Derek Sivers

Principles are our summary of their public statements.

• Seek New Perspectives

  Mindset

  When stuck, the most valuable thing a mentor provides is a different perspective to choose from.

  Source How to ask your mentors for help, 2019  (opens in a new tab)

• Environment Dictates Focus

  Focus

  Choose a remote or desirable location that reinforces the psychological narrative of leaving distractions behind to master a craft.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Mastery school, 2019  (opens in a new tab)

• Focus on Meta-Skills

  Learning

  Instead of teaching specific subjects, focus on the universal skills of practice, discipline, and the craft of learning itself.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Mastery school, 2019  (opens in a new tab)

• Avoid the consistency trap

  Decisions

  Publicly announcing a purpose creates a social pressure to stay congruent, which can prevent a founder from pivoting to new, better interests.

  Supporting quotes

  • “When we're actually engaged in the flow of fascinating work, we don't think in these terms. The task at hand fills our mind.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Reject the main character delusion

  Mindset

  One should stop viewing their life as a linear story or themselves as a main character to be impressed by, focusing instead on the immediate process.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source dashing dog, searching for purpose, 2023  (opens in a new tab)

• Experiment without labels

  Creativity

  Engage in activities because they are enjoyable or therapeutic without needing to label them as a passion or a career path.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source dashing dog, searching for purpose, 2023  (opens in a new tab)

• Opposing Needs as Remedies

  Mindset

  View conflicting needs like stability and adventure or consumption and creation as remedies for each other rather than ignoring them.

  Supporting quotes

  • “If you rise to great heights in only one area, you're a one-legged giant: easily toppled.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Seek the hidden incentive

  Negotiation

  Instead of judging someone's behavior as irrational, identify the specific rewards or benefits that make that behavior logical from their perspective.

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Try to find their incentives, 2025  (opens in a new tab)

• Suit the action to the mood

  Productivity

  When feeling unmotivated for creative or exciting work, use that low energy to complete boring administrative tasks or chores.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source When you’re extremely unmotivated, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

• Use rituals as practice

  Life

  View arbitrary holidays as rehearsals for virtues like gratitude or change, rather than the only time these feelings are valid.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Time is personal. Your year changes when your life changes., 2019  (opens in a new tab)

• Act on inspiration not coercion

  Integrity

  Perform meaningful actions like gift-giving or celebrations when they feel right and inspired, rather than when society demands them.

  Supporting quotes

  • “I try to look at the highlights of my life as stages I've gone through. Some stages are three to four years long. Others are 15 to 20 years long.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Prioritize health over all matters

  Life

  Putting physical and mental well-being before other obligations is often the catalyst for a fresh start in life. Neglecting health for work or stress can lead to long-term damage.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source Time is personal. Your year changes when your life changes., 2019  (opens in a new tab)

• Use deadlines to drive practice

  Productivity

  Setting a future date for a specific event can make preparation and practice more meaningful and achievable.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source Time is personal. Your year changes when your life changes., 2019  (opens in a new tab)

• Adopt an Anthropological Mindset

  Mindset

  Instead of dismissing unfamiliar beliefs as ridiculous, one should approach them with curiosity to understand the underlying human motivations.

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source The first time I met someone who believes in God, 2024  (opens in a new tab)

• Switch from broadcasting to listening

  Marketing

  Effective marketing requires stopping the one-way flow of information and actively listening to the audience's perspective.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source It’s hard to get off stage, 2018  (opens in a new tab)

• Prioritize personal connection over automation

  Customers

  Maintain a human interface with customers instead of relying solely on automated systems to solve problems.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source Solitary socialite, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

• Prioritize focused communication channels

  Life

  Choosing communication methods that minimize distractions, like phone calls over noisy restaurants, can lead to higher quality interactions.

  Supporting quotes

  • “However, the best part of my days are book-ended with time spent with my wife and kids which I thoroughly enjoy.”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

• Balance solitude with deep connection

  Mindset

  A founder can thrive in solitude for work while maintaining deep, meaningful connections through intentional family time and remote communication.

  Supporting quotes

  • “However, the best part of my days are book-ended with time spent with my wife and kids which I thoroughly enjoy.”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

• Prioritize physical health

  Productivity

  Even when working long hours at a desk, it is essential to schedule regular exercise and time in nature to stay healthy.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source Solitary socialite, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

• Avoid the trap of persistence

  Strategy

  Sticking to a plan just to appear tough is often a strategic error; one must be willing to change directions when the situation demands it.

  Supporting quotes

  • “The bottom line for me is that "staying the course" might sound tough and hard-core, but it's often unwise.”