📖 Anything You Want by Derek Sivers
Topic: Business | Rating: 5/5
Outline
Key lessons from an accidental entrepreneur. Proving you don’t need a fancy business plan or loads of funding to create a business. And by sticking to your values, you can design your ideal world.
Why I read this book
To alleviate the self-perceived pressure on what success and someone's journey should look like.
Three keynotes
1. Be content with your values
In the pursuit of growth, don’t forget your values and why you started. Bigger does not necessarily mean better. And just remember in this very moment, you have everything you need to be happy and complete.
“Never forget why you’re really doing what you’re doing. Are you helping people? Are they happy? Are you happy? Are you profitable? Isn’t that enough?” (Sivers 2011, p.35)
2. There are several ways to get to your destination
The future is unpredictable. So, don’t be discouraged if things don’t go to plan because the unexpected should be expected. The most important thing is that you know you’re going in the right direction by staying true to your values.
“You can’t pretend there only one way to do it. Your first idea is just one of many options.” (Sivers 2011, p.30)
3. Focus on your happiness
The start a business is to create a world that is your own. Never forget why you are doing it and focus on what makes you happy. Passion over profits paradoxically leads to more profits.
“No matter which goal you choose, there will be lots of people telling you you’re wrong. Just play close attention to what excites you and what drains you. Pay close attention to when you’re being the real you and when you’re trying to impress an invisible jury." (Sivers 2011, p.83-84)
Thoughts/reflection
It is inevitable that people will ask about your life/career/business. They may provide their opinion/advice because they care. But it’s my own insecurities on what “success” should look like that cause me to question my success. Feeling like I need to say that I am "killing it" all the time.
Success and happiness are individual to the person. It is more intrinsic than extrinsic. So, this book has been a heartfelt reminder to focus on my own journey and what makes me happy.
I adored this book and definitely recommend it for anyone needing some reassurance to follow their own path. 🥰