes it all different. Anyway, I would love to hear more from your experience with digital books in general and how do you see their place in the present and future of the world.
My best regards to you!
I splurged on the “Kindle Voyage” but the important thing is it is only used for reading. No internet. It stays in “airplane mode”, unable to follow distractions. I don't miss paper books, no. I love knowing if I have this one small thing in my pocket, I have my next 20 books with me. And I love the “My Clippings.txt” feature. Saves me hours of re-typing notes from a paper book, like I used to do. — Derek

Seriously, Sivers, I love you, dude.

So blunt and concise. Probably why I like your commentary so much....the absence of BS.
Love it!!
Thanks Derek....keep doing what you're doing.

How come I love everything you write ? Dunno but I do. As a French writer, your work is a huge source of inspiration. Plus I value simplicity above everything and you're kinda of a master in that area, so thank you for being you Derek.

It's great to think that you, being you, all the way over in New Zealand, can make so many people happy all over the world.
Whenever I lose sight of why I'm here, I read something from you and it all makes sense again.
I'm sure you affect a lot of people's lives for the better. Thanks.
☺ — Derek

Good summary post with concise answers to FAQs - very useful. Thank you for sharing!

I love this! And I have to laugh because I am one of the 11,971 and I think I may account for 3 of those emails you wrote. Wonderful to have this quick and handy reference, sir.

Inspiring. I always want to hear more from you.

Derek, you're the greatest. Love watching your brains, your patience and your kindness. I was graced to be in the music business in the era where craft skills (and melody) were a given and if you were good you could make a living, and residuals and pensions came to you later. The thing I miss most in culture is melody. There are still those who write them but they are not valued right now. Broadway melodies, for instance, are almost all generic, tho sondheim is on the boards again. But I believe melody is unkillable and deeply needed, and it will rise again. Prince, paul simon, others agree.
Best, Morgan

I really appreciate how you send things out in an organized and thoughtful way. I find much of what you choose to share very useful. I have a bit of excitement when I get one of your emails, and I feel really grateful. Thank you, my take away is always a moment of self reflection, and the space to consider how I might be more useful to others in my life. I hope you understand the ripples you help create. Have a good day, and good Holiday Season. -Desi

Thank You!
and Merry Christmas!

You're awesome Derek, thank you!

Perhaps you've received this question before, if so feel free to link me to a place where you've answered it

Of all your book notes, can you name the top three books that you would recommend actually reading in entirety as opposed to using your notes?

Conversely, can you give me your top three notes, that you think are so good that it truly takes the place of reading the actual book? For this part of the question, it might not necessarily be a reflection of how "good" the notes are, and rather could be that the book just lends itself well to consolidation. Either way super super interested in hearing your thoughts on this
The book list is already sorted with my most recommended books up-top. For almost all of the books, I think you should read the entire book, not just my notes. My notes are like the punchline to a joke. A good reminder if you've already heard the joke, but not if you haven't. Reading the whole book will make a change in how you think. Reading a few sentences on a website may not. — Derek

Thanks for this, Derek. You're a great mentor to all of us readers.

You are wonderful.

Thank you.

So happy and grateful you exist and share your smarts with so many of us.

Happy Holidays.

Great stuff as always! Just one thing: it seems you underestimate mentors you have had (you had a teacher at Berkeley or before who helped you pass two years in a very short while. I'd call him a mentor. You're a mentor for all kinds of people, including me (like - you just now answered some questions I've asked myself). Keep us posted, I dig it. Thanks for not overwhelming us with new stuff. Walking the talk and we all like that.
“Mentor” implies someone that takes a long-term interest in guiding a particular protegé. That may still happen, but I think people should not hold out to find one special person like that. — Derek

Derek, thank you :)

Hey Derek Sivers,

Great content as per usual! On your podcast(s) with Tim Ferriss you mentioned you were working on book of directives. I thought they were deep and well thought out. Any chance this will come out in 2017?

Thanks again for your great perspective on everyday things you and I don't think the same and I love that.

Respectfully Me.

Derek:
I've read & listened to "Anything You Want" a bunch of times...I will read anything and everything you send me. Keep sending, always an inspiration!

Thanks for your content :)

Merry Christmas.

Excellent stuff once again!

Sorta reminds me of a daily uplifting quote ! Love it. Thank you

haha this list is great...I feel like we've just had a very long conversation. Thanks!

Derek, this post is worth its weight in gold. I've already highlighted and wrote down at least a dozen different takeaways I'll be exploring within the next couple of months.

I wrote a post relating to the image at the bottom. Those words have litterally changed my perspective.

medium.com/@MrDBourke/you-are-not-lost-8b094b54feff?source=linkShare-dbc019e228f5-1482451818

If you have the source for the image, I would love to give the photographer credit.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and learning with the world.

Thanks! All useful, depending on the question.
Insight # 1 : CD baby has sucked for many years since your departure.
No- you may NOT quote me!
I'm doing well , not that you would remember meeting me at Hotel Cafe around 2008.
I remember and that's what counts.
It was a pleasant meeting , unlike the one I had that same day with
Another film/ tv pitch con who could care less unless you gave her money
Which I have never done and will never do.
Peace- SGW

Derek

Priceless!

Enjoy a happy and safe holiday season.

From me here in Woodend VIC Aus. If you're ever in the vicinity there's always a place to stay.

Thank you for everything over the years Derek. Been with Cdbaby since 98.

Another strike!
Good life advices in just one post.
Probably Derek has his own Big (human desires) Data.

And another thing...
Merry Christmas everybody

This is a simple note to convey my honest appreciation for your works in general and offer encouragement for your future efforts. Thank you!

Thank YOU Derek! for speaking into my life I appreciate you very much! I will keep this email and take some time to absorb it.☺ Merry Christmas to you and your family Derek! Love and music to you! Rachel ☺

Great thoughts as always!

I also highlight a lot on my Kindle, so I made a conversion script to switch it into JSON with some typographical cleanup.

Might come in handy so you don't have to manually edit it so much.
github.com/DJTB/kindlequotes

great summary of the questions.
I look forward to the take home highlights from all the books you have read.
please carry on reading emails nothing worst that auto reply faq

rod
south africa

~84 emails per day? Wow, that's impressive. Assuming just 3 minutes per email, that's at least 4 hours of work per day.

Thank you for your dedication and your generosity.

Genius! I found you theough Tim Ferriss (who else?). I have read "anything you want"( and gifted it to a friend for Christmas) and really love the way you live your life. Keep it up! You are an inspiration!

Derek thanks for sharing mate.
Love your work, please keep it up :)

Happy Holidays, Derek! Thank you for the faq - it's not only a fun read, it's a great reference. Also reminds me that I need to stop and write out (not just reflect) my past year's adventures, and narrow down the coming year's. Your book references will come in handy.

Andrew

Thanks so much Derek!
This article has kick started my 2017 reading list.
All the best to you and happy holidays.

Insight inspires.
--all I am learning right now is how to understand less facts and feel more fully.
As well as thank you in all languages
Merci, mon ami

Thanks for making so much useful information available to us all. Happy New year!

Thank you Derek, always reading your posts, emails !
Happy holidays !

Always impressed by the ideas you put out. Many people answer questions, I have never seen a FAQ this year until this one. Nice work.

I'm calling BS on your statement "I have never invested in anyone or anything." The 30,904 emails and the existence of your website is proof that you invest in others every day.

Among those 11,971 people, I'm sure there are many people who agree.

How's your life mission going on so far? Any luck getting those parrots to sing out loud "It won't make you happy!"?

Absolutely lovely list of most common but important questions. I love how you have pointed to great books or previous essays for self-reflection and finding your own answers.

Best,
Sal ... The Art of Travel
artoftravel.tips/

Thank you.

Thanks for this email! I especially liked So Good They Cant Ignore You. Im a hair stylist on maternity leave, and wondering if i should go back to hair or try something new, i like your mature perspective. Hey maybe i'll learn java and hqml too! Naaahhh...Have a beer at the dux delux in chch for me:)
Vanessa

Awesome and honest advice Derek! I just got to read a little bit about you after your words with mr Tim ferries. The small philosophical gold nuggets is what makes it so good.

I tried sending this to you earlier but no luck, thought I'd give it another try. What a great year end Christmas gift. Your generosity and inspiration are so appreciated I know by all your readers. It's so gratifying to open your posts and know you're not going to be trying to sell something,as so many other writers do. Looking forward to this coming new year and reading your always great posts.Thank you again for inspiring us all......... Dolores

Derek,
Just read and finished "Anything you want". Great read. Tons of clear and memorable wisdom.
I am grateful for your sharing and art.
Thank you and keep up your great work and art. You are appreciated.
John

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas, Derek. Much more could be written about this, but now I simply want to say thank you.

Thanks Derek, and Happy New Year!

Thanks for "When Things Fall Apart".

Derek, just finished your book, Any-thing you want. Great read! I was first introduced to you from the Tim Ferris podcast and love what you stand for and your attitude on life, business and being a great human being ( like your charitable heart)
I'm in sales and have been for over 25 years of my 50 years. I've made lots of money, met goals, quotas, earned trips, awards etc....in the end all that means nothing. Right?
I recently started a new career 16 months ago with a billion $ pharma company selling all the # 1 products in our space. This is a job I was persistent about (took me 3 years) and eager to fulfill. I truly love this job, however, it's very hard and quotas continue to rise. I'm not from the school of excel spreadsheets. Yikes. With everything comes challenges, risk and rewards.

What advice would give to me to stay motivated, hungry and passionate?

Thank you,

Phil

Thank you

Loved the book !!!
I got to the end so I just wanted to let you know that your perception of a company or anything that takes
Place in our life is perfect !!!!!
Congrats for your baby CDBaby and congrats because once it became an adult , you let it go!!!
I enjoyed every page in the book 📚
Thank you again !!!
Now a fan of your blog 👌✨

Hi Derek
I’ve recently started a Workplace Wellbeing business in Melbourne Australia. Our initial offerings are yoga and meditation classes. One of the teachers working with me told me about two groups she was teaching in the same organisation. One was successful and the other wasn’t. The successful group had people that brought in the rest of the group. And from discussing that experience within my network, that’s led me to your blog.

Looks like I need to work out how to find lots of first followers; and ideally how to shift a few of the many folks that say “that’s interesting” to being first followers. I love your comment in “how to get rich” that it’s like a lottery – you have to meet everyone because you never know which one will win

I love your short snappy quick-read yet punchy blogs and your amazing book summaries. I also love the Amazon hoghlights feature!

Great job, many thanks
Vincent

I am so gonna make FAQ on my blog asap.
Thanks for motivating me to do it!

I am just stumbling across your blog and love it so far (so thanks for that!). I used to write more and want to get back to it in some way, I want to take more photos and well, your blog is inspiring (so thanks for that too). And yes, Pema Chodron rocks. I've read the book at least a dozen times.

Great stuff ! Thank you.
You were my morning reading today ;)
Adeline

Hey Derek

Hope your awesome!

I have recently read your interview with Tim Ferriss 'Tools of Titans' and found it very inspiring read. I am UK musician and would lve it if you could have a listen to my album would mean a lot.

open.spotify.com/album/1GpnmC5o0WDZzPWktOHfoe

Best

Dan

Hello, Derek.
My name is Laura and I'm a part of Project 100. We are a startup that help people with their creative projects. Our team is scattered around the world, and we have monthly meetings to keep ourselves informed in all of our tasks and the general direction of the company.

Your book was really inspiring for the founder of Project 100, My. And we would love it if you could participate in one of our monthly meetings.

Please let me know what you think about this.
All the best from Argentina,
Laura.

Dear Mr. Sivers,

I am writing this because I want to express my gratitude to you. You have always motivated me to keep going since your early days, but especially in the last few months (which were anything but easy for me because of an injury) and even though I felt like I was spinning my wheels for a very long time (and still do in some areas)! And most of all, your TED brought me to pursue my purpose, so that I started a blog and started helping others on Instagram, even though I had huge problems with my self-confidence. Also, I was scared as fuck to give presentations or speak in public. Meanwhile, I know that this was the right step to get me out of my little comfort zone.

After reading your book “Anything You Want” I want to work with/for you more than ever and I am already thinking about something I could do to prove you that I'm the right person to intern for you and help you in your daily operations. With this, I could get an insight on how you’re acting, thinking and working which would give me huge value. I am firmly convinced that I’m the right fit!

My end goal is to help as many people as possible becoming more confident, getting in better shape and at the same time being able to work with amazing clients from all over the world. With me, you would not start totally from scratch because I almost finished my Master’s degree in business and studied marketing as well as branding on my own in my free time. I am certain to commit 100% to this. Currently, I am working in an online marketing agency specialized for speakers and coaches and give online personal trainings.

If overall, that sounds interesting to you, I would be glad hearing from you and introducing myself. Thanks for your time.

Best wishes from Germany,
Yannik

Derek,

I loved the dancing guy video. People participating tames the moment. The wild gyrations of the lone dancer where far more dynamic then the group of barely moving crowd.

I am low to no tech. I traveled for fifteen years with a theater company and when I finally learned Spanish I married a German woman and ended up in Germany.

I should be developing a class on one point perspective for my 7th grades. If you are ever in Germany please contact me. I would love to meet you.

Cheers,
Kev
Kevin Gourlay

Thank You! Thanks for sharing your ideas. I've always been an independent thinker and a creative person. I'm fanning the flames of a new life at 58 yrs old, while transitioning from a "normal" existence. Actually, I'm returning to who I am - a 14 year old musician.

Good luck to you Derek!

Thanks for the reading list. I wish I found this webpage 10 years ago.

I read your book "Anything You Want" after reading about you in "Tools of Titans". It really resonated with me.

That silly email was permanently burned into my brain back in about 2007 when I ordered "Tokyo Rose" (Newcastle, UK band) from CD Baby as you where the only site listing them.

As soon as I heard CD Baby I was like "shit, the dude who wrote that hilarious email".

There are a lot of Snake Oil salesmen writing about starting businesses' and your writing was a breath of fresh air.

Peace,

Clint

Hi derek
I just finished your ted talk and went to your website 5 Min ago.

I wanted to say how touched I was by your authentic sharing of your life and success. Thank you so very much for the talk. I feel like you have given me so many tools for implementing an inspired success.

In sure you get so many emails but your clear voice makes me feel like you really listen. I hope to give like you have. One day. But will accept my .001 version self.

Ps. Very hard to write this on an iPad. the gui only shows keyboard and I Can't see what I'm writing.
Karen Lorena Parker
vancouver bc.

Dude you are so incredibly positive & wise. I love you.

Hi Derek,

I just finished your book. I must admit I picked it up selfishly looking to get some points on how to improve my business.

I am a chiropractor, and I love what I do....or should I say did.

I've lost the spizz, the excitement.

I love to adjust, and care for patients but took on a partner now that I'm 60 and am selling the practice to him. My new role as administrator takes me away from what I love which is care for the patients.

After reading your book I feel it's time to get back to caring for patients and delegate to admin stuff to someone else. But, no one cares about the success of the partnership transition more then me.

What do you suggest?

Also my son is a musician and I don't get his style of music.

He works for me at age 26 to make some money but I can tell he is unhappy behind a computer do billing.

He is happiest when he tours with his band.

What should I advise him to do.

Kind regards,

Dan

PS I used your style of hiring the other day and it felt Great!

Hey Derek-

I think this is the first time I've ever written in to anyone like this before. I don't have a question or request. Just a thank you. The coincidence of hearing you on the Tim Ferriss show only yesterday makes me smile. Why? Because, at 45, I just sold my car and donated/sold almost everything to travel. I've never been to Europe.

I was in band called BOX back in the day (barely known in the mid-Atlantic for "Lezzies for the Lord') and we used to sell on CDBaby. I just looked it up... our CD is still on there... ha! Anyway, since listening to you on the podcast yesterday, I downloaded your audiobook to listen to as I clean up and clear out most of my stuff. I have had an online fitness business for over 5 years that lately has become a hell no instead of a fuck yeah. It barely breaks even and has become more a source of dread than passion (as it was in the first few years).

Anyway, to find your voice at this point on my journey feels like kismet. Thank you for what you put out there and all you've done.Your words are important and meaningful to where I am right now. I hope you're still playing music!
Thanks,
Michelle

I understand that everyones loves their privacy but I want to asked you daily questions so i request that we become friends. Now you ask what does this guy want... nothing more then to be able to reach to music supervisors to get instrumental music into background of movies. I have a site that let's users create digital stores for their content and services but now I want to get in touch with film producers and music supervisors my site is musicsplice.com I would appreciate any feedback or donation coming from the only guy who truly freed some artist from the chains inside the music industry.

I am so proud of you. Hope fatherhood is a rewarding for you a motherhood was for me. Keep digging ....

I love the how to start a movement clip you did for TED talks Derek.I am looking to start a movement and wanted to thank you for the helpful inspirational messaging ...Can you let me know what show that clip was taken from? I'm guessing fringe hippy jam band with a blues boogie sound.
grateful and determined ,
jay frank
peace, grease, rhythm and hope

My favorite part...the funny email response. Most forget to have fun along the way. You can't put a price on a good time, that's what I always say!

Hi there! Just finished reading "Anything you want". Wow.
Thank you. Thank you so much for writing this! Really. I don't even know how to begin:
I've started this e-shop called BengjyMinu as an accident in 2014. It was a hobby gone wild. I had no experience with running a business or manufacturing leather goods. I was a bored housewife/student who needed a hobby as means of coping with cultural shock (moved from Romania to England for my studies).
Somehow my creations started to sell & now both me & my husband work full time. Well, we did. We even opened a physical store (in Prague - we keep travelling!).
Then, as I discovered Minimalism, I realized I don't want my life to resemble a mouse in a cage, constantly spinning, restless. We were working 14h /day for 1 year & half & we hated every hour of it. So we closed the shop & went back to working from home. It's been great! We now deal with the same amount of orders in 1/3 of the time we needed while we had the store.
Still, after weeks of introspection, I realized I love what I do less & less. Our business is a mess. We don't have a clearly focused brand & I finally understood why: it's not us. We haven't been original. Since I had no experience when I created BengjyMinu, I tried my best to copy bigger names, thus slowly drifting away from my values & my ideas of a home-run business.

Thank you so much for the inspiring words. This book is a great eye-opener! As I am getting ready to open a new website, I now know I should take the freedom to do it as I want it to be, not as I assume it should be.

Hope you have a wonderful life of helping others. Keep up the great work. You're cool!

Best,
Carmina

hey,
I am a senior grade high school student from Turkey, Ankara and I wanted to get some information regarding your scholarship programs. I have been recently accepted to Berklee College of Music and I aspire to be a singer/entrepreneur who will represent Turkey in the US in the best way possible. I wanted to ask if there were any suitable scholarships that you provide that I could apply for? If not, are there any other programs/grants that you have or other institutions that you could guide me to talk about a possible financial aid? Would really appreciate hearing your response.

Have a nice day, thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Ece Naz

Just finished "Anything You Want." Awesome quick read. I really enjoyed it! Would you mind recommending any books you've read that come to mind that to you are MUST READ or have helped you during your entrepreneurial or philanthropic journey?

Found the reading list lol Thanks!

Hi Derek!
I just want to say I loved your book(anything you want) so much! Thank you for writing it. There are a lot of other things I want to say, but I can't find the words. All you should know is you've helped me at a time of emotional need and I'm grateful for that.

With love from Nigeria❤

I loved the article I read on keeping a journal. I've kept a journal for years, mostly on paper, but also digitally and in visual/art journals, and I teach others to do so as well. I loved your list of words and as soon as I finish this comment I plan to go write my own list. And since one good journal idea is worth another here's one of mine you might like. We all write TO DO lists, I like to write "TO DON'T" lists.

Thanks much for your article.
Michele

Hi Derek,
I just took your book, it never happened that i haave ever read any book in one sitting. I couldn't agree much on every thing you say. I just need to as you, as you mentioned that we should be doing most of the work. You were familiar with programming, firstly you learned it and then built you website. That was a great thing to do,but as your aim was not to earn money, low quality work would have also full filled your requirement ( as a professional would have done it a lot better.)

My main question for you is, what if someone is setting up a business for profitable measures and for that reason the quality of work is very important and it should be done by professional because even after learning a person will not have the same quality standard as compared to a professional of that field.

My second question to you is, shouldn't a person select particular fields and work on it, rather to get involved and everything and have outcome to be zero. Jack of all trades, master of none.

I have read your book "everything you want", in my last hour of my "the miracle morning" program, and I have found many point of touch with my thoughts. I am sure one day I will have success even with my ideas, my creativity, my will.
I am in Milano, Italy. If you come in Milano, it would be a pleasure to join a beer or better....a pizza with you. My best for "everything you want". Thank you for your sharing. Fabio tel. +39 3939335362

I just wanted to thank you for your book "Anything You Want". I'm starting a new venture that is very small-scale but big for me. Before I read your book I was getting anxious about how to make it go perfectly and doing it correctly so I can pay off my loan. That had turned into my only goal. Now I have a new inspiration to do it my own way, focus on helping people and having fun. That's the reason I started this in the first place. So thank you!

I'm glad to know you Derek. You're and inspiration. I just read through the FAQ...damn, i forgot how much reading has made me better. You reminded me. Let's do this!

I read your book, twice now.
I really liked it the first time.
The second I actually loved it.

Made me realize I'm over thinking a lot of business.
We own a real estate Brokerage and everyone is always talking about growing, bugger, better faster, blah blah blah.

But I love what I have. the agents I work with and all the people I can to help along the way.

I realized that even more after reading your book twice.

Thank you for that. I hope you're doing well. Just wanted to send well wishes your way.

Hi Derek,

Hisham Dahud here - Los Angeles based musician, digital strategist and artist educator.

Just wanted to say thanks for Anything You Want! Simple, quick... and exactly what I needed to hear. Your thoughts surrounding having enough and being happy in particular resonated deeply with me.

What may be of interest to you - I've just launched an educational program called ArtistPro with a vision of ushering in a new wave of contemporary, business-savvy music artists that understand how to navigate the business of music and allow more artists to make music their full time gig, i.e. turn pro.

theArtistPro.com

After 12 years working in the music business, I've finally found a vehicle that's congruent with my core values. Really stoked on this. :)

Anyway, feel free to get in touch if you'd like to learn more... otherwise, thanks again and hope you're enjoying life away from the grind!

Cheers.

Hisham
hd@hishamdahud.com
hishamdahud.com

Just watched your TED Talks...loved them!

Nice!

I appreciate your notes on your favorite books.
I spent significant time reading them this weekend.
Thanks Derek, and all the best to you--
Harry

Agree with what you say about mentors.
Read a lot, and widely.
Having a single mentor is like reading only one author--
and an author other than Tolstoy.

Sorry for separate messages but inspirations kept popping up.

I understand your decision to stop speaking. I intended to do it for only two years and ended up doing it for 16. When I realized I was only doing it for the money, I quit and have never regretted it.

Ditto your recommendation of William Zinsser. I wonder if he + Strunk and White are all a writer needs, with perhaps George Orwell throw in. And are you a John McPhee fan? I suspect perhaps not?

hey Derek,

Listened to “anything you want”, great book, thanks for writing it ^_^

Any tips on how to get good at guitar?

My current practice routine is just so various right hand stuff with a metronome (picked arpeggios, Tommy Emmanuel style finger stuff) while doing various chord progressions

I’d like to make money busking and also impress this super hot violinist I have a huge crush on.

Hey Derek! How can I preorder Your Music and People!

Listened to your episode on Tim’s podcast multiple times, learning so much from it and from your work (I’m a musician who is also very interested in working on big-picture issues in the industry...)

Thanks man, hope all is well.

Noah Tauscher

Good evening, Derek (UK time, at least when I'm writing this).

I read your "about me" page and I was gobsmacked that you not only shared some of what you wrote so openly but it felt like you were writing about me.

With every line I was thinking "YES!" I have always felt different in many ways, almost damaged, in a kryptonite sort of way.

After listening to your podcast again (with Tim) and reading your page, I am reminded again that I should accept, even embrace, my "unique" qualities that others may find odd. Perhaps it's a strength.

I feel more at peace now.

Thank you :)

Cheers
Ernst

When did the passion begin?

I had to call CD Baby to complain about them messing with my song rights on youtube. I actually threatened to contact Derek Sivers (I remembered you from the very beginning days of your companies). I still host on hostbaby, and have CD's listed on CD Baby. Then I learned you no longer own the company. LOL Time marches on, but I guess in one regard, I did not. Now, the "You do that" call closer I got from Anythony is kinda funny. I'm still dropping the web hosting when my credits run out. I also did not realize that web hosting doesn't really cost $20 a month any more.

Hey Derek,

I just send you a job proposal in Upwork for the travel planning gig, man! I have read and some much about cd baby and you in entrepreneurship books.

I hope you like my video proposal: youtu.be/5AKXgEIPtrQ

Have a great sunday :)

I’m not sure if you still read these, being 3 years since the last time a comment was listed . . . I think. Anyway, your book “Anything You Want” was shared and I got to enjoy it. First, let me say thank you! For being candid, open and short! I was able to enjoy and power through your words in a little over a couple hours (slow reader)! Also, I wanted to say that I’ve actually gotten to meet David Hooper and was flabbergasted about your mention of him, so I had to hit him up on Instagram to let him know!

Lastly, I wanted to just reach out and be in touch, not sure what passions I could pursue as a business venture, but I appreciate you reminding me of some things I have known (treating people as we would want to be treated) and also some new things, like how do I grade myself and if it’s not a “HELL YEAH”, then it’s a “no”.

I appreciate you and your book and will be sending others your way!

Can you share with us all the " directives" that you mentioned on the Tim Ferris Podcast?
it was absolutely great.
Here — Derek

Hey Derek, Love your book notes, never ending supply of good motivational food for the soul.

I was wondering if you could recommend a solid editor for the first book I'm writing. Its 4 biographies that are all connected, put into one book from my perspective as my mentors.
I have looked at many sites and companies, but I'm not sure if price really reflects quality. Is there something I can look up or tell tale signs that they are legitimate?

Thanks for taking the time to read and I look forward to hearing from you!

Jono
Try submitting">www.the-efa.org/about/#top">submitting a job listing to EFA members — Derek

- Tôi đang bế tắc trong công việc của mình, những mục tiêu tồi đặt ra, những phương hướng tôi làm đã không mang lại kết quả như trong quá khứ nữa rồi!
- Tôi đang chán nản!!

Just read your book (well, technically, listened) and want to say thanks! It was super insightful and I really gravitate toward how candid, casual, and open you are. It was an awesome addition to my commutes so I wanted to pop over here and let you know!

Dear Derek,

thank you SO much for sharing your insights, your book notes and thoughts.

This really is impressive and inspiring.
(I am not known for saying this very often. :) )

Recently I listened to your podcast with Tim Ferriss (1st round in case you had several) again after a while and was blown away once more by the "How to be useful for others" and "How to thrive in an unknowable future" directives.

If not already done, would you be willing to share ALL the categories in one way or another?

For a lack of better favour-in-return, here's a way to come up with good passwords quickly :)

If you like, choose your next password by the help of a sentence you invent (in any language you like). This is your passphrase.

Then take all the first letters or numbers or special characters from that sentence to create your password.

For example, "Marianne is 5 when Toby is 3 and neither like candy" becomes "Mi5wTi3anlc".

If you are willing to use your passphrase as your playing field,
- you could choose sth. which puts you in a good mood
"Keep in mind to increase the number of your hugs tonight :)" becomes "Kim2it#oyht:)"
- you could choose a motto for the day
"I will act as the best version of myself today, indeed!" becomes "Iwaatbvomt,i!"
- you could let your passphrase help you to cope with challenging situations.
Send yourself a heartwarming message, maybe in the name of somebody else.
If you want the Dalai Lama encourage you every day, go for it!
- you could combine passphrases to tell a story if you feel creative
Use one sentence for fb and the next for Instagram.
- you could give yourself a reminder
such as "Pyd:Yawhoysadar" which stands for
"Pursue your dreams: You are working hard on your skills and deserve a reward"

Feel free to see this as a personal little "Thank you" for being so useful to others.

Have a lovely day!
Tim
Germany/Belgium

Saw that you moved from New Zealand to England. How do you feel about the recently concluded World Cup Finals. Kane Williamson should get a Nobel prize!!!
I’ve never watched a game. — Derek

This is just a comment , no need to reply.

I have just listened to Tim Ferris’ s podcast with you. Well I’m still listening to it actually.... probably the fourth time round.
It has given me such hope, and much enjoyment. Thank you for being so unselfish, sticking to your beliefs and giving back without need to receive.

I am going through a rough patch with my 16 year old daughter who has out of no where developed anxiety, and listening to the talk every morning fills me with positive energy!

I hope you finish your third book soon - opening yourself up to being available to the world again - it needs you!!

Thanks again!!

Hi Derek

I just finished reading your book where you shared you thought of sacking all 85 employees and restarting CD baby.
Why didn't you?
See the third paragraph of “How I knew I was done with my company” — Derek

Dear Derek
I am dr ajay from mauritius. I am a dentist. I got to know you through tools of titans. Your answers are really solid and to the point. I was recently in london for holidays. Keep up the good work. Bless you

Is learning JavaScript alone enough for making my own website? Or do I need to also learn HTML and CSS? Thanks sir.
Yes, definitely HTML and CSS. You don't need JavaScript to make a website. — Derek

Hi Derek!

I've pondered for months on whether or not I should take up your time with an email. After binge listening to you podcast on my way home from my job (working an over night shift, any music will put me to sleep on my 46 mile drive home) I said, "why not"?

I first became intrigued with your thought process finding you on Tim Ferriss' podcast. I want to just say thank you. I love that you are willing to put yourself out in the world, shamelessly. I love how your thought challenge some of mine and how you keep me "on my toes" so to speak. I look forward to listening to the remaining few of your podcasts tonight on my way into work and despite already reading most of what I'm hearing, your voice has a way to put me at ease. Thanks again.

-Hollie

Just simply listening to you takes me to a lighter, more joyful place. Thank you for being you and thank you most for sharing it with us.

Hello Derek,

I am curious about your plan of keeping all the contents of sive.rs at a place where posterity can find and never get lost.
This is because all the contents are very educational and motivating for any generations.
You can e-mail me about your detailed answers.
Though I don't know anything about website handling, I am afraid this website contents should not get lost to posterity.
It's very thoughtful and hence I am worried.
I am not asking only about FAQ page. But about all the contents from the root Website of sive.rs, including Book Reviews, About You and so on.
Thank you for this website.
Regards
Partha

SHORT and SWEET

- Thank you for your book :) I genuinely enjoyed it.

- On a 1-10 can you rate my new business site I just launched?

(Specifically rating on how clear our objective is)

- Here is the link: www.stylescapes.co

I made this with the intention of helping small business and even musicians present themselves online in a tangible way.

Thank you for your time.

- Giann Quijano

Can't seem to find a way to download the books of sive.rs/we14 .
I understand you've closed that business but are the books available to download?

Hi,

My name is Xenia and I`m representing job search engine Jooble, which operates in more than 71 countries worldwide and redirects 2 million visitors every day.

We are interested in cooperation with your website and would like to offer you free additional amount of applicants and source of visitors in general.

Could you please advise with whom I can discuss possible partnership details?

Your help will be highly appreciated

Thank you.

Thanks for your great website - so helpful. I have also enjoyed your interviews with Tim Ferriss. I am writing a BOTW (Book of the Week) series on LinkedIn and decided that I would look at your list of books for inspiration. I have managed to pick off quite a few titles just in the first set of books (I'm into those scoring 8/10).

I am aiming to feature 50 books this year and want to try and have 30 titles by women. To that end it would be nice if you somehow allowed me to search your books list for this characteristic (female author) or perhaps included some kind of a symbol that would allow me to do a search in my browser for books that qualify.

Thanks again for your excellent content.

Susan

I found your audiobook Anything You Want very refreshing. I can relate to your wanting to stay small and about the purpose. I'm in the infancy stages of starting a non-toxic barber essentials line and at 1st wanted it to remain a Texas exclusive company, remain a product you could only buy when in the state for the benefit of barbers and for the benefit of keeping the money in my home state to help flourish our economy. One day it dawned on me, much like an awakening, that what I was creating belonged to the entire barber industry. I wanted barbers all over the world to benefit from working in a non-toxic environment. I couldn't stay small. I shouldn't stay small. Its short sided. Now I find myself feeling like its my life's purpose to help bring the industry out of toxicity and aware of the dangers of the current line-up of poisons we all use blindly on our people and ourselves. I found your book to be really helpful in moving forward with my vision in palpable ways. Im well aware that slow and steady growth is good. Im in no hurry but I am very focused, putting in the work, and excited! Some of your approaches like making the few customers you have happy really made sense to me. And making sure I am happy. I really enjoyed your perspective and walked away with so many goodies.
Thank you for this gem. My cousin sent it to me thinking I would appreciate it and I do. Also I enjoy your minimalist approach which is very apparent on your website. Im down with that! I own enough stuff to fit into my Honda Fit. So I relate to your wanting to stay free. Again. Thank you. Feel free to view my simplistic site. Although yours makes mine look busy.
Sincerely
L
Proudpeoplebarber.com

Hey Derek hope you're doing okay,

I'm a uni student in Toronto, your book Anything you want was incredible. I think it applies immensely to the new generation of influencers, and 'creators' which I strive to become.

Do you have any advice, book recommendations on how to step out of your comfort zone, to be happy, successful?

thanks.

Thank you!

Hi Derek!

I really enjoyed your podcast interviews with Tim Ferriss a while back, and boy oh boy, I've really enjoyed your website with your book recommendations! My husband and I have read many of those books and found them useful and enriching.

I'm 56F, have two grown boys (29 and 25). My husband Norton has two grown boys (32 and 30). We're both retired and live part time in Atlanta and part time in Utah. We're very active and love traveling and learning. My husband is about to have a significant birthday. He requested (okay, insisted) that I not have a party for him, surprise or otherwise. Okay, no problem. But I did contact several of his old friends to give them a heads up on his birthday, and they've reconnected with him. He's been in a great mood, and he actually decided to invite his four best friends and their wives out to dinner with us to celebrate their long friendship (but not his birthday). He will, however, allow a birthday cake to be served. ☺

One of the books on your list that I recently finished is "The Courage to be Disliked." I found it to be incredibly helpful, it has corroborated several personal insights I've been blessed with in the past year. I suppose I'm not too surprised that Adler hasn't received the same attention that Freud and Jung have received, give the scientific revolution of the past century.

I just finished the book "Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg. I'm now re-reading it, carefully, and taking notes. This is one of those rare books that I wish I had read and studied decades ago, before having children, before the divorce, even before entering the workforce. Anyway, I came back to your website to see if you've read it, and curious about what notes you took. I don't see it on the list! So, I just wanted to share with you how significant (an understatement) this book is to connecting with people, listening to people, and expressing your needs in a way that fosters connection, empathy and compassion. You seem to be a natural at that sort of thing. Maybe someday I'll see book on your list, along with your notes.

So I see you're raising your young son and living.... sorry, I forget where. Not in the United States. Just wanted to let you know that if you have any questions about parenting, you don't need to consult a book or a parenting professional. You can always ask another parent who's been there. Feel free to email anytime.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and fulfilling new year!

Meg Schlachter

Thanks for sharing your story and thoughts and especially for taking great care of your kid.. eDad here (playa name) and just noticed you popping up everyone on my medium feeds first :). Nice hack.... congrats and hope life is great..stay true... peace.. chad

chad@contrib.com
chad@ecorp.com

There’s a transparency here that will always be under-appreciated, but is never more important. We are each mirrors to each other, and Derek, you’re showing us a perfect reflection. 🙏

Hi Derek. I'm lying in bed at 3 in the morning listening to your audiobook. Usually I listen to fall asleep but with your content, I'm wide awake and full of ideas to help my clients better. I love it when you say that our business is the one thing that we have complete control over. Although I'm just starting and not profitable yet (I'm not sure if I want to be profitable, as I already have enough), I really love the feeling of creating something that'll help people, and will continue to do so long after I'm dead. So, thank you for the inspiration. The world is better with you in it. Let me know if you're coming to Malaysia. I'll be your host.

Stay safe

I just want to say you're amazing man!

Hi Derek,

Im Phong from Vietnam. I just finished your book about 40 tricks for young entrepreneur in Vietnamese language minutes ago. The book is really inspiring. After the book, I feel doing business much simpler than ever before.

I am impressed by your thought of keeping business small which is very opposite to growth-driven as some kind of MBAs. The chapter I love the most is the last chapter when you left CD Baby. Somehow, just for me, it is a sad story when the captain has to leave the ship and his companies. However, it is also when new journeys open up.

I really love peace and hapiness as you you do. The book really have great positive effects on my thinking and feeling.

I wish you health and peace what you do.

Phong Dam.
P/S: your website is really distinctive. It is really yours.

Thanks for the podcasts. I’m gonna stop quoting my spiritual teacher. The point of this comment is, I have been writing a song a week, they are funny, thoughtful, simple songs. I’ve written about 65 lyrical songs and there are 2 or 3 people that hear them, I put them up at www.veriathon.com but was thinking it’s time to get an audience. I don’t really care about making money, I share for free. Where would you submit for a good audience? I don’t want to submit song by song, I would rather just link my website, it’s all there.
Now, if you are ever in Santa Fe, New Mexico I would love to meet you and show you around. It would be much more fun when things open up again.
Did you ever read Brenda Eulands book “If you want to write” great book!
If you have time I would love to give you my background, sort of life story in a nutshell. Born Dallas Texas, needed to escape that very materialistic city, 17-20 hitch hiked 30,000 miles around the U.S. 21 rode my bicycle around the Southwest. 3600 mile ride. Lived in a cabin no electricity no running water for 1 year. (Hermitage) fell in Love moved to Ft. Collins found a spiritual teacher moved to L.A. (Glendale, Burbank) fixed copiers for Xerox 7 years around the L.A. studios, met all the big producers and some of the music studios. Studied with teacher in Glendale, had 2 children, teacher died, got divorced. Moved to Santa Fe, kids went to Colorado. Still worked for Xerox in Santa Fe, Los Alamos national labs. Year 2000 quit Xerox, drove cabs in Santa Fe for 15 years. Got online in 93 like you, mainly for my art. Had a photography studio, did writing, poetry, Drove around many celebrities, amazing the people i’ve met. Had a motorcycle wreck, broke my neck, on full disability. Bought a house, started putting my words to music. Building a music studio now. In a nutshell, i’m a nut !
Come visit, or give me a call, (505) 660-3980
Nial Connolly
P.S. did you really remember me? I hadn’t written you for a couple of years.

Hey Derek,

Love your website and all that you do. Thank you.

But just a question (and more of a comment) - you have stopped doing your book reviews? i see it's been about 6 months.

Hope you and all your loved ones are well during this time.

All the best.
Yes, I'm not reading anything now (mid-2020) because I'm spending every hour just writing. — Derek

Derek I read your book sometime back and I ended up writing my own as part of my projects, Kinda mentioned you in there but that's for you to find out. This is the amazon link,
www.amazon.com/dp/B087TH5MV4. Keep doing what you do Derek we love you

Dear Derek,

Thanks for the possibility to ask you these questions.

I really have a vision and I love what I do. I am now at the point in my life (mother of four finally grown children) that I can make it happen. I have been working with the basis of my vision since 15 years, but now I want to go out with it more because I believe in it.

The only problem ... I will be 56 years this year.

I need an honest answer. Does it really make sense at that age? Do I really still have the chance to succeed when I am at this age to start "big"?

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for an answer.

Sincerely,
Elke

I respects you a lot...i read your book just now...i am from Nepal..hope you have heard about it. I have lots of question to ask to you..but i am not sure that you will answer them..but any way lots of love and respect for you...and i hope you and your family are doing well...i will be waiting for your positive response.

Hi Derek,
you are sure as hell, an independent thinker: no investing, no promoting, only Deep Work and helping people, that's how you come across at a first pass.

Introducing myself
I am Sid, with a day job, and have been dabbling with many things over the years: a website on maps in 2000 BEFORE google maps was launched, I reckon; a CD on interactive Maps of India; then devised a method to DRAW the WORLD MAP from memory; just now launched the Udemy course MEMORIZE WORLD MAP.

Meanwhile I wrote two Science Fiction novels MISSION: UTOPIA & MISSION: UPEND, where I attempt to Decode the Matrix with an eye on a possible Utopian future. I have painted two different worlds beyond ours each more in tune with Nature through Energetic considerations. I have also painted a villain perpetrating the shenanigans we see happening around us. Well, there is too much to say about the books, they are dense, and I haven't prepared an elevator pitch.

I want to request you to read my books. If you agree I want to send you the pdf files. Please let me know. Because it can be a source of a great conversation, I would be looking forward to.

Since there are hardly any sales, I am even looking for creative ways to display the myriad thought processes that emerged in the books, a bit of which I have put in my new site missionyoutopia.com [see the CORE VALUES page, if you will], or even give them away as free downloads. But even then people might not read :)

Right now, I am trying to put together a Course based on the concepts that emerged from my books, organically. Much of the book appeared to have been written automagically, while I was just typing.

Hope to continue the dialogue. And do let me know if you would read the books.

bye
May the Force be with you

Sid

Our world requires now a tangential path away from the idiocy that has grappled most of the human beings in the tentacles of Mind Control by the Media and the Authorities with apocryphal spiels. Something needs to be done.

Hope my words resonate with you.

bye

Siddhartha Sinha

Derek:
"Anything You Want" was assigned to me for a business class. Between your reading and "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, I prefer yours. Your initial love for what you did and want to help others is quite inspiring. I am currently in a job that I do not love and your words have helped me make steps towards changing that up.

Thank you,
Andrew

Hey Derek

I think your book stands shoulder to shoulder with Ari’s.

It should be used by Music Schools and Colleges as a reference book.

Cheers

Laurence

PS. I will implement some of the practices and strategies.

I truly enjoyed your book. I am not a musician, but your advice is universal and delightfully digestible. I consider you a guru of the modern era, and appreciate the time and effort you put into your work. Keep sharing yourself with the world. I am listening.

Brian B Brady
Manchester NH

PS I look forward to gifting your books when the printed copies I ordered arrive.

Hubba hubba.

This is the first time I have read FAQs complete
It’s an art to be clear precisely

Hi Derek, it's a pleasure for me lately to follow and listen discussion you had in podcasts or youtube, anything I find, especially when you talk about your way to live the life. In case you make the book with the actionable indications :D I will be so happy to buy it. Until then, I still have a question, and I know I should read a few books before and maybe I'll find an answer, but your experience might help. I'm young father, my daughter is 1 year and 4 months. I live in UK with my wife, and mother in law. And I have 2 jobs, and secretly dreaming of having time to read books, and not to worry about the stuff I need to do for somebody else (companies that I am working for), we still don't have a house and my wife wants to get a mortgage asap .. and I'm afraid of that move because it's like living in a prison, you loose the chance to move. The thing is that I don't have money to buy a house yet.. but I want somehow to be in a position like you are, where I can focus on one thing at a time, if I want to read a book ..to be able to stay there and finish it. Or if I want to stay with my daughter just to do that. But how can you achieve this? only once you are financially independent.. I don't know how to put myself in that position, I'm so far away to go in that direction right now.. uff what should I do ? how should I cope with my desire to have time (and money which buys the time) .. ? is not that I have physical desires.. like cars, items anything like that.. I would prefer buying a course or a book at any time. Sry for reading a lot, I hope it make sense and you will come back to me.

Loved your book Anything you want - your experience of 10 years in an hour!
You inspired me to do something I have been procrastinating. You are such a lovely man ! I cant stop thinking of your thought process. You such an inspiration to many. Keep motivating all of us. I will wait for your reply. At this point i dont know what to ask though there are plenty of things to ask.

Shine On!
Monica

Feeling sheepish. Don’t be a sheep. Read Derek’s FAQ first.

Hi! Heard you on Renaissance Life!
Loved it. Thank you.
-Rakesh

Dear Derek - No questions, just a thank you.

Your new books arrived on Monday and I have now read both. As a budding novelist, the content was analogous to the music industry. Where agents and coaches have given instruction ("Write a pitch"), you were much more hands on. You have given me much to think about and I am inspired. Thanks for your work. Stay well during these bizarre times.

=》 Your ans. are such a fully readable and satisfying, I was read it all above are mentioned. Great work sir 😊😊😊

=》 My question :- I'm also introvert. my dreams are big like adventure and luxury life style for my family. I heard that job can't full fill your dreams but business can. My opinion on business is like your, I don't want to handle many more people. So, what can I do🤔?

I am a teacher, a Kenyan, a photographer, and business owner currently based in Ghana. Your work is important to my company. My wife and I are reading your book summaries. Your work matters to this young couple in this corner of the world. Thank you for all that you do.

Best,
John Kamau

I absolutely love how you made this website free of commercials and with lots of recommendations for books to read.

And I am really fascinated by the fact that you encourage people to write to you and that you take the time to read it all. And by some of the other things you say or write and some of your perspectives. For example that you talk about being rich without automatically talking about "having lots of money" but rather "lots of happiness". And that for you as you describe it in "Anything you want" the goal is not necessary to always grow bigger. I rarely hear anybody say that.

I was recommended that book from a friend of mine "Chris". He said it was the best business book he ever red. We agreed to meet next week, and as was not too enthusiastic about his suggestion of going skiing he told me I could come up with an suggestion of what I wanted to do. So I wrote him a list of 9 things I would love to do, witch was as follows: 1: Go to a SPA, 2: Discuss business, 3: Just meet and drink coffee, 4: Discuss psychology 5: Training on being a personal trainer, 6: Read a short book each and discuss the content, 7: Run around "Nøklevann" (a beautiful lake, 8 km), 8: Cook, 9: Work in my apartment with renovating.

Chris replied by recommending your book and cleverly told me that made it possible to cover both 2,3,4 and 6 at the same time!:)

Anyway. Thanks for your time and for sharing your experiences. And if you have not been here yet, come to Norway, (where I live) it is amazing. And when you go to Norway, if you would like to see something special, or if you have some questions, or would for example like to to go to the mountains, just let me know and you are most welcome to be my guest.

Have a lovely evening, Helene

Hi Derek,

I just finished reading your book 'Hell Yeah Or No".

If there ever was one word to describe it, it would be 'beautiful'.

I've been consistently reading since October 2019, and during this time I noticed that your name came up a lot. If I am not mistaken, I remember hearing about you from Tim Ferris, Cal Newport, Steven Pressfield and Seth Godin. I added your name to my reading list and finally committed to seeing what your book was all about.

The biggest impact your book had on me would have to be on the area of focus.

I have a tendency to change projects on a whim instead of sticking with them. By subtracting certain options from my life, I have now freed up an enormous amount of mental energy, energy that can now go into my top 2-3 projects.

Thanks for taking the time to write such an amazing book!

Yours sincerely,

Matthew Leslie

Hello Derek,

I've come across your name a couple of times and loved your "Hell Yes" or "No" idea. It's helped a lot with my music selection.

Keep up the good work.

Best,

Adham

Derek,

Thank you for sharing your direct wisdom in Hell Yeah or No. I moved into a new home and thought I had unpacked all I needed. This has been uplifting to read. Please keep making content!!!

Sincerely,
Ej aka Elise

AWESOME!

Derek,

I'm stopping by here after showing my (quite brilliant and inquisitive) 17-year-old son your TED Talk about the importance of the first follower.

He loved it, and I loved seeing it again, but this time with him.

Lots of resources above, so I plan to read up and also share with my wife. She's a full-time working artist, and I'm a career nonprofit fundraiser who wishes he could be a full-time working writer, so I will read and share the article on "How to do what you love."

Thanks again for all your community service and for your focus on what matters to you.

Howard Freeman
Kerrville, Texas

My friend recommended your book. You are awesome! Your spirit reminded me of Zig Ziglar's, his quote that left a mark on me was "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want." Thank you for writing Anything You Want.

I've just devoured 'Anything you want'. Thank you for writing such a succinct and useful book without any of the BS. I have a question on how to make myself unnecessary to the running of my business. I'm a grief coach, and specialise in baby loss, it's through my own personal journey that I've arrived at this work. My shared experience and my shared grief is the reason people use me. How can I possibly make myself unnecessary when it's me they are buying into?
Thank you so much. I would be delighted to get your insight into my question.
Best wishes,
Nikki Peterson

Hi Derek, I'm a huge fan, but haven't written, to avoid adding to your 200k emails!

BUT today is my birthday, and I'm celebrating by reaching out to people who have impacted my life. THANK YOU! You make me proud to be a human, which is hard sometimes.

I also need some advice. I am teaching my first college class in a while, on Social Entrepreneurship. Can you tell me 1) any great resources on the topic, 2) your #1 (or #3!) reason someone should NOT launch a nonprofit on an issue they care about?

Thanks, and keep up the great work.

I love your work.

I love your blog. You enlighten me.

I think you are a great person.

Who’s blog do you read that inspires you the way you do to me?

Thanks,

John Collins
Thanks! I don't read blogs. Just books. — Derek