I got to know Derek Sivers through Ali Abdaal’s podcasts, in the early years when I started following podcasts myself. Back then, I was a big fan of Ali, now a bit less so, but Derek has only grown in my eyes. His works are small, simple, and impactful.
One of those booklets is Hell Yeah or No. I bought it a few years ago and immediately found it remarkable. Dozens of short pieces that always made me think. I remember reading it with great pleasure and regularly interrupting my wife to read something aloud.
Today, I picked it up again, this time as an audiobook. Each piece makes me think again: how can I apply this in my own life? This morning, I was even happy to go exercise, rowing, just to keep listening. I had a thought with every fragment. Unfortunately, I can’t use my dictaphone while rowing, but I plan to listen to the book again soon with my recorder at the ready, so I can immediately capture my reactions and reflections.
What strikes me most: I hear it now with different ears. In the past two years, I’ve changed. I’ve become a grandfather, undergone surgery, and view my business with completely different eyes. That gives a different perspective. It reminds me of the movie Flying High. The first time I saw it, I found it dull, but years later, I was doubled over with laughter. The movie had stayed the same, but I had changed. It feels the same now with this booklet: the same texts, but new insights.
In short: Hell Yeah or No gets an 11 out of 10 from me.