Derek Sivers

Principles are our summary of their public statements.

• Provide the Missing Perspective

  Content

  Instead of repeating popular advice, focus on sharing ideas that compensate for what is missing in the mainstream conversation.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Singing the counter-melody, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

• Signal your seriousness through location

  Brand

  Being physically present in an industry's heart shows agents, producers, and executives that you are fully committed to the game.

  Supporting quotes

  • “One of the best things you can do for your career is to move to a big city - one of the major media centers - the places that broadcast to the entire world.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Be honest about the present

  Focus

  Distinguish clearly between past accomplishments and current activities to stay focused on what matters now.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Keep earning your title, or it expires, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

• Focus on present reality

  Focus

  Clinging to past identities can become a mental block that prevents someone from seeing how to best apply themselves in their current situation.

  Supporting quotes

  • “Anything that inspires focus is a good thing, for focus breeds success.”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

• Reignite the amateur spirit

  Resilience

  When momentum from previous achievements fades, one should embrace the fearless energy of an amateur to start something new.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source Keep earning your title, or it expires, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

• Ask for help without waiting

  Mindset

  A resourceful person actively seeks support from others but continues to move forward independently instead of stalling until that help arrives.

  Source What it means to be resourceful, 2018  (opens in a new tab)

• Persistence over permission

  Resilience

  Success often comes from showing up and refusing to leave until a 'no' turns into a 'yes' through sheer determination.

  Source What it means to be resourceful, 2018  (opens in a new tab)

• Prioritize specific research

  Learning

  Deep research into unexplored topics allows for more interesting and unique insights than asking standard, polished questions.

  Supporting quotes

  • “First he finds brilliant accomplished people that he wants to learn from - people that are not too famous so they are not too polished in their answers.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Accept the transitional void

  Resilience

  Moving between phases of life or business often involves a period of 'nakedness' where you lack a clear label. This confusion for others is a necessary part of finding a better fit.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source My old clothes don’t fit, 2019  (opens in a new tab)

• Wealth is a ratio

  Wealth

  Wealth is defined by what one has divided by what one wants; reducing desires increases wealth as much as increasing assets.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source Wealth = Have ÷ Want, 2024  (opens in a new tab)

• Prioritize experience over documentation

  Life

  Focus on being fully present in an activity instead of curating a version of it for external validation.

  Supporting quotes

  • “Do we really want to do this thing, for its own sake? Or do we just want the praise?”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Invest instead of spending

  Wealth

  Only spend money on things that provide long-term value, effectively treating every expense as an investment in the future.

  Supporting quotes

  • “When making a decision, ask yourself how you'll feel about it when you're old. What would your future self and family thank you for?”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Document philosophy and details

  Management

  When delegating, provide every detail of the process along with the underlying philosophy to ensure the work aligns with your vision.

  Supporting quotes

  • “You can't act on a vague desire. But with an hour of research you could find the names of ten booking agents that work with ten artists you admire.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Identify the true beneficiary

  Decisions

  Determine who truly owns a problem by identifying who gains the most from its resolution before accepting it as a duty.

  Supporting quotes

  • “To know whose problem it is, think who benefits most from solving it.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Practice Intellectual Humility

  Mindset

  Always doubt your own rationalizations and stay curious about hidden subconscious motivations.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Your explanations are not true, 2022  (opens in a new tab)

• Respect the audience's perspective

  Marketing

  Just because you wouldn't buy a high-end product doesn't mean others won't; focus on the value it provides to those who actually need it.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source We don’t need to use what we make, 2024  (opens in a new tab)

• Question your cultural defaults

  Decisions

  Realize that personal beliefs are often just products of local environment. To grow, one must deeply understand the working philosophy of different cultures.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Moving for good, 2018  (opens in a new tab)

• Use self-inquiry as entertainment

  Creativity

  Direct your own mental entertainment by asking challenging questions about your life, regrets, and ambitions.

  Supporting quotes

  • “We've all had plenty of input. It's fun to let your mind direct its own entertainment.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Understand the rule's purpose

  Integrity

  Before breaking or changing a rule, ensure you understand why it exists and confirm that your actions won't cause harm.

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Rules are a starting point, not the final answer, 2025  (opens in a new tab)

• Improve the game itself

  Leadership

  Don't just play by the existing rules; actively work to improve and change them over time to make things better.

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Rules are a starting point, not the final answer, 2025  (opens in a new tab)