Self

Hell Yeah or No: 6 key ideas

by Derek Sivers

The core ideas of Hell Yeah or No, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   Hell yeah or no

   If an opportunity doesn't excite you, say no.

   Saying yes to lukewarm things fills your life with them and leaves no room for the ones that would thrill you.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Don't be a donkey

   A donkey that can't choose between hay and water starves.

   You can do many things in life, just not all at once. Pick one and do the others later.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   Use your unique traits

   What feels ordinary to you may be remarkable to others.

   Notice what comes easily to you and lean into it.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   Change your story

   The stories you tell about your past shape your future.

   Rewrite them in ways that are true and also useful.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   Think long-term

   Short-term thinking leaves you chasing quick wins.

   A ten-year view makes patient choices obvious.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   Be valuable, not busy

   Busy is a choice and a signal of poor priorities.

   Focus on the few actions that create most of the value.