All Segments
Derek Sivers (Part Two) — Just Do The Thing | Episode 186
11 segments available
The inimitable Derek Sivers returns for Part Two of our conversation. Important Links: - Part One - Website - https://sive.rs - Twitter - https://twitter.com/sivers?s=21&t=r5Rw1ujHLmOB6xEJqeaV6g - Still Too Soon to Tell & Other Songs - https://sive.rs/music - Tech Independence - https://sive.rs/ti Show Notes: 0:00:00 Video intro 0:00:45 Main podcast 0:02:29 Curiosity Starts With Dissatisfaction 0:11:13 Defining Things By Their Opposites 0:17:29 Counterbalancing Our Biases 0:25:07 How To Reframe Your Problems 0:36:07 Still Too Soon To Tell 0:40:32 Alternate Pasts & Alternate Futures 0:51:34 The Choice You Commit To Is The Best Choice 0:58:03 Just Do The Thing 1:17:07 What Next? 1:23:41 Derek As Emperor Of The World 1:27:28 End screen Books Mentioned: - Anything You Want; by Derek Sivers - Hell Yeah Or No; by Derek Sivers - How To Live; by Derek Sivers - Your Music And People; by Derek Sivers - William Blake vs the World; by John Higgs - The God Problem: How a Godless Cosmos Creates; by Howard Bloom - The Selfish Gene; by Richard Dawkins - Awaken The Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Life; by Tony Robbins - The Enlightenment Trilogy; by Jed McKenna - What's Our Problem?: A Self-Help Book for Societies; by Tim Urban
Segments Timeline
The Power of Commitment
Derek Sivers discusses the importance of making a choice and committing to it wholeheartedly. He emphasizes that the act of deciding and dedicating oneself to a path transforms that choice into the best one. This segment highlights the contrast between passive observation and active participation in life, urging listeners to 'just do the thing' and explore the potential outcomes of their decisions.
"[Music] spending all your time filling it with regrets right that's not a useful use of your time should I do this or should I do that should I live here or should I live there should I take this job ..."
Curiosity Begins with Dissatisfaction
In this segment, Sivers explores the idea that curiosity is often sparked by dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. He reflects on his upcoming book, 'Useful Not True,' and how recognizing a desire for change is essential for growth. Sivers argues that without a sense of dissatisfaction, individuals lack the motivation to seek improvement or new knowledge.
"yeah no I'm good is there a way to instill no no no you're not good you you you really want to learn more you really want to really want to change H I guess it has to start with a disatisfaction doesn..."
Defining Opposites
Derek Sivers delves into the concept of defining things by their opposites, using examples from religion and art. He discusses how identities and beliefs are often shaped in contrast to what they are not, illustrating this with references to Christianity and Islam. This segment encourages listeners to consider how oppositional definitions shape their understanding of the world.
"finished a book on William Blake it was called William Blake uh verse the world and um he he is such an interesting cat because he was a Mystic and like many people if you read contemporary people who..."
Counterbalancing Biases
In this thought-provoking segment, Sivers discusses the importance of counterbalancing our biases by exploring multiple perspectives. He emphasizes that true understanding comes from considering various viewpoints and not just clinging to one 'truth.' This approach fosters a richer comprehension of complex issues and encourages open-mindedness.
"belief by the way um I I I always uh you know I I am basically an agnostic because I think that uh what do I know I mean honestly how arrogant would I have to be to assert with absolute certainty that..."
Reframing Problems
Sivers shares insights on how to reframe problems to gain new perspectives and solutions. He discusses the significance of viewing challenges from different angles and the creative potential that arises from this practice. This segment serves as a guide for listeners looking to shift their mindset and approach obstacles with renewed clarity.
"something that you're really good at and and that's the ability to reframe the way you look at things and I I I wonder if that isn't also um part part of the deal bucky bucky Fuller had this thing whe..."
Still Too Soon To Tell
In this brief segment, Sivers reflects on the uncertainty of outcomes and the importance of patience in the creative process. He acknowledges that not all results are immediately clear and that time often reveals the true value of our efforts. This insight encourages listeners to embrace the journey rather than fixate on immediate results.
"what my grandfather taught me when I was just a a youngster uh I had the great Good Fortune of living in the town he lived in and uh he was quite successful and and he would come my grandmother died a..."
Exploring Alternate Realities
Derek Sivers discusses the concept of alternate pasts and futures, contemplating how different choices could lead to vastly different outcomes. He invites listeners to consider the 'what ifs' of their lives and how these reflections can inform their current decisions. This segment encourages a deeper understanding of the impact of choices on life trajectories.
"I wanted to tell the audience a little uh story my sister who's two years younger than me um just a few weeks ago said that she really um feels a little I don't know resentful or bad that that I had a..."
The Best Choice is the Committed Choice
In this empowering segment, Sivers asserts that the choice you commit to becomes the best choice. He emphasizes the importance of dedication and making the most of one's decisions, regardless of the initial doubts. This message serves as a motivational reminder for listeners to embrace their choices and fully engage with their paths.
"nice so my last book called How To Live um I came across a really interesting idea while writing it probably my single favorite new idea that came from writing that book was in the SE second chapter a..."
Just Do The Thing
Sivers encapsulates the essence of taking action in this segment, urging listeners to 'just do the thing.' He discusses the fears and hesitations that often accompany decision-making and encourages a proactive approach to life. This segment serves as a rallying cry for those feeling stuck or uncertain about their next steps.
"in your many travels and all the people you've spoken with and all your experiences in life is there like an archetype for for the type of people like me and you h [Music] h hunger um we call it hunge..."
What Comes Next?
In this reflective segment, Sivers contemplates the future and the possibilities that lie ahead. He discusses the importance of being open to new experiences and the unknown. This segment encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty and remain curious about what the future may hold.
"yeah like okay spent the 700 bucks give it a try that's what I love about you what what what other than your book um what else are you working on right now that um people might love to hear about H it..."
Derek as Emperor of the World
Sivers humorously imagines what it would be like if he were in charge of the world. He shares his thoughts on leadership, creativity, and the changes he would implement. This lighthearted segment provides a glimpse into Sivers' personality and vision for a better world.
"treat I am waving a magic wand and I'm making you the emperor of the world for one day you can't kill anyone you can't put anyone in a re-education camp but what you can do is we're going to hand you ..."