Anything You Want by Derek Sivers

Last updated: Jul 6, 2023

Summary of Anything You Want by Derek Sivers

Anything You Want by Derek Sivers is a book that offers valuable insights and lessons based on the author's experiences as an entrepreneur and founder of CD Baby, an online music store.

The book emphasizes the importance of following your passion and doing what you love. Sivers believes that success comes from being true to yourself and pursuing your own unique path. He encourages readers to focus on their personal goals and not be swayed by external pressures or societal expectations.

Sivers shares his journey of starting CD Baby, which began as a side project to sell his own music online. He discusses the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way. One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of staying focused and not getting distracted by too many ideas or opportunities.

Sivers also emphasizes the significance of providing exceptional customer service. He believes that by going above and beyond to satisfy customers, businesses can create loyal and enthusiastic supporters. He shares anecdotes and examples from his own experiences to illustrate the power of customer service in building a successful business.

Another important theme in the book is the idea of simplicity. Sivers advocates for keeping things simple and avoiding unnecessary complexity. He believes that simplicity leads to clarity and allows for better decision-making. He encourages readers to streamline their businesses and eliminate anything that doesn't contribute to their core mission.

Throughout the book, Sivers shares numerous practical tips and advice for entrepreneurs. He discusses the importance of taking risks, learning from failures, and embracing change. He also emphasizes the value of building a strong team and surrounding oneself with talented individuals.

Overall, Anything You Want is a book that offers valuable insights and lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. It encourages readers to follow their passion, provide exceptional customer service, embrace simplicity, and take risks. Sivers' personal anecdotes and practical advice make this book an inspiring and informative read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship.

1. Start with "no" and let the "yes" come later

In the book, Derek Sivers emphasizes the importance of saying "no" to opportunities that don't align with your goals or values. He believes that by saying "no" to the wrong things, you create space for the right opportunities to come along. This approach allows you to focus on what truly matters and avoid spreading yourself too thin.

By starting with "no," you prioritize your time and energy, ensuring that you invest them in the most meaningful endeavors. It's about being selective and intentional with your choices. This mindset shift can help you avoid distractions and stay on track towards your goals.

2. Make your business personal

Sivers emphasizes the importance of infusing your business with your personality and values. He believes that people connect with authenticity and genuine human experiences. By making your business personal, you create a unique and memorable brand that resonates with your audience.

Whether it's through storytelling, personal anecdotes, or simply being transparent about your journey, sharing your personality can help you build trust and loyalty with your customers. It's about creating a human connection that goes beyond transactions. By making your business personal, you differentiate yourself from competitors and create a lasting impact.

3. Trust but verify

Sivers introduces the concept of "trust but verify" as a way to approach partnerships and collaborations. While trust is essential, it's also important to verify the facts and ensure that both parties are aligned in their goals and values.

By trusting but verifying, you protect yourself from potential misunderstandings or conflicts down the line. It's about finding a balance between trust and due diligence. This approach can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.

4. Embrace constraints

Sivers encourages embracing constraints as a catalyst for creativity and innovation. He believes that limitations can actually fuel your creativity and force you to think outside the box.

Instead of seeing constraints as obstacles, view them as opportunities to find unique solutions. By embracing constraints, you challenge yourself to be resourceful and find creative ways to overcome limitations. This mindset shift can lead to breakthrough ideas and unexpected success.

5. Be relentlessly resourceful

Sivers emphasizes the importance of being resourceful and finding creative solutions to problems. He believes that resourcefulness is a key trait of successful entrepreneurs.

Instead of waiting for the perfect conditions or relying on external resources, be proactive and find ways to make things happen with what you have. This mindset encourages you to think outside the box, be adaptable, and find innovative solutions to challenges.

6. Focus on what's working

Sivers advises against wasting time and energy on fixing weaknesses or pursuing things that aren't working. Instead, he suggests focusing on what's already working and doubling down on those strengths.

By focusing on what's working, you maximize your potential for success. It's about leveraging your strengths and building upon them. This approach allows you to make the most of your resources and achieve greater results.

7. Be the real you

Sivers encourages authenticity and being true to yourself. He believes that trying to be someone you're not is a waste of time and energy.

By embracing your true self, you attract the right people and opportunities that align with your values and goals. It's about being genuine and transparent in your interactions. This authenticity creates a strong foundation for meaningful relationships and success.

8. Enjoy the journey

Sivers emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and finding joy in the journey towards your goals. He believes that success is not just about achieving a specific outcome but also about the experiences and growth along the way.

By embracing the journey, you cultivate a positive mindset and find fulfillment in the present moment. It's about appreciating the small wins, learning from failures, and enjoying the process of continuous improvement. This mindset shift allows you to find happiness and fulfillment in your entrepreneurial journey.