No more yes. It's either HELL YEAH! or no.
2009-08-26
Those of you who often over-commit or feel too scattered may appreciate a new philosophy I'm trying:
If I'm not saying “HELL YEAH!” about something, then say no.
Meaning: When deciding whether to commit to something, if I feel anything less than, “Wow! That would be amazing! Absolutely! Hell yeah!” - then my answer is no.
When you say no to most things, you leave room in your life to really throw yourself completely into that rare thing that makes you say “HELL YEAH!”
We're all busy. We've all taken on too much. Saying yes to less is the way out.
Examples:
I was hiring someone for a long-term project. There were many candidates. I compared pros-and-cons. Nobody blew me away, but I felt I had to choose one of them. Instead, I said no to all, and began the search again in a different way. That turned up someone absolutely amazing who is ideal and I'm psyched to be working with.
I was supposed to go to three music conferences in the next few months. They were spread out around the world and would have taken many expensive days in planes and hotels to be there. I had said yes to all of them out of habit or obligation. But I realized I wasn't feeling “HELL YEAH!” about them, so I cancelled all three. They're a little disappointed but I was able to clear off 12 days in my calendar! 12 days!! Do you know how much I can do with 12 free days? Maybe I could get Muckwork launched! Now that is a “HELL YEAH!”
I was deciding where to live. I had heard good things about Vancouver and Sydney. I was interested in Hong Kong and Florianópolis. But when I got to New York City I felt such an instant “HELL YEAH!” that I stayed.
9, 10 or 1
The surprisingly great book “Personal Development for Smart People” asks you to think about the different areas of your life (career, relationships, spiritual, health, etc.) - and rate your satisfaction in each area from 1 to 10.
But after doing that, the next suggestion impressed me: it said to go through every area you rated a 5, 6, 7, or 8 - and replace it with a 1! That we should never settle for “it's not so bad” - and instead face up to what you really want.
In other words: No more “yes”. It's either “HELL YEAH!” or “no”.
Interesting response about the flip side, here.
I was saying to someone the other day that I've been having to say "no" more often lately. But, I like the way you are looking at it a WHOLE lot better.
As usual you've given me something to think about, something to motivate me and of course great advice.
Thank you!
HELL YEAH - I like the post! Great perspective, Derek.
completely correct
Wow ! this is so true ... i always believed in this ! coz if you're not hell yeah you will be "hell no" very soon which leads to "do i have to's" and then to Mondays !
Love your ideas! Sometimes I get an idea to do something, and think, "hell yeah!" but then as the date for departure or the event or whatever gets closer, I start realizing, "uh oh! What have I gotten myself into?" For example, I went on what I thought was a "hell yeah!" trip to the border of Burma, but the group I was traveling with turned out to be unfriendly, with an agenda that conflicted with mine, and so I just clammed up and made the best of it, stuck in that "but this is supposed to be hell yeah" misery.
The trick seems to be about listening to the part of me that knows when it is time to change course, versus feeling obligated to hang onto a path even after it is obvious that I'm going the wrong way! Instead of thinking of this as letting go of a "bad" idea, I am trying to think of it as letting go of an idea when I am finished with it.
Wow. Great point, Jenny. Thanks for the reminder that choices change! -- Derek
This post rocks: although we all have to roll with a little 5-6-7-8; I suppose they can be worked on so they do become HELL YEAH!
I completely agree. The way you approached it is very tangible and energized rather than the typical "yes or no". It makes the commitment itself a more exciting journey.
Awesome! As entrepreneurs we tend to launch ourselves into so many projects in order to create multiple streams of income, and for most us it just bogs down everything and NOTHING flourishes.
Thanks for another insightful and motivating post Derek, it's a great kickstart to trim down the to-do list and focus.
--Donnie C.
Glad you're back Derek... I've missed these... And this one was worth waiting for!
What a great perspective on things. I have a lot of commitments which I term 'oh go on then'. I am working on one right at this point of time. I am going to finish it, say no to the repeat work and set aside some time for my 'hell yeah's' on the horizon!
There you are!
I was hoping you'd be interested in this http://thevinylproject.blogspot.com/
It's your inspiration that gave me the impetus.
Hey Derek...I know just what you mean. I am terrible at saying "no" and end up swamping my calendar with stuff that I really could have passed on.
This is a very timely post, as I am in the process of implementing just what you suggest....saying "NO" to offers and projects that don't thrill me.
Cheers ~ Chip
That's great, I agree 110 %.
Like my friend told me recently,
"Don't major in minor things"
;-Martin
I've been asked to do a lot of things I didn't really want to do. The funny thing is when I do them well I usually come out having learned a tremendous amount, often having enjoyed the project a great deal, and usually having made a contribution that was significant to those who asked me. I don't disagree at all that we need to balance our committments. But "Hell yes, or No", seems a little narcissitic.
-- Derek
Maybe a little narcissism is healthy for those of us that tend to be too selfless?
of course, you post this as I'm doing my conference planning for the fall. 8^)
Sometimes you just got to say Hell No ! and back up and re-group instead of always being on the spot.Your time and energy is just as precious as the next person.
Good article.
Thank you once again, Derek! This couldn't have been more timely for my situation. I've been doing more and enjoying less. It's time to identify and cull some "1's"!!
Nothing unusual, Dear Boy. You're just tasting the fruits of 'physical' (and maybe moral)freedom, Stage 2 & 3.
Post-CDBaby, you're no longer a slave to yourself, or recently-acquired habits. You're a Real New Kid now, & your creative is kicking in for the long haul. Stay in touch.
DaddyHem
Thanks Derek,
I needed to hear that. I just discussed with my wife that I gotta clear my plate of everybody else's projects that got dumped on me, so that I can focus on my own babies!!!
Yes Derek. Personally my favorite post from you yet. To me this whole concept is really about doing as many things in life with intention. Knowing if you're going to say hell yah takes the awareness of why, how, when and who. Committing to something before this is thought through or at least intuited is risky; especially when your calendar is already filled with 5's and 6's. Plus this leads me to another thought. How many times have you heard someone "talk the talk" but not "walk the walk".... people telling you yes yes yes and then their actions turn into a big "NO"!
Saying no can be the best thing in the world. A rush! The freedom, oh, the joy. Every no opens a world of space for a yes! Couldn't agree more!
Couldn't aggree with you more Derek. I've had this conversation with waffling musicians who spread themselves thin. We need this band to be comprised of individuals whose passion for the music and lifestyle is so intense that it doesn't matter whether we're opening for Heaven & Hell in front of thousands, or headlining in front of 100, same intensity because the root of the pleasure is the same, the love of the music/band. Hell Yeah!
Great post - there are only so many hours in a day, and the more you can feel "hell, yeah!" about the happier and more fulfilled you'll be!
Hi Derek, You're spot on. We do spread ourselves to thinly, and the things we should be giving our "all" to, sometimes don't get enough of our time. I've been reviewing my situation lately, and your commments give me more food for thought.
God bless. Michael J
you are a wise man, my brother....this is, as always, excellent advice
great read and I fully agree with you Derek. Certain things in life are better left if they don't produce that HELL YEAH feeling!
to always give your best with any given situation...that can prove difficult if you spread your abilities and talents too thin.
so...Hell Yeah!
excellent advice!
—nice to have you back!
Thanks Derek for this advise it is what I REALLY need at the moment, you are so right when we have so much on our calender we really should be doing the things that we are going to benefit from not what everyone else is going to benefit from. At the moment I am committing to too much and NOT enjoying it so now I want to commit to what I get a WOW factor out of. Thanks so much Derek.
Well...I suppose if you've got that "it's all about me" attitude...Then, Hell Yeah! Say no all the time. Then, when nobody's calling anymore, You'll have all the time in the world for just you.
Hey Derek. I love your little letters. Keep em coming! I have read the book FROM GOOD TO GREAT. Have you read it? Some of the principles that you speak of are in that book. since I read it....It has helped my singing ministry immensely. The enemy of GREAT is GOOD. Just when I settle for GOOD....I forget about being GREAT and pushing forwards. I have a new crew now in the ministry...these new ones embrace vision and are excited to work toward it. I will soon be changing the site to fit the new transition. I know that most who write to you are not doing gospel music...but I can take MUCH of the concepts mentioned in the book and PRAY for the best and let God do it...And BINGO it happens. The Lord desires us to be prosperous!!! Thank you Patti
Yeah! Good to Great is one of my favorites ever! Good call. -- Derek
Great to have you back to stir more idea generation. Your idea of HELL YEAH is one I learned many years ago after lots of stress and anguish. I have always been good at organizing, partitioning, time management and multitasking (before the word multitasking was even used). But still, I often found myself trying to fit the proverbial 10 pounds of manure in a 5 pound bag, so to speak.
Finally I had to learn to just say NO to those things that didn’t really get me charged up and only say YEAH to those things that did. It is tough and many times you may hurt peoples feelings, but there are only so many hours in the day. MAKE THEM COUNT. This is a great and necessary concept. I hope others learn from it.
Talk about synchronicity, I've just been riding that "Hell Yeah" wave for the last month, so I've been wondering what I was doing all this time... Nice to see someone else is surfing the same wave and smiling
I'm hoping to get to the point in my career and my life where I have enough opportunities coming in to say no to. As it stands, there's barely anything. But your advice holds true for people who are staying very busy and know what they want and how they want to achieve it.
Hey Derek...this reminder came at a GREAT time for us. My Mom always says, "If you don't get a clear 'Yes,' then it's a 'No.'"
-- Derek
Speaking of India says that, too.
I need this on a T-shirt. On my fridge. On my screensaver. On my bathroom mirror. At my piano. I need this idea to stay in my brain. I need to stop saying "okay" to things that I don't want to do. Thanks for the reminder. Please remind me again, because I'll probably be tempted to say a stupid yes instead of a hell yes, possibly even this week!
as an australian I understand your popular because your successfull, but as both australia and the us and uk coming up have the go for it, freedom of thought and dragon slaying no fear approach to the world, don't miss the opportunity. example 1, quincy jones too busy and not keeping an open mind perhaps when whitney houston came knocking.
and don't take people on face value. if we all had your attitude then no one would of ever taken a chance on cd baby.
Kevin, what you're talking about is not a cultural difference. It's important to see the first line of the post, above. This is only an approach recommended for people who are saying OK to too many things. Scattered too thin. Being ineffective because they're doing too many things that don't excite them enough, leaving not enough room to dive deeper into the few things that do. -- Derek
I've been reading your posts for a long time, Derek, and there were lots of them that made me say "Hmmm ... yes ..."
But this one made me say "HELL YEAH!"
Whether I can actually muster up the guts to implement it is another question.
I always try to live by a similar simple rule..if you say you're going to do something do it or don't say it all.
I love it!! HELL YEAH or NO!!!! My new motto.
I also like Jenny Ruth Yasi's point about being flexible and changing one's course if the HELL YEAH mutates into a What Have I Gotten Myself Into.
Great choice of NYC! I first heard
Buddy's "That'll Be The Day" while dancing with a girl at a USO there(1957).
One year later I was in Clovis,NM recording over the same mic. That's a stretch! Define Muckwork and what it actually does.
I'm saying "HELL YEAH" just for the sack of keeping in practice. So often the idea enters the conscious mind only to questioned by old thinking habits. Such as... What If? I can't right now? Too much to do etc. Before long the "HELL YEAH" becomes a "HELL NO" as every if & but you have practised to dismiss run amuck in an illogical way. I relate it to learning an instrument, then letting all of it go. No good playing if you're constantly trying. It either flows or get off. Listening to others can really pull the shutters on many a dream. Think and move on or spend the rest of your life thinking about what you could have done. The positive about "HELL YEAH" is you still have a choice if things aren't running smoothly. At least, the first step is just that... A step forward leads to action. Baby Steps if necessary. OH HELL. It's a HEAVEN of a Life simply to take that step...
No is niiiiiice!!!!!!!!! Heaven Yes even nicer ;-p xxx
Hmm. A little self-awareness is healthy for those who are too selfless. Narcissism doesn't strike me as a healthy antidote for anything, really.
I'm guessing, though, that that's what you meant in the first place with 'Hell yeah!' Don't let others distract you...
Well, hell yes, Derek, this is perfect for me today! Deciding whether to go to the Americana Conference, will you be there to give your sage advice? That may change my decision from a yes, to a hell yes
I won't be at the conference, no. -- Derek
Thanks for posting again, wondered where you disappeared to!
I received a 'no' from a job interview recently. Rejection is hard to swallow, but now I can see that I haven't lost anything. I've gained to ability say to yes! to my dreams and the freedom to see them fulfilled. Thanks for your insights and example!
I'm saying "HELL YEAH" just for the sake of keeping in practice. So often the idea enters the conscious mind only to questioned by old thinking habits. Such as... What If? I can't right now? Too much to do etc. Before long the "HELL YEAH" becomes a "HELL NO" as every if & but you have practised to dismiss run amuck in an illogical way. I relate it to learning an instrument, then letting all of it go. No good playing if you're constantly trying. It either flows or get off. Listening to others can really pull the shutters on many a dream. Think and move on or spend the rest of your life thinking about what you could have done. The positive about "HELL YEAH" is you still have a choice if things aren't running smoothly. At least, the first step is just that... A step forward leads to action. Baby Steps if necessary. OH HELL. It's a HEAVEN of a Life simply to take that step...
Another thought - Derek, what about when YOU are "Hell Yeah!" about a project, but the person or persons you're working with are not...and the project lives or dies with THEM. (I'm involved in a project just like this now that excites me to no end, but it can only go as far as they're willing to take it - and I am not sure they want to take it very far.)
I like what Melanie said above: "Your time and energy is just as precious as the next person." I've learned this the hard way that yes, my projects are just as important as the ones I help other folks accomplish.
That's kinda like my first hiring example, above. Then you're not “HELL YEAH” about those people you're working with. Keep searching until you find people who you're thrilled to work with, because they're thrilled about the project. -- Derek
Love this one!!!
Thanks for this awesome and needed reminder.
You Rock!
Ermina
9's and 10's you will do well - with focus and energy.
5-8 you can do (and maybe you have to) but will not JUMP to do them.
1-4 you will waste a ton of time pretending to do them... and really just pushing paper around. HIRE someone whose 10 is your 1.
Everybody wins
This is from my friend Michael Thelen in Seattle
A set of my three most empowering words: "No thank you"
That's a bold statement, yet so true. I have had bad experiences 'cause I did not have the guts to say no, nor I was so patient to wait until a Hell Yes experience.
Greetings from Romania!
I agree ... I've been laid off 7 years now. It did not help that my former employer spied on me (not paranoia ... its in a court case) and black-listed me via a 2 year non-compete agreement that robbed me of many of my hard-earned certifications. So in my job search I've had to say Hell No to many potential employers ... mainly because they misrepresented the position. However at some point I need to say OK to food on the table and save the house. So what do you say when you have to get up and you say Hell No?
I can see the eyebrows raise when, as they're passing the collection plate in church, I yell out--"HELL YEAH!"
I haven't been proposed enough for work. But any and every offer I've said, 'hell yeah!' to earned me decent money. In my last visit to Amsterdam, I said, 'hell yeah!'. And I've just come back from a shorter than expected stay in Berlin, because while I was there I felt, 'uuhh! hell no!'and fled right back to Paris for a 12 hour drive! Same difference but I speak French!
You don't even know how timely this is for me. I love the stuff you write.
sorry to disagree, but duty must come in somewhere. There are some things that just have to be done by somebody, eg the washing, or changing nappies, or dealing with problems. I suppose the best attitude is to actually enjoy the menial tasks and see that service is a wonderful gift. I think you are limiting your discussion to the non-necessities?
I didn't include the “duty must come in” point of view in this tiny post, because I assume we are already surrounded by a sense of duty. But I'm glad you brought it up here. -- Derek
I also force (strongly encourage) my younger children to try things eg foods like eggplant, that they would initially react with nothing like a "Hell-yeah". Unexpected blessing sometimes comes out of situations that don't seem that inviting initially.
Having said all that, I still find the thought provocative and useful. The "Hell-yeah" principle, maybe applies better as we get older???
You're totally right, and I agree with your disagreement.
That's very true....If you can learn to say no to the things that don't totally grab you, it creates more time to spend on those things that do.
Thank you for a very good article that opened up my eyes to a lot of things!
I like this idea very much, Derek. It's an interesting approach that should lend itself to "accidental success"; however, it would also seem that it might limit you a bit. I've often spread myself thin and played shows all around the country that are not what I'd call amazing. At the same time, there have been more times than not where, "Hmmm, that could be really neat" turns into "that was amazing" simply because of the off chance I'd try something I wouldn't know whether to call hell yes or no.
In the big scheme, I like your idea of prioritizing versus whoring yourself out for everything. We all lose site of the real reason we create sometimes when we wrap up in business. I appreciate the perspective of both that you represent. Thanks again for your insight!
As usual, cogent, useful and well put!
Derek, your Muckwork project really looks already that is going to be a hit for musicians!As besides putting music out there,it is also as much as important to have it known to masses. As from your latest blog here, as always you have the gift for inspirating people to think in exciting new ways.
Your articles are like after having a great breakfast and then go lifting weights : )
I wonder...Is it safe to say that ignoring the HELL YEAH leads to "jack of all trades, master of none"?
Anyway, this is definitely something I have been struggling with for many years. There are a ton of things that i "like" to do and there are a ton of reasons why I do/did it. For instance, for years I golfed because I "like" to golf and I really like the sense of camaraderie I received by doing it with my good friends that are HELL YEAH about it (golf). BUT, when it comes down to it I am more HELL YEAH about doing something like polishing my songwriting skills or jamming with someone - which is what I am gravitating more towards these days at the expense of time spent with my good HELL YEAH golf friends.
The HELL YEAH golf guys are a little confused and maybe even hurt by my lack of participation in golf lately but they came around. We all don't hang out as much anymore but we have found other ways to connect.
I guess what I am trying to say is, I think relationships play a big role in this decision making process as well.
Oh and ...I am in the middle of reading "Made To Stick" and I congratulate you on coming up with a very sticky phrase...HELL YEAH everybody!
Wow, I like this concept. As you get older you learn to say no more, but I wish I had learned this concept at a younger age, it would have saved me so many times!!!
Thanks for the info!!!
We assume, unaware, that our culture is the best, normal, right. The development of this belief in our own culture is an important part of our ability to function effectively in it.
Causing someone to lose face:
- openly disagreeing with what someone says, especially if senior
- correcting what someone has said, especially if senior
- criticizing someone present
- challenging something someone says
- giving negative feedback
- not being able to answer a question one should know the answer to
- not being prepared in circumstances where you should be
- saying something is not possible
- admitting a mistake
- admitting you don't know
- admitting you're not on schedule, falling behind.
- asking for help or more time
I did all of that in Thailand, in perfect native Thai (as I am half-Thai with an English mind), and I earned a lot of enemies who are rich and in power decision-making positions.
And also I earned a lot of friends in the working under- underpaid class.
MMhh!
Best thing I've read all week. And I read constantly. ")
Derek...One of your best!!
---There's a song in this one!
Great article Derek!!! this is very true
That is why we had so much more time when we were 18. Back then if it didn't excite me I didn't do it, leaving me time for the things that DID excite. When we "play" adult we think of all we are "supposed" to do and forget what we want to or "need" to do for our own soul.
At 58 I am acting 18 again and doing what I love!
Goodness, if I look at things like that; I have a lot of junk I want to clear up and very few things I want to immerse myself in!
Great post!
Not that I dont like the ONE concept. I am and always have said hell yea to my projects. Other peoples committments to my projects is very, very hard to judge. Comittiment is high in almost all the people at first. Working a project we know the committement. How to pick the people who will over a long hall, have the same committe ment, AND see (believe) the rewards at the end. That can change as you get to know even the best ONE.
I see it as a leader, you have to be open to change in personel as well as change for the product you are selling. Like you said very simplely which I love is, if they aint talking word of mouth and you cant deal with changeing your own idea, or product to get that word of mouth, i dont think u will ever find the ONE. Sucess brings choices. There is where you can make and have the choices for sucess you need. I dont believe in maniplation. I believe in a win win. SO with getting over the first hurdel, which is getting a product people want to buy, you can find the missing links. I have many A AND B lists to chose from. But having the sucess to make things happen, sometimes there is where we have to make the hard choices. I have band members that I use regularly, that may not be where they need to be when I need the best to represent my product. There i think you gotta think hard.
Commitment is hard for most people. I can HONESTLY admit I am on the fence with decision making. Guilt plays into things. As I get older and learn who I am, the practice of learning to say no because you can is absolutely amazing. It does free up not only your time, but your mind. Hell yeah is a great enthusiastic statement and feeling. You have the right to say no and hell yeah. And forget obligations and guilt. 12 work days and a free mind is absolutely in everyone's best interest...
HELL YEAH DEREK!
AND I HAVE BEEN WONDERING WHERE YOU WERE!..
I read somewhere that it is better to be hot or cold, but most are lukewarm and are spit out. . .or something like that. This method ensures either go for it, or drop it. Saves time and provides the energy to go completely into something. Nice post, Derek!
I was. Never really afraid to say no to people. Honestly and integrity about how you truly feel is important. Somethings are more appealing to say Hell Yeah to than others and you can't please everyone!. Time manage your life and say Hell Yeah to free time
Thanks so much Derek! My sentiments exactly! Glad you have 12 days! Amazing! And time is of the essence as we know!
Rae
I just finished work on a single studio recording. It was Hell Ya for the duration and I am super pleased with the results. Step 2, I wanted to created a music video for it. The video was of time lapsed photography of a lake and a mountain range, of which I had 35,000 images. Ug. I fought and fought the most stubborn internal resistance to go through those thousands and thousands of photos.
Within a few days the video started to became a solid 'No'! I had lost my drive trudging through all those photos, but tried to hold on to the Hell Ya I felt when I came up with the video idea. I knew it would be a great accomplishment and compliment to the song. I persisted and won my war with art.
So, my point is that it's important to note the internal struggle as an artist and not to compromise (or put on hold) your creative ideas should you run into any resistance, internal or otherwise.
Still, thanks for the post Derek. It gives me another tool to guage what I spend my time on.
~jibran
ps. You can watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxugowJRY8s
I use to live in a black and white world, a world where something was either right or wrong and never shades of gray. As I grew older and hopefully a little wiser the "middle" road not taken became more persistent and I finally learned to factor in the gray areas into my decision making process.
Sometimes hell yeah is just what the doctor ordered, sometimes no can be the wrong choice.
Learning to find a balance between the two can be the hardest thing you will ever do but I believe with balance comes true peace of mind.
You make me smile Derek Sivers, you make me think, welcome back!
I am trying to not be miffed by the earlier post of the australian speaking as "an australian" as aren't we all just our individual self???? Goodness. Once again I applaud both your initial post and your follow up to comments. I think I have learned about duty and my own sense of what is the "right" thing to do over the initial seratonin possibility of "hell yeah".
My thing has become if I still feel a glow AFTER a sit down and a cuppa AFTER I have felt a hell yeah then it could be the real thing....
Hummm.. Very Prophetic Derek.. and the simplicity of the idea actually gives way to it's potential difficulty.
However, It's like sorting through the superfluous tasks or thoughts (muckwork) to get to that joyous guttural Ahh Haa!!! John Ruman is Right - there is a song in this one - for me it's "Gettin My Thing Together" WoW!!! You know you're doing GREAT Derek, when the comments spur on extreme motivation..!!Lol Keep it Coming..
Thank you for this Derek. This came at a time when I had a very
important decision to make. It was almost what I wanted but I still had reservations so ..... now I refocus once again. debzartonline.com & bluerayhealing.com
Peter, it sounds like you need to say Hell Yeah to doing something you love. The mass of humanity is faced with the same dilema you face. The only escape is seeing through that chaos to what you are passionate about and pursuing it with everything you have.
Best wishes to you in your battle.
Derek,
and hope you have a great day today.
Awesome post man. I totally hear you on this one. As I begin to network more and more and find more people having an interest in my help, I am sometimes feeling how on earth can I do all of this and keep a regular job. Maybe I need to say bye to the job and begin jumping into the 'Hell Yeahs' that I feel.
Meeting with a friend today to discuss helping with their music marketing and web design...Hell Yeah!
Glad you're in NYC
-Andrew
Here's to finding more HELL YEAH in one's life...
Good advice for the few of us that actually have too many social invitations etc. Most North Americans watch way too much TV,or do other mind numbing activity and should be saying yes instead of no to anything that comes their way. I've decided to become a "Yes Man" after watching the movie and have had a lot of fun doing things I never would've bothered with before.
A very timely piece, Mr. Sivers! I have waaaay too much on right now. Time to cull everything but the stuff I really want to do. HELL YEAH!
Some good sense here. After two winters of overworkload (the second of which I swore I would not let happen...again), this will be on my mind through the coming months. Similar advice has been coming my way...leave room for the good stuff. What if the good stuff doesn't come? Then you will find or create the good stuff that suits you.
Hi, Derek, Thanks for this great post. The concept works for me, since I am one of those who for years had felt compelled to do as others expected, and to put my dreams on hold. The conflict of that, alone, drained me of energy, until I figured out that no one was going to make me happy in my life choices but me. I took a chance to move to France, during a Hell Yeah moment, to live a life of music, instead of working behind a desk. No regrets, and I'm saying Hell, Yeah, a lot more often. I just started a photo blog on life here, to share the joy, and my music is taking off like a shot. Once you get used to moving on your own strongest desires, life becomes 10 times more interesting. I work harder now, but enjoy every minute of every day. I minimize interactions with the time wasters and losers as soon as I identify them, and now have more interesting people around as well. While I would never shirk real responsibilities, it's not "cruel" anymore to say no to things I don't absolutely want to do. I know this - a happy, self-directed person can do more good than a tired, resentful, and, in the end, angry person. It's great to wake up and start living, no matter when or where.
Thanks Derek! I have learned over the years that "OK" or "why not?" from the head is not nearly as empowering as "HELL HEAH" from the heart. Thanks again!!!
Seriously great advice, Derek. Seriously!
I'm not sure about this one. Most of my "hell yeah!"s have fallen through recently. I threw everything into it and nearly lost my ass. I can see where it applies it some cases, usually when you have several lucrative options on your plate, but in a case where jumping on those has bit you in the ass repeatedly maybe there's a missing piece to the puzzle.
Legend post Derek
Cape Town is a brilliant place to live if you get bored of New York... ;)
http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/CapeTownwinsBestWorldCityaward.aspx
So simple yet so true. It looks like many of us simply settle instead of really being satisfied.The middle ground seems to be out and it makes total sense! Thanks for that!
Peter.
Glad I took a few seconds to read your email.
But I did take a few seconds because of the consistent value being offered here.
Appreciate it! Hope to return it as well.
I'm learning a similar lesson lately.
A lack of inspiration with a person, or a project etc is often your bodies only way of telling you..HEY you up there! Change things now! or move on...this isn't right!!.
The Gutt is a compass. Be one with it.
Your Hell Yes or NO idea is a good Fog buster. Cuts through the clutter.
I enjoy helping people and I do...but lately I'm learning that
We help the world MOST by producing quality work and being quality individuals who shed LIGHT rather than suck it all out of a room.
Sometimes in "helping" other people or "giving" them chances they havnt earned or arent ready for yet really...I am actually turning my own light off.
Youll only get this if you've done it!
IN other ways..sometimes I have not shown just how much I could really do because I don't want to get someone jealous of me or feel bad. By choosing to hide my light because of worrying about what other people around me might feel whether its bad about themselves because they cant do what I can do...or more truly won't do for themselves.....is Anti Life giving.
Sure maybe i don't want to make other people feel bad or jealous or feel sad about what they arent accomplishing....but this is their own job to estimate themselves at the high level we all are derserved of.
this hedging is a tremendous waste on my part or any ones part who is hiding their own greatness for similar reasons..
BAD IDEA...please decide to lose it.
We need BRIGHT people who love life and experience and accomplish wonderful things within it!
Don't let losers decide who you are.
Before I read this article this morning I had an interesting dream which I wont get into but I knew when I woke up...
I knew this...
I want to work with people who can get things done on a PRO level. We change the world by partnering with equals.
I decided to help some local musicians lately by letting them in on a project I was working on.
I twas an oppurtunity to shine and it it was an in that I had earned through my recent work and connections.
THey havn't worked as hard as I did nor gone to school and or even studied music as hard as I did..etc. But, I wasn't ready to go play with the big boys for collaboration. I also side with the under dog often enough and Felt like maybe they would appreciate the opportunity.I sure would have at that level!
I let them in on it as my connections and my music is growing etc etc.
Well...what they turned in was late,amateurish, useless.
Guess who wound up doing 3x as much work just to reach a point of not looking bad because things were so late.
yep! ME!
We do not help people by working with them when they really aren't capable, willing and ready.
How many times have you given precious time, money, advice, insights, inside info, references...Only to have that person who you felt sorry for do nothing with it or make the usual mess of things that you saw them making prior to the good door opener offer you led them too...then you just feel bad about it afterwords when you give your typical 100% and they give there mediocre 50-60% and it flops.
Now I'm not talking about mentoring..That's a bit different but not really. Even in working with those of lesser abilities, age, experience etc..You need to see the potential in someone to invest your 1 life on this planet wisely.
This is no complaint..I learned a lot through each error I've made. Glad I made them!
Winners win because they know the process and mind set of winning. There really do not have to be losers..We can all win...but I guess thats what the losers dont know yet.
Winners have momentum winning...and they give the right amount of energy in a process that works for themselves AND those around them.
Your gutt doesn't feel right about something....it didn't work.
What did you think? You weren't inspired in the first place. How many times have I learned this lesson over and over again.
Thanks for the refresh. It's time appropriate.
Glad you waited and found the right collaborator Derek.
Derek,
I love you and admire you and have often sat at the feet of your greatness and absorbed and been inspired by your writings of encouragement and tried and proven ideas. but I must disagree with you here. At least for me personally, things have worked in opposite ways.I can use two major events in my life as an example. One, is when I was estactic about buying Florida real estate. I just had to have it, no one was going to stop me, and it meant more to me than even sex or musical fame at the time. I plunged in head first not only screaming "Hell Yeah!" but throwing a few F#$% Yeah's in as well. Long story short,I have lost my ass on this property. Second example of it working the other way. I was living in Nashville trying to make a go in the music business there. After five years I had had it there with the politics and put my guitar up for a while. My wife informed me of a ad in the paper she saw of an entertainment company that needed kid's entertainers for birthday parties. I hated the idea. I wanted to be a country rock artist, it was all I ever wanted. Reluctanly I went to the training classes as I figured it a better way to earn a buck than to stay at the car wash. My heart was not in it. I remember a defining moment one day, as I sat in the class waiting for everyone else to show up. As always I was the first one there, and thought seriously about just walking out. "I really don't have to do this," I thought. I can just leave. Now is my chance. I sat frozen.I was very unsure of this commitment I was making to performing at kid's parties, as all I ever wanted and the reason I moved to Nashville was to make it big in music. Well, I stayed in my seat, learned the business of entertaining at kid's parties, and twenty years later am still running a very successful family entertainment company in Chicago. I work mainly weekends and have the week off to boat, fish, or just sit on the beach and drink. I also have incorporated my solo acoustic music act into the business, so when people call abut kid shows and also mention wanting adult entertainment, I book myself as well. On top of all this I continue to perform in bars and clubs, and the money I have made as a full time entertainer has financed all three of my albums.
It's the best thing I ever did, fighting that urge to just quit and walk out because I didn't feel "Hell Yeah." I found a way to make a full time living as an entertainer,and working for that company gave me a stepping stone to build my own entertainment company. And now not only do I perform and make real good money at kid's parties every weekend, but also have developed an Elvis act, a standup comedy act, and do singing telegrams, which pays more in ten minutes than singing all night in a bar.
So I hate to disagree with you Derek, as most often you nail it on the head, but in this case I beg to differ. Sometimes our gut instinct is not correct. Not to get too spiritual here, but I really do believe satan does his best to discourage us and unleash his demons on our best laid plan and motivations. Often when we choose a project or great adventure, whether it is recording a album or riding our bike across Australia, he will do all he can to fill our heads with fear and doubt. There are always reasons to NOT try something, and the fear of failure or uncertainty of the new undertaking can cause us to back out because what is fear we will mistake as our heart not being fully into it, or us not feeling "Hell Yeah!"
I think we sometimes have to jump into things despite our feelings, as our feelings can be misguided by apprehension and doubt.
Glad you disagree, Pete! I like your perspective. Thanks for taking the time to write that here. -- Derek
Wow, just what I needed to hear this morning. I'm being faced with a lot of big life choices right now, in addition to all of the day-to-day music business decisions. It's not always easy to know what the right move is - this is a great yardstick. I opted out of The Americana Conference because I wasn't excited about spending all of that time and money just to shake hands and party. If there's no chance to play, then where's the benefit? I can shake a million hands, but if they don't hear me, they have no cause to "get on board". Now, Kerrville was different. I wasn't booked, but I was excited to go just to participate in song circles and listen. As a result, I now have a Texas tour lined up!
BTW, this same philosophy could and really should be applied to dating...I'm just sayin' ;-)
Welcome to NYC! It's a great place to live!
you are full of these gems, that when read for the fist time seem so right, so obvious that it feels to me like reading the journal of my future self, sent back in time to give me sound advice. this one in particular speaks to me in a special way. i recognize it as valuable, ingest it, process it and apply it all at once. this post makes me say "hell yeah"
from one (previous) over commiter to another, thanks.
This is definitely a philosophy that I totally agree with and that I live by more and more as time goes on. Derek thanks for the confirmation on this way of thinking. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one.
I think that saying no to things is one of the hardest skills we have to learn in business and life. If we add this to only going when the Hell Yeah! feeling is there then you have designed a really simple path to live by. I shall be taking this into my life from now on Hell Yeah!
I agree with you on this one.
Agreed with the initial part of the post (don't spread yourself out too thin), a bit surprised at the second part (others disappointed by your canceling? Never mind, you free up 12 days for yourself), and balked at the last part.
Satisfaction 1-10? Self-righteous, egotistical crap. I'd go as far as to agree it's relevant in terms of career, but you say the book says it applies to personal areas of life as well? So, going through a rough spot with your wife? Dump her. Teenage kids making your life hell? Leave them. Tired of your obligations? Just say no.
Some of us deal with the 5, 6, 7 and 8s (and lower) without whining, knowing (as any fool should) that no areas of life are constant, that a lot of the time working on them is more rewarding than simply copping out.
Rant over.
Sorry I think that part was misunderstood, since I only quoted a line from the book, but not the section around it. What he meant by changing the 5,6,7,8s to a 1 was to inspire you to improve those parts of your life, instead of just ignore them. As you say: working on them, instead of copping out. Definitely NOT dumping or leaving. -- Derek
For a long time I've was able to say "Hell yeah." most of the time. But over the last few years after a few difficult financial calamities in both my personal life and business life, the need to keep my house has caused me to suck it up and say "Yes, thank you very much..." to many jobs that I previously would have said "No" to without a blink.
So, perspective helps much in all things.
Remember, there is a balance in our lives and part of it will (should) have something to do with service. (To one's family, friends, community, etc...) It's not ALWAYS about how good "I Feel" at any particular moment. Feelings aren't facts anyway.
Very good words - about a month late for me unfortunately. I have comittments now that are like a dango noose around my neck, all because I felt I had to.
Interesting that this also applies to the vocal tracks I'm currently laying down. I guess I've always felt that way about the music I'm doing, but I ought to apply that to business decisions as well. Your wisdom is a great investment of my time. Thank you Derek.
Hell YEAH!
I'm dealing with a similar situation with a project involving people I am not "HELL YEAH" over.
I interpret the feelings of doubt as being the 'cosmos' saying forget about it.
Your method makes perfect sense.
A hearty Amen, to the hell yeah attitude/concept. Very intune with the teachings of the Good Book; "in all that you do, do it hearty as unto God"!
Keep on keepin' on Derek!
Danny
I hate the slogan " Hell Yeah". You could say f'n a or anything but "Hell Yeah". Please stop.
Derek,
Thanks for the words of advice. I am about to walk out the door and meet with my publisher. Now I know just what to say.
Best,
Amanda
Great stuff. And so fun and inspiring to read the comments.
In my experience the "Hell Yeah!" moment is a start. A way into an idea, or a person, or a project.
Am I truly interested, fascinated, curious? Is it the five cups of coffee I just drank? My youthful enthusiasm taking over?
Am I just filling up time? Or saying yes to things because freelance musicians should say "yes" to everything?
Or, maybe as Malcolm Gladwell discusses in his very useful book, "Blink," maybe our first instincts are not that spontaneous at all. I can trust them.
I believe my brain is processing all the issues I literally have "on my mind" 24/7 anyway. So when a new situation, person, smell, impression or idea just seems to appear out of nowhere, that nowhere might have been developing into somewhere for a long time.
Then after "Hell Yeah!" turns into an action, a set of expectations, or promises, many people have pointed out above that there might be an "Oh, no" moment. Or an "Oops, that smells like trouble" moment. Very true. But I can adjust, decline, apologize, and move on.
But "Hell Yeah!" sure feels great when it comes.
Good work Derek, you said it very succinctly in a post where people write a book to get the same point home!
Saying no can sometimes be the hardest thing to do..
...yet the most important.
This is a fundamental success principle - saying no to good in order to say yes to great.
I think there's a deeper principle at work underlying your concept. That is checking in with your deeper knowing. For each decision, Derek, you just checked in - what do I feel? And then followed that intuition.
One of the commentators - Gary McCallister - made an interesting point though, around learning a lot from doing stuff that you may not want to do.
I think you have to be aware, when you're checking in, what is the information you're getting back. If it's fear or resistance, there may be learning and growth from doing it anyway. But if it's obligation and guilt, or fear of loss if you DON'T do it - you may want to think again.
I like to go in the direction of fear. If I look at a project and it scares me - I will be much more likely to take it on. That has certainly led me to some interesting places in my life.
But if I look at a project and I say OK - if it makes you happy... Then I will more likely say no.
The bottom line - if you can't be true to your deepest self, you're not really serving anyone anyway.
I kinda like this idea, which leaves me with a bit of a paradox when deciding whether or not to commit to this philosophy.
You know, Derek. I don't know where we all got side-tracked. Kids are NO or HELL YEAH. Animals are. But in our overwhelmed, limp, people-pleasing and sedated trances we've managed to forget a simple thing about our basic natures: an impassioned response to what life throws at us.
Good one, Derek! Glad it became clear to you...as I hope it gets clearer to me
this is great. My mentor speaks of 'built-in obselence' ...how people think 'mediocre' these days will still get over in these days of excellence. It caused the Japanese empire to diminish so much so that people began to avoid things 'made in Japan'. But when they sent a man over to help them get it together...to understand that 'excellence' was essential to keep your customers, that's when they began to rule in business again...so much so that we prefer their products over ours.
So reading this article brings me to the thought of not accepting anything but the best in ALL areas of my life.
As I say...'you never get any moment back...even this one as I type this...so make it count. God bless-TinGle
We're a Christian band, so I just GOTTA quote some scripture here... it's the spiritual side of things... from Ecclisiastes 9:10- "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." HELL, YEAH!!!!
Couldn't have come at a better time, Derek. I needed this!
Way to go! Great inspiration, Sivers - clear and concise.
This is what artists do, what intuition is all about; act without thinking, follow the most attractive idea at any time.
Question is: Why do we keep loosing this obvious Way of Life?
S i g v e
Taking on too much benefits no one. I agree with you limits are necessary, although "hell yeah" moments also require some time to sit and be reviewed. Sometimes other details come to light that may change the whole view. I have also known people who have gone into something very enthusiastically, only to back out in the middle when they finally realize they are in shark infested waters. That can also hurt people. I am reminded of the safety cards tucked in the seat backs of airplanes that tell passengers to put on their own oxygen mask first, then help their child or someone else.
Hmmmmm......Very Interesting points made here. Is it Good or Bad to have this mind-set? I suppose a degree of common sense should play a factor in every decision we make, like the obvious, But on a career level, It would also depend if your able to give a "No" over a "HELL YEAH". This whole concept can make you or break you if your not careful with it. In the mean time while your waiting for a "HELL YEAH", you can miss so many opportunities that with you involved, could have turned out to be a "HELL YEAH" for you or someone else. I guess it depends on what side of the spectrum your on. I agree and Disagree.....lol IDK, Just my thoughts. It is something to really think about when choosing your next venture anyways....
I've decided that things in live not planned happen for a reason.
If I don't feel "Hell Yeah" on the inside I take the challenge anyways and give it my best shot.
If I fail at least I tried.
this same method is how i have always evaluated songs as a producer. with some choices, however, it's important to take a little time in evaluating these feelings of hell yes and no, moods, meals, sleep, etc. can affect a lot when you're looking for emotional reaction as derek is suggesting.
That is some of the best advice ever! Hell Yeah! thanks Derek!
Great, now I need to wash my ears out with soap.
-- Derek
Or is it my eyes ?
Ouch !
You should have seen my original version where it was FUCK YEAH!
Dear Derek:
Thanks for sharing this perspective regarding in or out. It recalls the cliche that there's no way to be half pregnant.
As some of us have gotten older, and certainly as you have become successful in your life to have the opportunity to come up for air, you can look around and pick and choose those things that either light your candle or leave you stone cold. I liken it to either having a terrific bottle of wine or skipping the alchohol all together. There's no reason to poison yourself with substance that is not spiritually rewarding.
And to some of the points I read through, it is possible to say yes to a project or opportunity and have them turn out to be extraordinary experiences.
The converse is also true. Just as it is possible to say "HELL YEAH" to a project and pour years, tears time, talent and treasure to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars into the project and have it fester and wither on the vine due in no part to a lack of effort or enthusiasm on your part. Life is that way sometimes.
But I'm not sure that is what you are talking about. I think you are talking more about volunteer and philanthropic and or perhaps friend focused projects that require massive time and treasure commitments that leave you feeling empty and used.
As I've turned 50, I'm learning that I don't have to jump head first into dark and unknown waters just because it looks like it might be thrilling, that is, if there's not a rock just below the surface of the water.
I also don't think you're saying "hell yeah" without doing your due dilligence, but rather look instead to what David Crockett said: "Be Sure You're Right, Then Go Ahead."
Peace.
Living in a bedroom community in So. CA is pleasant, but doesn't motivate a song writer to "go for the gold". Recently, I made a trip to Nashville, where I met with some interesting and helpful people at NSAI, ASCAP and others. Upon return, I've made some major decisions on how to seriously promote my songs, and can say "hell yeah" to; and feel a sense of relief that I've found some direction, rather than just plodding along as I had been doing. When the dust all settles, it may not change my life; but it does give me a feeling of accomplishment at the moment.
Great stuff...!!!
Hah! I've been trying to figure out what to do about low paying gigs that we don't need to accept but feel obligated because they were our stepping stone to where we are now.
Hell no! We played them for peanuts... they got our best.
Funny how one new thought can solve a nagging problem. I didn't think of myself as stuck in the mud, but clearly I was stuck on this one.
-lafe
Hell YEAH I like what you wrote... Thank you, it is just what I needed!
Hey Derek,
Thanks for writing this! I have a question (related to this) maybe you could cover in your next post? You mention you went about hiring someone in a totally new way. HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT FINDING THE HELL YEAH PERSON? I have been wondering this for a long time. I am so ready to hire someone for a part-time position that has amazing responsibilities but I want it to be a hell yeah for both of us!
Anne
Thank you! Thank you! It seems to be that when ever I am struggling with career decisions and or feel stagnate, there's an article from you that helps me to move forward in the right direction. I just appreciate you so very much. I've felt this way for years.... you rock!!!!
Hello Derek,
When making decisions on suggested ideas, I am reminded of Crud's Law Of The Music Business: 90% of everything is crap!
Best wishes,
Gary
Never be to self rigthous, anything you do for someone else is simply a thing you ought to be doing from your heart because you heart is the seat of motivation! People only need help once or twice, if they are smart about what they want! For instance I sent Derek something bigger than I can do, asking for his help and or input! It was NO! And never was able to revise and make viable! So my site is new but I'm working on it and I will, I will, I will, do the thing that is much larger than I! "Nothing is about self", except for food ,water and shelter! Try that as something new. All Gifts are from the Great Spirit that Create everything and the heavens!
Hi Derek,
I love the idea of what you are saying and it will be interesting to approach more things in my life that way. But let us not forget that some things that we are not so enthusiastic about giving a "Hell Yeah" still need a spot on our scale. Sometimes "No" is an unexceptable answer with consequences. So IMHO, nothing is absolute and a grey scale has it's place. But "Hell Yeah" is a great concept to move toward.
-Dennis
Thanks, Derek. I've spent the past year or so learning to say no. It's been a life saver so far, but I must admit, I needed the reminder. I'm getting ready to say a few big no's in my life and a couple really scary hell yeah's...I'm smiling about it now.
I could not agree more, Derek. And, it is particularly important for those of us (I assume you are one) who has many interests and has a hard to time saying no to people.
TommyH
Derek is in person a very nice guy! But he has made great strides with CDbaby and may other things like MUkwork and other stuff!
Some people don't have to have big dreams anymore win they have realized most of their dreams already! They only have to maintain face and philosophy!
Some one with an open mind and a few minutes to read or re-read a great idea bigger than any 20 man crew email me edivemusicbiz@gmail.com things move slow when you are poor.!!!!!
Thank you, Derek! I just realized how much more energy I will have by just saying "Hell Yeah" to only the projects that really excite me, and having the freedom to say "NO" to those that don't! It is very hard to say "No" when you are a people pleaser and you don't want to let anybody down, but I have learned that I am the one who is really hurt when I say "Yes", even though my heart isn't in it. You always put things in perspective so beautifully! How did you get so smart, so young!!
Your friend forever,
Carole
Boy-this couldn't have come at a better time!!! Thanks so much-I always look forward to and appreciate all that you share! Gina : )
Wonderful! This is so true, I'm going to look into getting that book!
Enjoyed your post as always Derek...but one thing always bothers me about them. You seem to have this boundless energy and enthusiasm. If it weren't for all your successes which demonstrate your ability for prolonged focus and effort, i'd think you were BiPolar. What does one do if they find themselves at a point in Life where nothing generates a "Hell Yeah!" anymore?
I think that's easier when you're independently wealthy. I take gigs I'm not thrilled about sometimes, because I need to book as many dates as possible and i never know who I might meet that might help me to the next level. To be honest, I don't feel at this point i can afford to pass on any opportunity that even might turn out to be something.
Bless Derek you are on point again thanks for reinforcing much raspect
Tony culture
Amazing piece of advice Derek...
It's not as hard as it looks and it is a very simple way to prioritize one's life.
Thanks !
I've found this to be particularly poignant in relationships. If you meet someone, and it's not "hell yeah!" you can bet the farm it's ultimately going to be a disastrous waste of time.
amen to this! thanks for your words of wisdom ;)
Ah I think that should be
HELL YAEH! or NO F'ING WAY!
and I wish more of the people I met during my 10 years in LA knew how to say NO ;)
For Heavens sake you could be a new super hero called "Hell No Boy"!
Hi Derek, It's Michelle.
so the project can live or die in peace. You can't conjure heart and soul. It is, what it is!But the truth for me is, after all these years, I still struggle with wanting to do more than I possibly squeeze inside my "time in a bottle". Kindest regards to all. Michelle
"Hell Yeah's!" have a heart and soul. It is not fair, no matter how kind you are,to be involved in anything as 'dead weight'. Get out of the way (gracefully, with your image still intact
hi, Derek.
through sometimes painful personal experience, and trial and error/success, i can concur that your post rings true for me. obviously there are the "duties" of life to attend to, but as far as my career in music goes, i have learned to back away from the things that don't really do it for me. often times i would say yes to everything so that i could get "exposure" only to find that just the opposite would happen, i.e. fake "producers" who would promise a lot and not deliver, shows that were totally embarassing and i had dragged a lot of equipment to them, etc. not to say that playing a lot of shows is not good, and also to say that beating myself into the ground for the wrong reasons makes life really stressful. so i've filtered out what i want and what i don't want and continue to refine this, so that my "job" is playtime all the time. thanks for another good post.
Dave
Reminded of the Neil Diamond song Hell Yeah (Rick Rubin produced)... Thanks for sharing.
I am ready to do muckwork on the Texas High Plains. Thats Amarillo and the surounding aria. When do we start?
I've been on a journey of healing from a serious accident 9 months ago. No has been part of my vocabulary in a very strong way. There has been a real switch in seeing the things i'm able to do: the "Hell Ya"s and seeing the limitations. I thought i would lose so much by saying no. I'm still moving along and feel that my "no"s have really shown me what's important 'right now'.
Hey Derek!!
I'm happy for YOU! I agree!! Somethings are created to be made beautiful in their own time. ie: when I make pottery. I can't rush the project. It has it's own process and I have to respect that. It's also nice to smell the flowers...the balance includes you! Getting over-commited takes the joy out of life! Just a few days ago,I went running in my bare feet on a sandy beach with the sunset falling and it was pure bliss!! Now I'm ready to finish my latest music project! Happy for you Derek!!
Rachel
What surprises me is how people I know tell me how much I'm either Hell Yeah or Hell No. I don't feel like I'm that kind of person. I find that people tend to listen to the things I say and take it at a value that I would never place on it.
In my own experience I find that I already do the stuff that interests me and turn stuff down when it doesn't. However, there's been times when a Hell Yeah sneaks up on me after I've done something.
Last weekend was a perfect example. I was out of town visiting my home town for a quick vacation and made plans to meet up with friends. Only one made it out that night. But what a great night we had. Who knows what that sparks in the future.
Thus the Hell Yeah won't always come up front.
BTW - the party was a fantastic time Derek.
i will live by this FOREVER!!! i have tried this in the past but never stuck to it...by the way this idea is a HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great post. Right on to the Hell Yeah and the Hell No! They make life worth living. The balance in both, as in all of life, comes naturally. Those of us who ain't willin' to go through Hell to get there, probably need to chill out and get back to mooin' and tail swishin' with the rest of the herd.
Chairs baby,
BG
life is short. a mediocre yes is a no in disguise. i'm with you brother
biglove to you old friend
s.
+100 Jenny Ruth Yasi
She has the nugget that completes this post, at least for me!
I wrote a song about it.
Called "Hell"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1nKOBFuCBU
Thank you for your recent post. I have been planning to go to Brazil, thinking very seriously about a relocation there. I am one of the founding shareholder’s of a sake brewery in Forest Grove and Brazil has two sake breweries where I might find a clan and do some basic brewery work for the fun of it. I am planning on a move, once some family things settle down and I can save just a little more money. Anyway, I have brought the Portland Community College catalog to work with me to sign up for a couple of classes (Portuguese and Capoeira) when I read your post. So that synchronicity fuels the fire even more.
Your post also really helped because I also have a choice to make in where to go next: Brazil, India, Japan. I am going to do the experiences in tandem, that is, one after the other. I have a “Hell Yeah” more for Brazil, so it helped to break away from my legal pad “pro/con” list and get in touch with what my heart was trying to tell me.
If you go to Brazil, you might look up my friend Luciana Lopez, most recently the pop music critic at the Oregonian and now living in Sao Paulo working for Reuters covering business and economics. I think you two would have a lot to talk about.
Also, I have been meaning to add, if you ever go to India (or I should say “when” on both accounts) I would like to introduce you to my friend Pushpindar, who is the chief political officer for our embassy in New Delhi. I am not trying to be a name dropper, these two are close friends and I know from personal experience that it pays to know someone local when travelling.
Thanks again for the post! Keep up the good work.
This has so much relevance to my life in a band.
Being passionate about our music has seemed to rub off on those around us.
Some of the most valuable contributions to the band have come for free (or relatively little money) from people who really wanted to help out; some in little ways, some in fucking gigantic I-want-to-make-your-music-video ways. But they have all been with an incredible sincerity. This is why we can continue doing what we're doing.
I suppose passion breeds passion... or "hell yes!" breeds "hell yes!"
Just look how many responses there are to your post, Derek!
Thanks for your endless buffet of food for thought.
I like this one thanks for sharing and I'll give it a go.
"Personal Development for Smart People" is an excellent book, I agree. I recommend it to everyone looking to grow.
I like your take on the 5,6,7,8 bit, "HELL YEAH!" smacks of JOY.
On my new CD "Flowing with the go"
(working title) the theme is
Hell Yeah !!! Interesting how great minds think alike.
I am now more "awe" inspired then before.
Dave
Derek,
I completely agree and I've adopted this attitude a while back
It's really made music fun for me again....rather than grinding it out and burning yourself out by doing things that you think you should be doing for the sake of "music"
If it's not fun and exciting, than it ain't worth it!!!
Thanks and keep spreading the good word
Best,
Shane Soldinger
That's right, HELL YEAH for you Derek
I should learn to say "no" more often. I often do session work as keyboardist, and basicly accept anything...but sometimes it takes me a while to start working on some projects that don't really interest me (exept the paycheck). So maybe if I decline some works, I'll be able to put more time and efforts in really interesting projects (including mine).
Thanks for the post !
please qualify your hell yeah about New York... would like to hear your positive perspective on this grand city... rc
Hell Yeah!
This is a great tool for challenging us to find what we really want. Great share!
And then there's reality: "No" to paying bills? LOL
I think self-help books are inspiring but Derek, you're living a wonder life because of who you are, your personality, your choices (or refusal of choices). I agree about time management; we should all be as enthusiastic about what we're doing as we can possibly be. But when some of those things are required (school to get a masters, in my case), "no" isn't an option. A change of perspective about what you're saying we should say no to might be another option.
I'm very excited for you and for your choices, always. I love your enthusiasm. Keep sharing that and the world will be a better place.
Nita
The problem with this sort of thinking is when you are not sure whcih way to go. You mentioned "searching a different way" and that indicates you may not have gone that way if you had found who you were looking for the first time. On the other hand, I have entered into situations that I was lukewarm about only to find that I discovered somnething new I wouldn't have known about had I abandoned the idea. Your approach is efficient, but not very creative. I would make that philosphy the exception, rather than the rule. Remember Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken"
"...I took the one not traveled by;
and that has made all the difference."
Hell Yeah Derek!
Awesome, thank you.
I found myself doing it lately, but instead of feeling good, I was feelings terrible. The reason is I thought I was saying NO to important things. And I was afraid not to find anything to replace it later.
The reason I was saying NO, is because of the many YES's I said lately and got over screwed.
Thanks to this post, I can reflect better on my past attitudes and act more consciously towards the usage of my YES' and NO's for the future... awesome!
It feels like 1 Million bucks!
Your post came at a time when I am doing the same thing in my life. I just posted to my blog about streamlining my tasks and spending less time on meaningless things. I also have been saying no a lot more lately as I have found it is empowering. I think the more you say yes to people the more it is expected of you, when you start saying no it puts the power back in your hands.
Thanks for your post it just reinforces what I am trying to do and gives me hope that I am on the right track.
Excellent advice for recovering people- pleasers, Derek. Thanks so much. From my initial connection with CDBaby, I've always been deeply touched by your brilliance, integrity and generous caring. Thanks again for being 'out there'. Elizabeth
Hey Derek...
Congrats! on choosing NY for a residence!! Great choice for you I'm sure.... I live in Dallas and have always wanted to live there..but I had to say, NO to that..and hell yes to the lifestyle that fits both me and my family better.. But good for you.
I equate "Hell Yeah" directly to PASSION!!! I am writing a book, "Get UP..Get OUT..and get Your MOVE ON....living life after 50 with passion, purpose and courage" (naturally, all three talking points refer to all, but after 50, we have more free will and choices) And my first big talking point (chapter) is about living life with PASSION...to say,
in order to live a fulfilled life..we must be PASSIONATE about things we choose to put our time and energy in to. This also includes our jobs! Some of us are really lucky to make aliving at the things we're really passionate about... and sometimes, we have to make a living at less interesting things.. but at some point..when we beging to have more choices... then PASSION is the key to being able to say HELL YES/YEAH!! If we're not passionate about the project (and as we get older, we are able to discern passion from simple idle involvements!!)
So another way to look at our lives and our involvements...
is
PASSION = HELL YEAH!
absence of PASSION = hello no..and run away as fast as you can!
Thanks Derek.. for all you do.
You're a ONE OF A KIND!!
Hey, I've known my true passions for a very long time..music and sports! basketball in particular..
I've been able to combine the two for several years... Have written a theme song for our Granny Globetrotters Basketball halftime show... which we perform at NBA.. WNBA... colleges and universities.. for promotion and recruiting for our senior women's basketball team. We just competed in the 2009 SEnior Olympics in San Francisco!!! I'm also developing a motivational career.. opening my program with a song I wrote, Get UP...Get OUT..and Get your Move on...(same website) and end my presentation with a song I wrote.. Let Freedom Ring. Naturally, I get to show off my gold medals at these presentations.. tell about my passions of getting to restart my music career at 51...and play on a Senior Olympic BAsketball team at 69!!!
So if you'll allow me to add my own take... "if you're not truly PASSIONATE about what you may be contemplating.. then it's NO... If you are....and can put your whole being in to it.. then it's a definite HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
www.basketballandfitnessforseniorwomen.com
www.getupgetoutgetyourmoveon.com
www.kayseamayer.com
U R so right and what a great philosophy. I am adopting it right now.
Hey Derek...
I admire you and certainly aspire to this life filter you're suggesting. So often we (at least I) hardly even consider if we even want to do the stuff that comes up and instead just do it less than halfheartedly and often out of expectation. It's the Hell Yeah stuff though that is ultimately satisfying. I can't tell you how good turning down one clearly disfunctional job felt in this gasping-for-air-economy.
Thanks... Marina
on a deeper level, i hear all of this as saying, "hell yeah" to the love in one's heart. in some cases that might mean going all out for some irresistible attraction and in other cases it might mean foregoing some devastatingly attractive pursuit or reward in order to help someone else. taken that way, my lifelong pursuit of hell yeah means being adamant about taking the time to listen tp and follow my own heart. it also means an equally adamant "hell no" to being rushed, cajoled, intimated or distracted away from that. even in the hard times, hell yeah is where the best music comes from.
Hi Derek,
I think you make some great points. But it mostly applies to people with too much on their plate. If, for instance, someone struggles with low motivation or depression, a mere "yes" is enough to get them out of the house. Some people don't feel "HELL YEAH!" about much and taking this attitude could really limit them. Did you see the movie "Yes Man"? The idea is that if you say yes to (nearly) everything that comes your way, opportunities start presenting themselves. Of course the point is to start feeling "HELL YEAH!" about life.
I like the idea that if something is just "okay" then it's not good enough. But we have to know when we can change things and when we can't. Sometimes all we can change is our attitude.
Mio caro Derek,non bisogna sempre dire no ma non bisogna neanche dire sempre si.Bisogna fare ciò che l'anima ci porta a fare.La vita non è solo un'agenda da rispettare ma un'emozione da seguire.Il cuore nulla sa di appuntamenti da rispettare per diventare famosi,forse non tutti devono diventare famosi e quindi non ci si deve affannare per diventarlo per forza.Bisogna sempre e solo andare ....dove ci porta il cuore.Dovunque sia sarà certamente il posto dove ci dovevamo trovare.
After someyears of extremely hard work I can finaly say that I am earning from my music & that of course that pin in the haystack commercial sound quality is the key, of course musicianship counts but the electronics definitely have the last word !!
Hell Yeah to the decision to take time to read what you have to say.
Really thought provoking. Takes a lot of guts to say no. Great discussions. Hell Yeah is a good place. So I like it as a forward thinking lifestyle. Not sure I would have made it retroactive though.
If my career, relationships, spiritual, and health is all bad, isn't that just rock n roll.
Someone has to sing the blues. If you never gamble on "Well Ok" then you might miss a chance that you never thought was out there. Don't spend it at the Casino betting on one horse.
... great reminder to periodically re-focus and re-think priorities... Thanks Derek!
Absolutely superb words of wisdom. But sometimes we have to pay the bills . . .
I feel you on this one, often times we fill our plates with to much of things that we are not excited about! We must keep our focus on what gets us wanting to get out of bed in the morning with excitement. Yes, its good to say no to things that don't turn us on!
HEAVENS YES!
Hell Yeah Derek! Try this out - squeeze fists above shoulders and throw open hands down to the earth like lightening is flying out of your finger tips and scream out NO as loud as you can and repeat at least 3 times. Then scoop up some earth energy and throw your hands up to the sky with bliss and yell YES and repeat at least 3 times . . . feeeeeeel it and on your last Yesssssssss, hold the "s" and vibrate your body! Isn't it amazing! When our body can clearly say this with fun, we can do it in life's situations. This is what alivEmotion teaches too . . . it really works! And Hell YEAH to NYC! woooo hooooo!!
Great provoking post Derek!
I definitely agree you with you, though I still have to push myself a lot more on saying "No" to things.
By the way, I live in Florianópolis. ;) Funny to see you were interested in living down here. Have you been to the city?
I'm taking a break from mowing the lawn and cleaning up the place for a party my wife committed me too. She's busy with other stuff. I wish I had your guts to say "No".
Sorry for the wrong "to"
I agree that there's no better feeling in the world than the "Hell, yeah!" attitude. In general, it's a great rule to live by, and I thank you for the insight.
However, there are also times we need to push ourselves a bit, when things are getting in the way of that "Hell, yeah" response.
For example, I often have to nudge myself along to write in my journal every morning. A lot of times, I'd rather just lazily watch TV with my morning joe. But if I can make the effort to open the journal and pick up a pen, I am SO rewarded after writing an entry. It sets such a tone of clarity and purpose for the day.
I also have to sometimes push myself to ride my bike, or go out in bad weather to get to my art studio, or any number of other things that feel great to actually do once I start them.
I suppose the question shouldn't be, "do I want to ride my bike now?" but rather, "do you want to feel energetic and in shape?" The answer to that is "Hell, yeah!"
In terms of my art, the question shouldn't be, "do you want to paint today?" but rather, "do you want to participate in the city's artists studio tour this fall?" The answer to that is "Hell, yeah!"
Maybe it's the bigger questions of life we should have the "hell, yeah" response to. If we can say that, THEN we say, "then get off your butt and DO IT!"
Oh, and welcome to NYC Derek! Excellent choice, IMHO.
Your idea is a great one here! Also, when it comes to dealing with people I have learned a way to help myself not feel pressure by merely saying to the other party: " This sounds good, etc , however at this time I am unsure about making the /a commitment" This way, it is not letting anyone down and gives you time to think about things with a clear head-
No is good.As a musician, who is married, with small children, and a full-time job, saying 'no' to musical situations that did not look profitable or fun (sometimes 'fun' pays great emotional/mental dollars) is the best thing I've ever done. I'm gonna keep on with the 'no's'! Haven't met a "Hell, Yeah!" in a while, but I'm prepared to say it when the situation arises.
Fuck Yeah is more like it! Have you seen www.thefuckitway.com by John Parkin in London? He wrote a book called Fuck It, The Ultimate Spiritual Way and in situations that don't feel good, he claims to say "fuck it". He also had a workshop called Rock 'n Roll spirituality that was fun.
i just plain can't commit to anything---always been that way for(a lot)way too many years. reason being i have said Hell Yeah only to be let down or having to deal with idiots.pessimism is good because if hell yea doesn't happen, your not let down. if hell yeah does happen, it's a bonus. i believe your hell yea strategy is purely motivational. i'm motivated by my own pace. so hell yea is different for me---and most of us. but hey Derek, ya (you) gotta throw it out there to see if ya can get a winning touchdown sometimes. it's all good....
Hell Yeah to this post! Seriously though, thanks for your blog posts as I always find them insightful or interesting. My energy/time is the most valuable asset... so why compromise or sell myself short?
Derek, thanks for this!
nothing like making your life decisions a "forced choice" :P so ... are we going to see MuckWork soon? Hell Yeah! 
Yes, being an independent musician, it IS really hard to balance it all... all the social networking, rehearsals, building the band & keeping the peace & moving forward, writing songs, booking, playing shows, promotions/press/radio interviews & other opportunities like all the SonicBids e-mails, shopping for recording studios, other networking, I even started blogging about everything I do so that people can read it and understand how tough it can be and how it's so important to support those indie artists who you love. I finally started realizing earlier this year how important it is to choose & prioritize, yet I still struggle with HOW to make those decisions; what to make a priority and what to say NO to. This is some GREAT advice, Derek! Thanks!
Blogging Til I Win a Grammy: http://www.anniebmusic.blogspot.com/
Interesting concept. Satisfaction is indeed non-linear.
Check out Seth Godin's "The Dip" which amps this notion by saying don't spin your wheels to get out of the inevitable dip you experience in any journey. Make sure you know that what's on the other is worth it. If not, turn around. Do not go back to go, do not collect $200. Go find $2M somewhere else. Because of your passion, you will really "know" it's there....Being dispassionate feeds mediocrity and average performance. That doesn't mean that the muckwork won't get done. It means that you do it for a purpose (maybe you want to keep your wife happy, Bob...) that is linked to the nirvana on the other side, a ideal-state you've now got time to do well since you've now quit many other distractions.
Sounds like your talking about intuitive living. When you want to say "no" but you don't know why, or when you are thrilled as hell to say "yes" that is intuition. And the more you practice following your own intuition, the better life feels, and visca versa. The more you listen, the more you learn.
Not only a great blog, Derek, but so many good, thought-provoking posts afterwards!
For the people who talked about "duty" vs narcissitic feelings and desires, whenever you've rated something lower than 9, you have to ask yourself whether you could live with the results of not doing the lower numbers. For instance, doing housework is fairly low on my enjoyment scale, but would I enjoy my life if I didn't do it? Am I willing (or able) to spend the money to hire it done?
Ultimately, if you have to do a job, do it with gusto, or at least competence. You get it done ever so much more quickly than if you keep procrastinating.
But do figure out when "good" really is "good enough," because in some instances "perfect" can truly be the enemy of "good enough." I don't care about keeping my house in perfect order, but the records I've helped my husband create truly have to be as good as we can possibly make them, as does any project that shows my work to the world.
I hope you truly accomplish something good and tangible with the time you freed up by saying no to all three music conferences, Derek. Making adequate use of free time is sometimes the hardest task of all.
Thanks Derek for hitting the nail on the head. You are perfectly straight-forward and the way you give us examples, yet keep it short is more than refreshing: it's actually HELPFUL.
I had a band last year and was gigging and promoting a new (my first) album. It was good and people liked what we were doing but it had no "hell yeah" for me. So at the new year, I canceled some gigs and told the guys I needed a couple of months off. Well, that was nine months ago because there still isn't a clear "hell yeah" about that project, so it's just done. I am much happier waiting, writing, and living my life w/o gigging than filling my extra time with a muddled maybe-like-it-sort-of public music life. So, hats off to you for driving the point home to us all!
On a related note, one of the best pieces of advice I've had in music came to me mostly from our friend Ariel Hyatt @CyberPr to find my specific niche/i.e. be exactly what I am as a musician, period - and I've learned from personal experience that there is NOTHING "hell yeah" about diluting my personal artistry to reach a broader audience (Ick. Yuck. Blech.). AMEN. Because the latter leaves me AND listeners with a mediocre experience. And this life does not deserve mediocrity, right?!
Adore you and your generous insights. Thanks for ditching those three engagements for us (and yourself).
xoxo,
Heather
I am so glad so many people got to read this. And thanks Derek for sharing this. Great reminder.
Derek,
Great post, but WHEN WILL MUCKWORK LAUNCH? I clicked through to check it out and said, "HELL YEAH!" when I saw what it was about, then burst into tears (not really, but you know what I mean) when I tried to learn more. Do tell!
Jeff
Thank you yet again for some great inspiring words!
There are so many projects competing for our time. We cannot afford to waste time on projects that do not caputre our imagination!
Thanks, Derek!
Awesome reminder. Thanks Derek!
YES YES YES. Recently i cant do anything unless I do it ALL THE WAY. I have so many friends that compromise in every aspect of their life, and they cant figure out why they're not happy. That or they think its normal for life to be mediocre. Either way, its a lack of fulfillment. Fortune favors the brave, and it takes guts to do what Derek is saying
--Neil
Wow....that gives my name one more meaning...it is no whenever it isn't quite yes,
Oya
As I see it, the problem with livings one's life this way is that the "Hell Yeah" decision depends on an emotional response. Maybe I am used to approaching everything with caution, using my emotional response as an indicator for enthusiasm. If I had spent my life using this as a guideline I'd be much less of an engineer today. Many projects, dare I say every project has taught me something wether I was Hell yeah or not. What are the Hell Yeah Criteria? Money? If I'm broke Hell Yeah becomes $$ which is not the same as working with a songwriter for free to make a great track which could also be Hell Yeah. Maybe both projects started off with a whimper but went out with a Hell Yeah, or visa versa. Responsible decisions sometimes involve complex planning ahead. To leave them all up to emotional triggers would be a difficult thing for me to trust and I've learned that people who rely on emotional decision making are often unreliable...
I do love this Derek.
Thanks for keeping us posted. It's lovely to see the inspiration you bring to so many!!!
I go by the channeler Abraham-Hicks expression (one of thm) which is If it's not a hell yes, it's a hell no!
It's so neat to see that you both think alike!!!
You would probably enjoy their books and cds etc.
It feels good having boundaries, and it does make it easier to enjoy stuff.
xoxo
I say "Hell Yeah" to Muckwork. I'm it's biggest supporter!
Derek,
In my lifetime I have learned many things some good and some bad.But,for all that I have learned I have learned something from everything.Time waits for no one it has become such a global commodity that it oftens drives us verses us driving it.We often forget the important things in life and forget to live life itself.We often have to stop an Pre·valuate ourselves and figure out what is the right thing for us and what is not.I have been where you have and know that there is often a little voice in the back of our heads that makes us sit and think if what we decided to do was the right thing or not.But,I truly believe in my heart that all things have a funny way of working themselves out and this is despite of our efforts to change destiny.We have to look ourside of the box before we look in and sometimes with our gut feelings we get lucky and we end up doing the right things.So hell yeah is the attitute you should always have in everything you do or you just simply do nothing at all,and let someone else take the glory.
www.RhythmQwest.com
I always think though, theres always someone worse off than me, and to settle with being grateful and accepting my life the way it is, to change it might not be so good, because its always hard to get your life back, and wouldn`t want to turn into a pillar of salt as the old saying goes. If it feels right then it is right, if it feels wrong then it is wrong, then hell yes, you should change it.
Amen! Last year, this concept took me OUT of the music "business" altogether.
It took 30 paid years on stage to realize I was actually not "HELL YEAH" on live performance at all, in fact i f*cking hated it. So I quit. I'm retraining for a day gig more suitable for shy smart kids with accurate "big ears" that I am very "HELL YEAH" about. My music goes back to the recording studio; on my time, on my terms, when I'm feeling HELL YEAH!
I so grok your thoughts. Thanks for articulating some great Truths.
Yes! Great example. I hit that same point with live performing, right when I started CD Baby! I had been touring for 12 years, then started this little website as a hobby. Realized I was WAY more excited about staying home to learn programming and help people than I was by doing another gig. -- Derek
I've been needing to make a geographical move for the past few years but have been putting it off. Finally my husband and I just realized, What are we waiting for? So we're doing it--this January, we are moving to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where we feel more at home than here in the States.
HELL YEAH!!! Love your philosophy.
Lauren
I think holding on to the mid-ranking "yes" phenomenon comes from fear. With so many wacky things hitting big in the 'viral' world, getting a marginly good or feasible idea, and letting yourself 'let it go' is a scary prospect. What if that was the crazy thing that would have been huge? What if someone else takes it and runs with it, and gets 'my success'?!
That's where you realize that great ideas are abundant, and those mediocre, fleeting thoughts just take up space, and serve to be, as Steven Pressfield so eloquently described in The War of Art, "Resistance".
Great read, Derek. I gotta go say no to a few things now.
Hell Yeah!
HELL YEAH!! I love this Derek!! Thanks, once again, for inspiration and motivation.
THIS IS JUST WHAT I NEEDED TO READ!
thanks Derek!
HELL YEAH!
Hi Derek i I always like what you write. So - when do you estimate muckwork getting launched? I'd use the service!
Derek Sivers putting this up for me to read. I decided it was a "Hell Yeah." It was worth the minutes spent reading it. Thanks,
This is what I needed to hear today. I keep finding myself feeling indifferent about the many duties, functions, roles, and projects that I am involved in on a daily basis. I say "no" a lot ... but I'm gonna think twice and confirm my heart is pumping before the next time I answer HELL YEAH!
Peace,
Shelly
YES YES and HELL YES! Thank you for sending this, Derek. As always, a lot of wisdom.. and boy, do we need it!
New York makes a lot of sense for you. I am sure you will enjoy it.
I am using your "Hell Yeah" or No mantra. I think I always have but the battle is when the "Hell Yeah" turns in to drudgery.
"Hell Yeah!" is good...my version has always been: "No is also an answer." Ari Dane
You are so right I've been saying yes to so many things that just make my life worse.
Nice one. For me too it's dividing the "have to's" out and managing those first (which time management skills are another head-spin I can always use). I think this philosophy applies to the "fun" projects and is applicable on to work beyond "have to". Now making "have to's" EXCLUSIVELY into "hell yeah's"? That's where I'm headed. Thanks Derek!
HELL NO! I have to say I disagree with this bigtime. Perhaps you roll in a different world from me, where you have no community tied to you, no family that needs your presence or support (whether you want to be there or not!).
I would not for one second abandon those onerous duties with which real people fulfill their social obligations...visiting sick friends in hospital when I HATE hospitals, playing that charity festival that I know will probably be a bust but will be so much appreciated.
You have worked tirelessly for all of us, Derek, and you have richly earned your present circumstance. I admire you a great deal, but if you go with this philosophy full force in all regards, I fear a lot of very rich experiences are just going to pass you by.
hi Jim - I agree with you. See comment #56, above. I was excluding duties from this small point. -- Derek
You just gave me a whole new way to look at my priorities. Brilliant!
Hi Derek,
Join the club! Wonderful to hear from you again.I guessed you wanted completely new gear in your life. Bang! Up you get and off to New York! Just like that! You have been helping everybody but number one. Hope you get happiness and all the stuff that really matters. I have a mate called Mike He was running a radio station in Austin Texas.
He just up and went to NC where he has found his thing. He suffers from autism like my son Mark (ii).
Originally from 'Frisco, he has crossed your big joint just like that. I don't know where he got the strength, not being well & all.
I have spent 50 years playing jazz because that is what I do. All the other stuff is incidental. All pf a sudden I realise I am old. So what! I am still the same old me.
Miss you, my best wishes go to you.
This is my latest offering. We will see if it succeeds. cdbaby.com/cd/markwhitty.
Cheers Mate, Bon Chance.(K.I.T.)
A lot of people think a lot of you.
Mark The Mad Muso of OZ.
Hell yeah! Sometimes it's fun to say "No thanks" - It's a way to acknowledge that they made an offer, nice of them to think of you... everybody leaves the interaction feeling great. Sometimes it's also hard but healthy for us supercompetent muchachievers to say "I can't," thereby learning, setting & communicating our limits.
And we don't owe anybody an explanation for why we can't or won't do something, we're just stating the facts!
Keep 'em comin' Big D!
Right on! Great philosophy. I'm going to give it a go.
that's a great perspective. i'll try it out.
I am at the point that I say no to things I do not want to do. My problem is that I want to say Hell, Yeah! to more things than I can fit into my one life.
Figuring out how to say no to things I want to do, is a much bigger hurdle to learn than saying no to obvious "no's."
Thanks for the column, I always enjoy your outlook.
Well here, I am not sure I agree again because I don't say Hell Yeah to vegetables or excercize sometimes but they may just be what I need.
Sometimes someone who you want to help you looks terrible and they may turn out to be your best choice
I don't think I am as confident as you on deciding things neither.
I think I prefer to pray and ask God and also ask a friend or two to see what they think before I just say no.
But if it looks expensive or if you got to go way out of your way maybe you are right that's a no but you never know ?
What may seem like a real bad idea might be the best solution.
I like the post. For me, it's 'Heck ya!', I guess, but it means the same. Heck yes, I'm gonna record that new album I've been meaning too!
IMHO, that's a bit extreme.
It's like, hey, you gotta have your favorite dish every day or nothing... eventually, you will become numb to this satisfaction and will begin to feel hollow.
Maybe, in some aspects, you could apply this... but not in every way; I wouldn't take it as a living rule.
I'm sure there's plenty of things you still don't appreciate in those 6s, 7s, 8s and 9s... Besides, you will, eventually, change your appreciation of things...
Humans never appreciate what we have, but we overvalue what we don't.
Had a similar experience lately, dithering about using an unseasoned bass player or calling my friend Robert, who's been playing my stuff for thirty years. Then it came to me that if I had any doubts about anything, then I already had an answer and that answer was "no". So I called Robert, who will cost more and who has to come a long way but I'm feeling completely HELL, YEAH! about doing the gig. So thanks for the affirmation.
Red
Hell Yeah, Derek!!!!
Neil Diamond's 2008 release comes to mind here as well. Selected lyrics below...
Thanks.
I needed this today!
- Marv Machura
"If you're asking me to tell
Is it worth what I paid?
You're gonna hear me say
Hell yeah it is
And I say it loud
I loved it all
And I'm not too proud
I freed my soul
Just let it fly
Hell yeah this crazy life around me
It confuses and confounds me
But its all the life I've got
Until I die
Hell yeah it is
If you're asking for my time
Isn't much left to give you
Been around a good long while
So I gotta say it fast
Time is all we'll ever need
But its gotta have a meaning
Be careful how it's spent
Because it isn't gonna last
I hear you wonderin' out loud
Are you ever gonna make it
Will you ever work it out?
Will you ever take a chance?
Just believe you can
Hell yeah you will"
Neil Diamond.
Sorry if someone mentioned this before, but have you seen "Yes Man"?
-- Derek
Yeah. Good movie.
Well Derek, you have stirred up a
firestorm with this one of HELL YES: I HAVE A FEW POINTS TO MAKE.
While I have not read all of the above comments,(it would take a week), I have seen typical problems
in life appear. This gave me cause to pause and write some words. I saw people trapped in relationships; people going through
mid life crises; people wanting to follow a positive direction but had to keep working to pay bills; others who are lost in a morass with seemingly no way out; passion without direction; passion with lack of understanding of how to apply it; etc.
I offer some recommendations:
1) Be true to yourself
2) Follow your passion for success
3) Do not allow relationships to defer your passion ( I did this early in life).
4) Learn your limits of pressure.
5) Read: "Men Are From Mars, Women
Are From Venus" by John Gray,Ph.D.
as it clarifies what may have been missing in your life educationally as well as emotionally with people.
5) Learn how to lower & avoid stress. Practice this daily.
I am a retired Psychiatrist,and I have learned a lot. My passion for
music was put on hold until I developed a midlife crises. Once on my own, I have written about 300 songs. I have 5 CDs and one "Single" on CD Bababy now that I have time for my passion. Composing music requires aloneness
for space and thinking and writing.
Distractions interfere with creativity.
Derek, you have enough material to write another book on several subjects from this forum. Keep up the good work.
I can't wait for Muckwork... that is a total HELL YEAH!!!!....keep me informed It looks great and that's just the splash page with on line discription....awesome!!would be of great benifit for my label....
If I said no to everything that I didn't feel excited about, I would literally never do anything.
That said, I DO say no to almost everything, and while I may have a lot of free time, I'm not very excited about it.
The modus operandi of the deteriorating music industry is an ongoing 21st century tragedy predicated upon brain-dead shibboleths and whorish compromises in the service of the lowest common denominator. It is a rigid venal oligopolistic structure that rarely endorses or supports those in search of "hell, yeah!" moments.
It's a nice fantasy but unless radical changes occur within the music biz...unless this oligopoly of mediocrity is busted apart such that it can no longer exert extraordinary power and influence within the Big Media to suppress or ostracize those voices challenging its mercenary goals, then the "hell, yeah" types will be forever exulting loudly within a vacuum, and their audience will be limited to a peripheral element, deemed by the music Establishment to be no more than an inconsequential lunatic fringe.
Thanks again, for another great posting. Always enjoy hearing your perspective...
I had a "Hell yeah vs. Heck NO" situation come up this spring, when a close friend (another teacher, but not a music teacher, as I am) approached me with the wonderful opportunity to travel and teach in Korea, all expenses paid. (Sounds GREAT, RIGHT?!)
"On paper," yes, it DID sound awesome, and other friends were also encouraging me to go. But when I started to realize all the precious TIME I would have been giving up...time to stay around town, hang out w/the dogs, sleep in (in my own bed!), go on bike rides at home, take road trips to the ocean... and (oh yeah!) MOST importantly to FINISH my second cd project (finally!), I had to say a resounding "NO THANK YOU." As it turned out, my friend was on Facebook almost every day (while in Korea), and seemed to be more than a little bit homesick.
I guess my message would be this...Even if the scenario might be a "Hell yeah" for most people, it might very well be a "NO THANKS" for YOU! Listen to your little voice, and if it doesn't scream "HELL YEAH!," then don't try to talk someone else out of THEIR "hell yeah fun," but rather simply say "no" politely and be glad that you know who you are and what works for YOU!
Thanks again, Derek.
Take good care,
~Suzanne S.
Seattle, WA
I find myself lately dealing with a&r folk's that critique music with the idea of the critique function is there JOB. And one needs a Job,would you say. Do they really known what the client want's. Are do they just think they do? YES?NO?
This is something that we need to learn, and then remind ourselves of it constantly. Learning to say
"No" is one of the most difficult things to do, especially for musicians and for those who are self-employed. That is because we do not want to miss an opportunity or lose a potential relationship. However, as you pointed out, one simply has to prioritize, and the easiest way to do that is the "Hell yes!" or "No" method.
Good article...
Hey Derek, I just had to say no to a friend who wants me to do graphics, help him with his perpetual motion generator, get a band together, on and on! God, I'm only one person! Also, if you have any time with those extra 12 days maybe you could help over at CDBaby, they sure have a mess trying to launch a new broken website for over a month now. They killed your Baby in my opinion! Later, Shasta
" Now Everybody Sing" ! At the end of all our chit and chatter. The only thing that matter's is Hell Yeah, Hell yeah.
I retired from teaching in 2006. Since that time, I have been working at living by this little code you have presented. It works, and I think it is great you have shared it with us! Thanks, Derek!
Great advice...unfortunately sometimes we are obligated to do things that are not HELL YEAH...like earning a living, exercising, eating green things and cleaning the house. There's also the little matter of when I know God wants me to do something...like taking that woman to the grocery store every Sunday when I'd rather just go straight home from church...that I can't really say NO to. But for all those other activities that creep in...I'm with you Derek!
Hell Yeah!
hell yea!!!
awesome derek.
yep, you're totally smack on (again) - the very enemy of the 'almost great' among us - and the same thing that burns out many would-be contenders...
relevant analogies and metaphors abound...
Really like what you are saying here. Sometimes the 5,6,and 7 need to be done, but making them all 1's can put a better perspective on things. Thanks for the thoughts, I really appreciate them all, keep them coming.
Donald Duck once said, 'Mankind's gentle dreams...how quickly they turn into nightmares!'
In my years as a human on planet earth, I have learned that my most powerfully felt enthusiasms usually degenerate into unwanted obligations, and a feeling that can be described as 'how the hell am I going to get out of this?' I've learned that a reasoned approach to involvements, paying attention to all aspects and maintaining a realistic conception of one's past history and true capacities can often rescue one from unpleasant outcomes...but not always, of course. Karma enters into our thoughts, feelings and actions as well, and it's good to keep in mind that the worst experiences are often the most powerful and useful for learning much needed lessons if one is open to them.
good to hear from you
I've been busy too.
you have some good ideals
I think if we both work together we can come with some better ones like this networking,is a big part of it iam still working on my album
and trying to get it ready to send out.
its geting there.
you can still E-mail me wile iam working on my album you mite think if something i dont.ok see you.
That's why I love you! Thank you for this Blog. Now I hope you said "Hell Yes" to this years Taxi Road Rally.
xoxo
JVB
Thank's Derek, I Think this is about stopping and getting in touch with how we feel about any given situation. An example is my band 'threedrive'... If i don't feel the HELL YEAH,about the music, then I just think something needs to be worked on.
Hell Yeah! I agree completely. It often takes some experience and a road long traveled to come to this wisdom and level of clarity around purpose and priorities. Thanks again for sharing Derek!
Cheers!
*Valarien*
Solomon pretty much summed it up when he said to enjoy what you're doing while you're doing it. Passion not only connects to purpose, it defines it. Again, paraphrasing Solomon, Wisdom is not about knowing more; it's about knowing more about what you know. You have clearly found that -- "Hell, Yes" expresses both the passion and the knowing. By the way, you might want to check out Bernard Haisch's "The God Theory" - the cosmos less as one grand, intricate machine and more as one grand, conscious thought.
BRILLIANT...as usual. Thanks Derek.
how do you feel physically? don't let 'not feeling all that hot' at present and the accompanying shortage of enthusiasm confuse you. an amorphous, poorly-defined sense of well-being at any given moment definitely will.
I absolutely LOVE what you said, "HELL YES"! The wisdom of your words went straight to my heart. I now am able to add another pearl from your abundant wisdom. Your words helped me clean the floor a little bit more....
this reminds me of the book "First Things First" in which Stephen Covey states that the enemy of the best is often the good.
great post. everyone in Austin should read and heed it.
Hi Derek
I totally agree with the concept of Hell YEAH! and have been doing it a bit myself lately. Great!!! It makes life a hell of a lot more fun and interesting
I think that this is a great philosophy! I spend so much time on stuff I really would rather not do. I think I am going to say more no's so I'll have room for the "hell yes" answer.
i hope all the programming you are doing now is a brand new cdbaby because the current caretakers destroyed the old one. my currrent hell yeah project relies on cdbaby. a cdbaby in nonworking order is more like pure hell than hell yeah. it's like hello stinko.
Hell Yea you have allot of people up your butt, get busy on muck work, quit bein so lazy,
I know f,u , Fred, You think I got where I am today bein a nice guy.
Thanks for sharing Derek! Inspiring words as always. I try to live that way as much as possible. Would you have an advice for when your "Hell Yeah" isn't in the best interest of wonderful 9 year old?
This rings so loud and clear, that I feel I’m in a bell tower .Sometimes the most needed answers are the most obvious. It's simple genius, thanks k.w.
Good to see you blogging again. I liked the post and the idea appeals to me, but I got a lot out of the feedback from the folks who disagreed with you especially the guy who got into doing kids' music when he didn't want to. That guy gave me some ideas. Also, glad to hear you dumped the music conferences for 12 free days to do something cooler like MUCKWORK. Muckwork is a truely great idea that I think could help a lotta people. For that matter, just taking a few days off to enjoy your life ain't a bad plan either- recharge the batteries, bro. There'll be other music business conferences. Peace in our time.
But what about the little things? Like, this guy wants me to do a guitar lead on his song. OK, it's an alright song, but I'm not all HELL YEAH! about it. I'll do it anyway. Confession: It's my song, I'm the guy who wants somebody to do the lead. Geez, I hope he isn't reading this. Wink.
Vision with a passion to see beyond what the eye is prepared to see,
Reasons flowing in the veins, Hell Yeah, off with the chains of mediocrity!
I'm looking for reasons to doubt your "hell-yeah or no" tactic, but, then I wonder if I'm doing that because I'm afraid to say "no" more often or if I'm afraid to admit what makes me say, "hell yeah." Derek, I'm going to have fun trying this idea on. Maybe I'll apply it to my songwriting too. Thanks for challenging us to change for the better and to live life with more gusto. Btw. I just got home from Riis Beach, which was a big "hell yeah." You're living in a great place, NYC, and there are so many adventures nearby.
I started saying "no" much more often about seven years ago. It's amazing how much time it frees up when you're not running everyone else's errands for them. I still need to practice the "hell yeah!" concept, which will take it one step further. (How do I turn taking care of my 86-year-old mother into a "hell, yeah"??)
It was 'HELL YEAH' for me when I came to visit you at the Troubadour
recently. The trip was a long one but it was now or never and I had to grab the chance to see you and fellow musicians at this famous London Venue. I got back up North at aound 2am after doing a bit of busking. I've just finished a couple of new recordings one called 'Radicalised' as a result of my visit and sometimes it's necessary to do the Important things in life and say no now and again. It was great to see you and you look happy with your life. Thanks for the invite, I wrote a short story about the day so I have another good memory in my life.
Keep smiling, Dennis Derby
Right on!!
love and peace~
I'm glad you're back, Derek. I love having my thoughts provoked.
I'm going to keep your "Hell Yeah" philosophy in mind because I tend to be one of those overcommitted people (as most of us teachers are).
Thanks for that, Derek! Great synchronistic piece of advice.
Dear Derek, I'm glad you said "hell yeah" to New York City! I hope everything goes well for you there. Welcome back to the area. K. Osgood
'No' has increasingly become one of my favorites. 'Hell, Yeah,' has served me both well and, occasionally in a foul manner. I'm all for always putting all of one's eggs in one basket. If you don't have the courage to do this, then what kinda man/woman are you?
I first met that idea as this:
"The space in your life for what you want is already filled with what you settled for."
That's all - no "should"s or "shouldn't"s to follow. You just choose: fill the space with what's there now, or empty it and try for what you want. No guarantees. And you can make an adventure of it either way.
Well Derek, it's tough to come up with an original response following nearly 300 thoughtful posts, but I know that I am motivated by choice, and those choices are based on what is most important to me. The "little" things will consume you and keep you from the "big" ones, as you said. This is truly a principle to live by.
Absolutely agree
My sentiments exactly. I was an Olympic hopefull and there is only one way to approach that goal...all out! I feel the same about music and I will never give up. You have got to say hell yeh! and then go out and put that declaration into action.
Pavlina is a great writer, and I guess HELL YEAH is a fair interpretation of that chapter.
Still, he writes, "Passion starts the race, self-discipline crosses the finish line".
In essence, the HELL YEAH attitude is to distill your tasks to those which mean the most to you and others. What you do after that may or may not be a different story, depending on the time frame and nature of the task.
Still, Pavlina mentions that any task which takes more than 1 minute to decide upon is left to too much uncertainty. So...HELL YEAH it is!
The quintessentail part of Hell yeah is fidning the S P A C E to be,just to be, whether meditating, crating, asking yourself questions,but giving yourself the gift of time to reflect enough on who you are to be comfortable ...and then excited-the great majority of the time!
HELL YEAH!! I hear you loud and clear. That "middle of the road yes" response is exactly what keeps us away from the real dream that defines what our art is really about. The toughest part is having faith in knowing that something else FANTASTIC will come along BECAUSE you said "no". Preach the truth my brother.
gwen laster
Hi Derek, good that you are back again with a good word as always.
Jerry Herrera
By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
Reff:Proverbs 24:3
"No" is one of the most wonderful and under-rated words in the English language. We need to learn to use it more.
Most of the conflicts we see in modern drama - the stuff that makes us cringe - is when we see people in situations that they don't normally want to be in, where their boundaries are being transgressed.
We write books and screen plays about it, we laugh about it, we gape at the stupiduty of people on TV who get themselves into awful situations, but we still do it oursevles
If only more people knew how to say "No" more often, there would be less of these cringe-worthy boundary transgressions.
Derek, thanks for highlighting something that is so important to so many people.
Great advice as usual. Ever had a HELL YEAH that took work to recognize? A great book called "The Passion Test" gives a great technique to identify your top 5 passions in life and advises using those to shape life decisions. Its great for people who find themselves saying HELL YEAH to things that later cause problems (e.g. infringe on time with family friends, travel or whatever your top passions are) or say NO only to realize later that they should have said HELL YEAH!
wow, great great post,
I've been realizing that saying "No" is really saying "Yes" to something else.
but by taking it the next step and saying "Hell Yeah" adds an important quality of enthusiasm toward your actions that will make
what you do more joyful.
Hell yeah, I'll try this idea.
Thanks Derick
Hi, Derek
You know, I've just arrived at the same page as you. Maybe it's the aging process, for how many years can you compromise your soul away until there's no more "you" in you.
I'm definitely in a hell yes, or forget about it phase.
P.S. I was going to write you about your Muckwork project. I'm still doing the promotion work besides my creative work. (www.judysandramedia.com)
Great advice. Thanks for that clarity. I say yes to too many things and end up spreading my energies too thin for the most important stuff. I will use this insight. Thanks Derek.
Wow! well you've obviously hit a note with all of us.. either way - if people have agreed or disagreed people have felt the need to write in response! I think it's a great concept and totally get what you mean, I've really enjoyed reading all of the other posts too, commitment to your passion, your joy, imagine if the whole world did what made them feel great!! what got them going.. thanks for getting the ball rolling mr! I'd like to add.. that I've been feeling crap lately for various reasons and then had two good news things come through last night.. reminding me that 'this too will pass' and to keep focussed on the good stuff that is coming, and be grateful for the good already that's here right in front of me.. but I really love the committment of your hell yeah or no.. its a brave approach and I really want to try it!!! yeah.. hell yeah.. ahah x p
Inspirational article - how often do we settle for less than we can have? This makes me think of my friend, Josh - a singer/songwriter who's doing what he adores (something that comes across clearly in his shows, when he veritably bounces around the stage during his livelier songs - and his tunes. The lyrics to one tune bring that to full focus, when he says "I'm singing for the love of it - have mercy on the man who sings to be adored" - his version of "Hell, yeah!".
Other friends who have a small string band (Tripping Lily) just opened a ukelele shop on Cape Cod. A blogger named Beth Dunn wrote a great piece about the shop -(http://www.bethdunn.org/2009/08/18/be-the-community-you-wish-existed/)
How powerful our world would be if we all honored our deepest passions - and responded to those opportunities that made us say "Hell Yeah!"! At the same time, we can't be scared off unfamilar opportunities - fearful of responding until that "Hell Yeah!" feeling finds our hearts. We need to seek it out.
Oh! I'm just so excited reading back through everyone's ideas.. I have to write more..lol.. I really like what some people are saying about creating the space and being ok with that... 'nature abhors a vaccuum' .. is how I've come across that idea.. and I have experieced it working.. if you let go of something that is no longer satisfying you or creating joy or learning with you, like a job, or a house, or ..whatever... which can be very hard to let go of and TRUST that more good will come your way.. I have seen great things come through having space for it to come.. hence where the 'no' comes into it.. I like it.. thanks again derek, awesome topic/conversation/thread!!! thanks
You could not have said it better Derek! Hell Yea!
Big Ran
A wise elderly person once said to me,"Good,better,best,never let it rest,'till your good is gooder and your better best."
HELL YEAH,to Derek Sivers. He just keeps marching on with right on's.
You are a universal hero, Derek Sivers.
Thank you,
Sharon{from the band Generation Gap?}
"Hell yeah!" I must work on being more "Hell yeah!" about paying my rent.... But I am definitely buying that book. Thanks for the reference! Thought-provoking blog!
It works for me!
The older I get, the less comfortable and the more frustrated I feel about taking on things that are not 10s. And these
Hell yeah to everyhthing you said except the part about cancelling prior engagements.
Your word is your bond! HELL YEAH to that!
Hey, Derek -
Have you ever checked out the poetry and life philosophy of David Whyte? I think you - and many readers - would appreciate it. http://www.davidwhyte.com/
He has a 6-CD set of his ideas that is amazing. Quote I like: "Anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you."
Cheers!
JG
A lot to think about, here, but I'm sure I will be happier and more organized with a few more "hell yeahs" in my life. Thanks!
Marie
Well Hell Yeah! I just got accepted at a New York Art Gallery after 40 years of saying hell yeah everytime I laid down a brush stroke or sculpted another chunk out of a large granite stone! My music is starting to happen and I write music with far more enthusiasm having known you Derek! I just spent 4 months being re-trained in the new methodology of Terrestrial Radio. I was up at 3am daily in a 4am, wrote 35 news stores, recorded 8 news and sports casts and did a live show from 6 am til noon. I blew the community away with that same motto of Hell Yeah. I did the entire show on Radio solo. A one man extravaganza and I have as much if not more energy and enthusiasm as I did when I was 17 and just starting on air. I was able to donate art to community projects, performed my music live, aired numerous of my own and other friends music on Radio and also aired numerous bands and artists from Cdbaby where my own music is. What a blast it is helping other artists. I will never have the same mark in stone that Derek Sivers has helping over 350,000 artists as you did at cdbaby by simply starting a site to sell your own music as it began.
isn't what we are doing making music and art all about sending that continuous message out of hell yeah, this is it!! This is my energy and I'm offering it to you or how can the energy and inspirations I have serve you. I guess that's how I earned the nickname Buddhaboy. I didn't and have never done things thinking oh the spotlight will shine on me. I have always had that inner spark of helping others. I have no idea why I have that spark but I do it's a love of life and people and their story not mine. Even though I'm laying down the tracks of my life here.
Excitment, enthusiasm, that's what it's all about! Isn't that the spark you are refering to Derek? I feel your energy, now I'm buzzing from it.
It took Me 2 weeks to make it back to the Toronto area from the north where I was. I camped along the way and sculpted statues at places all the way down the hiway not knowing what was in store for me next. Even now I am at a picnic table in a screen tent and have my wireless connected to some source and here I am..Hell Yeah! am I ever glad I signed in to me e-mail.I have a few days to put together my works for the New York Gallery and to be honest if I could move there in the next few weeks that's where I'd go too. That's where my Gallery will be.
I have cut a deal with a stone yard to allow me to get my prototype stone sculptings together and I'm gathering up some of the 4000 paintings and sketches I have in my storage unit close by to send to my new Gallery in New York. The toughest thing was coming up with their fee. I just kept saying something like Hell yeah or that positive vibe we can create ourselves and I've done it.
I truly feel this force that is binding our universe and I've found the stream of goodness and I am so thankful and grateful to be alive at the same time as Derek Sivers. You are such an amazing energy my friend. I love you buddy. You are simply the best, Oops that's been done Ah! oh well let's send that energy out again!!
Hell Yeah! I wanna come to New York too! is ther any chance of hiring a second energy for that wonderful trip you're on my friend. Say the word and I'm there.
We've been working at the grass roots program a bunch of started through President Obama's office.
The One Revolution!!!
see: www.zazzle.com/firstladycharities
mine is at www.zazzle.com/graphicman
I love you Buddy,
John David Hart
Buddhaboy/front man for Open Eye Universe
Music created with support of the Bowie community in the members Gallery of David Bowie dot com then we set ourselves free!! Hell Yeah! we did! now we're floating in the Universe for ever
I like the post - however some of us are not so good at choosing the right "Hell yeah" projects - the good part is though that even when a "Hell yeah" turns to "what have I got myself into" the challenge is always to learn and keep forging ahead - this was a recent experince for me when I decided to get back into performing - went to New Orleans - worked from the day I arrived until a few months later when I had a heart attack and kidney failure - then the question was do you wanna live? and my answer was Hell Yeah!LOL -
I am now approaching life with the same Hell yeah or No attitude that you espouse cause life is short and the choices we make are IMPORTANT...
One other thing impresses me about your posts: You always take the time to read the comments and reply to some of us - that's very cool because it means that you are not just about self promotion but actually interested in what we think...
all the best
Melinda
I like this article cause it's a new way of looking at this from a new point of view.HELL YEAH!.
hell yes!
To me the "Hell Yeah" is about loving my life.
It is a Choice, a decision on which we can base the rest of what we build, and it works, always.
PEACE,
Tedi May
Grandma... I'm not feelin' HELL YA about your potroast tonight
I'm outta here
Having recently come to the same realization myself, reading your thoughts gave me a fresh perspective, and brought to mind a perhaps deeper view. When one reaches the position where this attitude really works it's beautiful,and reminicent of the philosophical discoveries of Raja Yoga. That is, the philosophy of Kings, made possible by being freed of everyday concerns and having many real options. Through your hard work and wonderful intellect you have arrived at a place where what you do can possibly be truly up to you. But as any sentient being might correctly guess, you did not get there by avoiding the unpleasant, but rather by embracing the difficulties that you faced with pure joy and the thrill of facing challenges head on. Loving hard work! A big part of your "Hell Yeah" realization comes from your natural courage the fact that you probably love hard work instinctively. I'll bet that you don't intend it to, but the tone of your article might lead one to think that you are endorsing a "don't take what you don't want" approach, without any of the "you gotta love it all" angle. Since playing the hand that you are dealt is almost always inevitable, regardless of wealth, I personally interpret your words to include a basic instinctive understanding of the " I get what I want get, because I want what I get." philosophy. As in the Absolute acceptance / absolute rejection philosophy of Shambala school of thought. Once a problem is fully accepted and not hid from, it's no longer so much a problem, but an opportunity that can be energizing and thrilling. I neccesary logical step. I think that this persceptive is the key element in living the "Hell Yeah" philosophy that you described. Without that, aren't we just talking about a very rich person who is above doing anything the least bit uncertain or unpleasant. That, in itself would be pure Raja Yoga, the philosophy of Kings. Comparing that to various life situations can be instructive and inspiring, and even the absolute theoretical best direction. But for a child born in Somalia just yesterday it may never be possible to glimpse much less follow. That is until that individual understands the "lemonade from lemons" perspective and realizes that throwing out all the lemons is not neccesarily going to always be advantageous.
In summary, I could not agree more with what you said. But I do think it may be misinterpreted so I added this comment.
But I'll tell you what. The "Hell yaeh, or No" realization applies perfectly to purely creative endeavors, such as composing music. For me that is where it becomes a wonderous and almost absolute guide. i.e. "No Doubt"
Thank you again for your unique way of expressing beautiful and valuable ideas!
Well, hell yeah, you made the right decision not moving to Sydney. Worst shithole I have ever lived in, spending the next few months trying get out. The city is a mess, the sun and beaches are great, but the people suck.
"Do or do not- there is no try"- Yoda
Earlier I posted a comment in which I said that the Hell Yeah philosophy worked perfectly in creative work, but then after thinking a bit more I realized how wrong I was. That criteria could lead to the further spectacularization of art, and the continuing extinction of subtlty in our culture. Did anyone say Hell Yeah to Eric Satie, or the impressionists, or even Stravinsky when he turned expectations upside down, and revolutionized sonic art. The reactions were more along the lines of "Holy Moly!" or, "What was that!?" Other than that, being real innovators, they also got a big rousing Hell No! These individuals were not as interested in hitting people "where they live" as in taking them somewhere completely new. Having the Hell Yeah philosphy for an artistic criteria is how we ended up with things like American Idol. "Blow me away or you're history"
Hell Yeah is a reaction we usually have to things that we understand immediately, even if they are new ideas to us. That immediate understanding is reassuring and evokes exclamation. Isn't there room for that which makes us wonder, be rapt in unsummerizing awe, and grow from that not knowing, not neccesarily assuredly, whether we like it or not. Illumination and growth can follow.
And what about "Hmmm, I never imagined anything like it", or "I don't know what to make of it, but it moves me". or even silent unencapsuated amazement.
In taking this a bit too far from your day to day application of the philosophy that you intended I hope to suggest that there is a reaction that tops Hell Yeah. It may be called "What the Hell was That!?"
And that's what artistic visonaries are born to produce. They challenge us.
I always love reading your ideas and your clear expressions of them. Thanks for reading my further musings on the subject of instant reassurance as an ultimate criteria.
"No" is not necessarily negative.
"No" can be very powerful, when used correctly.
Derek I couldn't agree more with you! I had to learn this the hard way, when two weeks ago I lay in the hospital, with tubes and wires attached to my body, and machines beeping and rumbling, nurses running around and doctors trying to figure out what's wrong with me!
They couldn't find anything wrong, except that I had said too many times YES to things that were killing me. But I found that out myself!
It's funny you wrote this article just now! If it ain't a HELL-YEAH! it's automatically a NO THANKS!
Stay healthy folks!!!
Thanks Derek!
I am a victim of moral obligations, except when I am working. As a lawyer I have learned very quickly to turn down every case it is not exciting to follow .... this way I have more free time for producing music and stay with my family. Without hurting my pockets (in fact my definition of an "exciting case" implies both a good challenge and a good economic return).
WOW. Great post, Derek. Happy to wait, as my inability to focus due to the creative juices pulling me in 100 different directions, is a constant battle. Three things: I'm amazed that you read and replied to so many of these great comments. Thank you!! However, although I derive great value from others' thoughts, I think there should be a rule that comments can't be longer than the original post. ;)
Lastly, this reminded me of a Faulkner quote my father gave me for my birthday this year:
"Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself."
When we hold ourselves to being better than ourselves, anything less than a 10 along the way, is left along the side of the road (less travelled).
wow! ...I woke up with this feeling of an overwhelm because of an overbooked schedule.
This philosophy is EXACTLY what I need to impliment. There are at least a dozen things I'm committed to that are NOT a "Hell Yeah!" kind of yes.
Thank you Derek! ...always useful to read your insights
i got shivers when you said "hell yeah" to NYC as that was my reaction too lol if it weren't for the fact that the universe said "hell no" to my requests for an income i'd still be there, however i am still getting a "hell yeah" to finding a way to go back :D
by the way you never called me for that job??? i would have been a hell yeah lmpao just thought you should know
Good advice Derek.
I also work as a freelance web designer and after some of the offers I get and money offered, my favourite response is 'HELL NO!'
That's exactly why I've never been married!!!
-------------------But If I ever do it, when they say, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife
for the rest of your life,
'till death do you part?
. . . . I'll remember to say: ''HELL YEAH''!
sincerely,
Mr. T R U E
Excellent words of wisdom Derek. This is the first time I've responded to a post by you, but it's long overdue!!! Your website was referred to me by an Indie Artist based in Corpus Christi, Texas, where I live and love life!!!!
Keep up the great work Derek.
Grateful Ed ~ Not The Grateful Dead ~
Hell yeah means to me -"Life is too short, we must live every moment in the present with our mind and body.It afects our decisions and actions in real time" .
I agree - Hell yeah
Uri bracha
Great advice. If you are not passionate about it, why waste your time and energy? Odds are you/it won’t be successful in the end anyways, or you spread yourself too thin with less important items taking away from the Fuck Yeahs. When you are passionate about something your whole attitude and the world around you changes. You are excited, obstacles are no match for you, effectiveness goes ways up, you are happier, and your enthusiasm spreads to others. I’d also add you do others more justice in the long as I’d rather have someone tell me no, than give me a half ass not fully into it yes.
Love it!!
First time I came across your blog, and it hit right home. Also, seeing the number of comments blew me away. What an impact you have! Very cool.
THANK YOU!
Johanna
Our Founder, Doc Cavalier, built this business on "help," and "never saying no." But things have changed. Times change. Staff changes. And, as much as we still have that disease of never being able to say no, because we truly care and want to help people, it is becoming far more apparent that about (literally) 80-90% of those "yes" items prove the old adage, "No good deed goes unpunished." I think to keep to only "hell yeah" items, from a company standpoint, is to get everyone on board to stay focused on concise, strategic goals, and to only choose those items that get closer to that goal. If there is any downtime (which we all know is an urban legend) then feel free to use that for the "yes" items.
Derek Once again you hit the nail on the head.
And it is so inline with my plan of action I started last week. What to clear off of my plate.
Hell yea!!!
Mykel
Hell yes, is the ideal, if there wasn't so much repetitious assembly line "synthetic crap" as Santana calls it. More fluff than stuff, more angles than a Mayan temple. So even the highly motivated, don't give a damn balls to the wall blue flame enthusiast checks his brain housing twice as much as his true instincts now a days .
You're a genius Derek! And you're right; it helps you filter through clutter and find specifics. You narrow down to what you need to deal with without all the fluff.
Thank you for articulating it nicely.
Hell yes @ Derek--this is the reason you continue to be a 10 on my list and are one of my modern day heroes!
Thanks for all you do,
Mary Z. Cox
U raise some interesting points here Derek. The problem with modern life is that there is is much going on at all times that it's hard to make the choices as to what things will help your career. Especially online. The upshot of your article is that life is shorter than we know so why waste your time doing anything you don't believe in and feel excited about 100%. Your concept also provides a gut check for musicians. If a a musician never feels the "Hell yeah!" moment about opportunities that arise then it's time for another line of work. kudos to you for giving us food for thought!
PEace,
Vinnie Zummo
Derek:
Hell Yeah - I love reading your posts! It takes me into a cerebral zone that I'm always needing. Luv it, luv it, luv it! Thanks Dude!
HELL YA Muckwork have to keep that in mind.Prioities what is important and what isn't
Good point D. Since artist have to be promoters, managers and artist we have no time to waiste.
Thanks
Derek,
This is something that I struggle with constantly. I always want to say, "Yes."
I just requested the book from my local library and hope to do a little self-improvement in this area in the near-future.
Toby
Derek. Wow what a really terrific point. I never thought about making a decesion based on if i am really feeling up to it or not. More often i am doing things that i really do not have time for. I am constantly trying to find times to finish my projects and on many occassions i am lured to do other things that is really not in my best interest. Great point Derek.
i agree with you up to a certain point. what would you say to a person (like me) who believes in god? to me, every decision i make is a hell yeah! decision, whether i perceive it to be a hell yeah! decision or not. every time i find myself in a situation that's derived from a may-be-less than hell yeah! decision (or, conversely, a less-than hell yeah! situation derived from what i had falsely perceived as a hell yeah! decision) i remember i'm in that situation for a reason, and, whether or not i understand why, i know that god wants me to have that experience so i can learn something, and that makes me say hell yeah!. to me, since god by definition is all-knowing, making a decision is simply a rhetorical process; god already knows what my decision is going to be, knows what the outcome is going to be, and already knows what decisions i'm going to make in result of that decision. any decision-making on my part should be seen as a figure of speech and recognized as such. thanks for your always-insightful blog posts, derek!
hell yeah!
(or how many americans say it - heck yeah)
Hi Derek,
Always thought provoking as ever..While I totally understand the need reduce the fluff and concentrate on the stuff, the HELL/YEAH approach may tend to sometimes throw out the baby with the bath water. It is possible that an idea or concept can strike you as strange or odd the first time around and that after some time it becomes clear what the underlying meaning or potential really is. Could we use a HELL/MAYBE approach....maybe?
Derek, thanks for the words. I am in total agreement. I have a bad habit of getting involved with people and their projects because I don't want to be rude, or seem like an ass. Well, 9 out of 10 times it never pans out or turns into something it was never supposed to be, so I am with you. Can't wait to see Muckwork come to life. Brett
Derek, thank you again for stating the often ignored obvious... : )
'Hell Yeah!' rings such a bell for me; INSTANT CLARITY, which sometimes fades so quickly, is refreshed...
ONWARD TO THE NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE!!
"Saying yes to less is the way out. "
I LOVE this article because you have verbalized a fantastic truth that promotes stabilization, sanity and focus. "Hell yeah!" or "No" from now on is the way to go. Great article, Derek!!!!
This is very timely for me - it comes at a time when I'm re-evaluating what I'm doing in a big way. Wish it was all that black-and-white, though - sometimes the bills just have to be paid. I've also done projects I was skeptical about and ended up having a great time and/or meeting great new people. But it's true that I do a lot of gigs I'm not happy about, and it's time to change that. Also, I'm glad you've chosen NY for your new home. It's the best, isn't it?
Derek...
this comes in very good times...Just now that I truly felt to re-launch my Music Career after almost 2 years of baby/family break!
HELL YEAH!
NY vs Florianópolis???hmmm...tough one! ( I am from Brazil, you know!!!)
But somehow I feel a strong pull to America...maybe you have also given me an extra tip with that!
NY Thyagi Das 2009/2010? It sounds good..see you there
Peace brother of Inspiration
Thyagi Das
There are some people who do not grasp this concept because they do too many drugs.
Not only is this a great concept, but I usually follow it up with large dollar amounts.
Great article.
King Famous.
This is also reminiscent of Steven Covey's idea of "Win/Win or No Deal" in his Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
Basically, you should work toward creating a win/win situation in any interactions you are involved in - particularly business. But don't be afraid to walk away if you can't come to an agreement. It's better to have no agreement then one that makes you come away feeling less than thrilled.
Your sense of Energy is Very Uplifting. I do so Enjoy reading your Rants!
Thanks, tj
Derek what a fantastic and COMPLETELY applicable post! I can relate to this on so many levels and the timing of this latest article is something uncanny! Not only is it food for thought....it rings true for me on a DEEP level. "The art of saying no" such a simple yet powerful way to live. We aren't taught that saying no means saying YES to what really matters in our lives. OUR values, OUR dreams, what we feel we can contribute with passion and truth, this is the gift we give ourselves when we say no to the things that don't make our "heart sing"
May you continue to be blessed Derek as you have blessed so many of us with your insight, service to independent musicians and your support of our "quest for self expression"
blessings, leila
Derek,
I get EXACTLY what you mean.
Two examples of HELL YEAH moments in my life that I will share was when a NGO asked me to work in a press corps at one of their events. In addition to getting more great marketing and PR experience, I met Paul McCartney, Jay Leno and others, and they later asked me to write an article about all of my work with them including local fundraising and raising awareness.
So... I am always open to the next HELL YEAH opportunity...HERE NOW!
Fascinating article and full of truth. I do believe in intentionality and being mindful of what we are involved in.
However, I am willing to bet that the bigger pile of money you sit on is in direct proportion to how much "hell" you can put in "hell yeah!"
For many with bills to pay, you gotta say yes when you gotta say yes, hell-inclusive or not.
I've been on that hell no tip for a while now, what i've learned is if your not in the habit of saying no to people they start to feel like your a yes man and in this business you have to stand your ground people may think your being an asshole but sometimes no most of the times bosses have to be. It keeps order so if it isn't beneficial to your business it's not just no, its HELL NO!! thanks derek keep em coming
Excellent perspective Derek, thanks!
Like you mentioned most of us have too much on our plates and that's an excellent way to clear off at least some of it if not a large portion of it! BTW-That IS a constant problem I have to deal with...not enough time...too much to do...
Very Best Regards,
George
Hell Yeah! Has always been my professional compass. Thanks for putting it in words! ~ethan
HELL YEAH i needed this kind of inspiration this morning. i'm always too scattered among too many projects. now i know which ones to focus on. obvious, but profound. thanks, derek!
What a powerful decision making tool! I used it over the past week and it has already changed the experiences I've been having for the better.
Wrote about the specifics on my blog here:
http://www.sethigherstandards.com/how-to-make-powerful-and-fast-decisions/
Thanks Derek!
Ravi (in Seattle, WA - where yes, it is August but still raining!)
Thank you for this perspective. I've been struggling with the idea of turning things down, particularly if they are requests from people I care about. Just this week, I was asked by a dear student to participate in a benefit tomorrow. Between my cd release next week and a big composition project deadline, I don't have time to do a good job for him. But because I agreed out of duty, I've got one more thing on my plate this weekend. I've hit the wall. Thanks for throwing down a ladder!
Hello Derek,
The word "No"some people think by saying no is bad. The word yes can be bad as well.But the word "No" use more often. If you lose some thing, The first word you say is:"OH NO" But for me saying no can be good.
derek.
i simply love the way you put thoughts and feelings to words.
that said, i don't want to leave you with an, "i like it."
what hits me about this piece is your kindness. many people simply say no. or change their conditions without explaining it.
the kindness of going through what you did to write this, And then going to trouble of writing and posting, is moving to me.
i applaud your decision to Live Your Life, be accountable, and still be such an amazing person, business person, and friend.
thanks for being you derek.
stefan
Derek-
You are so RIGHT! I wish I would have had that advice many, many years ago. Spreading yourself too thin interferes way too much with "Hell Yeah" projects. I'm going to start practicing saying "NO".
Thanks-
Pete
Thanks Derek. Did I learn from these thoughts? HELL YEAH!
Excluding perfunctory duties and courtesy which we merely performed as a routine, it's wise to heed your counsel Derek. It should either be a "HELL YEAH" OR "NO" period.
To many people, this rule is to be mastered with time. For me persoanlly, although I am learning this daily, I really love to be on one end of the bar not between.
Jesus had this principle too, teaching His followers to simply let their "Yes" be "Yes" and their "No" be "NO" (Matthiew 5v37). Not only does he who finds himself in the middle an evil one, but he is condemned by means of his location within the bar (James 5v12).
Being overly burdened and its consequences upon our social relationship are part of the self-imposed condemnations we suffer. I rather better be located on either a "HELL YEAH" or "NO".
God bless you, Deerek.
Love it! Except for your not choosing Sydney, my home town
It reminds me of something I read about fierce provisional commitment to creative projects - fierce, cos if you don't have fierce commitment why bother (Hell Yeah!) and provisional because things change and so must you, sometimes...
Joanna
Not entirely sure I would holler 'hell yeah' out loud, but I agree with the sentiment 100%.
If you're not go to go for something full-on, sooner or later it is going to die a death - so say HELL YEAH - or say no!
Nice idea, and I agree with the sentiment behind it, but for me it wouldn't work, I'd end up sat around the house all day doing nothing! I never really feel 'Hell Yeah!' about anything, I tend to be indifferent and apathetic all the time. I can't remember what it last was that got me that motivated!
I've been doubled-burned by not following that philosphpy. I've given far too many 'yeah, ok's myself, as well as let myself accept far too many from others. Don't spread yourself too thin; but also recognize when people are spreading themselves too thin to accomodate you.
Finding this blog today...
Hell Yeah!!
I just turned down a gig because i noticed myself feeling dread about it, before even committing. I felt better as soon as I said no. It's all about energy management.
As someone who has many, many varied interests, I find I always want to do so much, and quickly say yes and overcommit to do things I definitely like, but don't necessarily love. But there is a dividing line of how I feel about a handful of things, the "hell yeah" things, and so looks like all the rest should really be a "no." Thanks for posting this article!
Damn right. I absolutely loved this. Thank you a thousand times. Thank you!!!
Derek, PLEASE get Muckwork up and running!
-- Derek
I'm trying!
I sure needed this reminder!!!!!
Thanks so much
Well, that DOES simplify it a lot, doesn't it? I really like this approach. And I know it will stick in my mind as a way to discern what's really important, and what that Still Small Voice is really clarifying. Peace & thanks!
Hi and thank you for sharing your point of view.
. Take the opportunity, expand your ideas, listen for the feedback and do more with all of this.
I do not entirely agree though. Are you someone still waiting for HELL YEAH moment? Sometimes waiting is just not an option. In any case you will do more if you do something, than if you don't
Greetings from Bulgaria
Georgi
Great advice! It's too bad that it doesn't apply sometimes (you can't say hell no to an assignment and get off ok). On the other hand, this has a wide range of uses. I have been using this to pare down my music and photos, only keeping what I really like. Whatever makes me really excited or looks/sounds really great stays!
Thanks for the great advice.
I say Hell Yeah to this page.
hehehe. Trust me I know what your saying here, about the feeling that the hell yeah was there or it wasn't. I was in NY for 3 days, it was supossed to be for 14 days on a music adventure in the city. I wasn't feeling it after the second day so I called the producer and I canceled the rest of the time I had left in NY and I left the third day. WHY YOU ASK???? Because I wasn't feeling it, so I said HELL NO!!! Good artical Derek 
So much looking forward to your Muckwork website. I know it will be a great success. All the best of luck to you and HELL YEAH for this post.
Sometimes ya gotta be there for someone else, even if it's not "Hell Yeah", but a lot of truth in this. Another related idea is "#89 If Someone Throws You The Ball, You Don't Have to Catch It" from Richard Carlson's book; 'Don't Sweat The Small Stuff'
Where you go depends on where you've been. Our lives are based on the dicisions we make. We need to feel hell yeah totally when we think we're ready to show what were doing to the rest of the world. Cause we want everyone to say hell yeah to us. Do you have good ideas Derek? Hell yeah! We need to let ourselves know we do the right thing!!!
I hope you are feeling Hell Yeah to every decision you make - even if it's a learning experiene. How can we help ourselves or others with out the feeling of Hell Yeah! Lolita Sweet
You're soooo right on it again, Derek!
Thanks for the new perspective. Was JUST struggling with, like most everyone else, and this helped make up my mind about a bunch of undecided stuff! Some of it I have to do to survive, after that, it'll be placed on this new scale for quicker and more satisfying decisions that help reach my truer goals.
For the naysayers: For everything that is to be done there is one (or more) who can say "Hell, Yeah!" If those people would clean off their plates of the things that are less than 9 for them, then they would have the time/energy to say "Hell, yeah!" I don't find it narcissistic at all, I find it to be that everybody uses their time/energy for that for which they have the desire/talent. In that manner, all things work out for the best.
On the other hand, I can see leaving ourselves open to new experiences that may make us grow that maybe on the onset seem like "ho-hum" opportunities, but not at the expense of our sanity or well being. Who can do a great job when they are overextended?
This is a great way to take potential confusion out of decision making. Simple yet effective philosophy. If you love it, do it, if you don't then stop right there. Our inital excitement meter is the gauge we should use to decide whether or not to take on a project. It's like getting a good signal for a vocal at the start of recording. If there's a great signal and the content is good then you'll end up with a great recording. If there's no signal then no matter what effort you put in the end result will be dull. Search for the spark!
of what makes the end result good or bad. Nice one!
I started taking a similar attitude a couple of years ago. It started when I decided to be more grateful. Then when I found something I couldn't be grateful for, I dropped it.
This attitude really changed my perception of everything. Instead of having a bunch of things I did but wished I didn't have to do, every activity I was involved in was either great or gone.
Awesome. I've been practicing this ever since My friend had mentioned this.. Hell yeah!
If something doesn't excite me, I'm not interested. Life it too short doing shit I don't want to do. Doing what excites us is win win!
I love your post....it always inspired me !!! Thanks a lot for sharing...it helps me to expand..and that.s such BLISS
...Love & Gratitude
Sathya
if each one of these would listen to the best written ME! the best recorded in nashville i know they would purchase at least 1!!!! good luck and thanks dr tom butt i dare YOU!!!!
OK I didn't read all the comments so forgive me if I am repeating but this made me think of a Bob Dylan quote: "when something isn't right it's wrong"
Thanks much. I always enjoy your insights - this one is real help just now!
I'd be curious to know how you began the search again in a different way.. and if it would work for bassists. ;)
In all my life I've yet to meet a hell yeah bass player!
Damn Straight ! - for personal pursuits and projects you are correct.
The only exception - when you have kids you can't say "NO" to "Daddy, lets go to the Crayola factory for the 4th time."
You learn to be happy seeing them enjoy THEIR "Hell Yeahs!"
Wow. But . . . what do you do when you are involved in many things, almost too many to really focus on, but they are all important to you. Maybe I do have some other no's in there that I'm not really paying attention to that would make these Hell Yeah's a little easier to manage.
"I'd be curious to know how you began the search again in a different way.. and if it would work for bassists. ;)
In all my life I've yet to meet a hell yeah bass player!"
Hmm, Bill, I've met a few Hell yeah bass players in my time. Could it be that the particular type of music you play isn't really that Hell Yeah for bass players and so the really great ones don't get involved. I know as a drummer some types of music just don't seem to be easy for me to get into. I'm not criticizing your music, as I haven't heard it, just thinking out loud. Maybe there is a way that you could approach your music in a slightly different way that still rings true for you but somehow attracts hell yeah bass players. This maybe isn't that helpful, but I'm just throwing the idea out there.
What great advice, Derek! I am not much of a reader, but I think I am going to buy that book. My whole life, except for a very small percent (probably 15%) has rated around a 3-5. I have had trouble figuring out what to do with my life and my God-given talents. I have had so many interests that I never seem to get started in any one direction. I recently had the opportunity to audition for a band. I wasn't feeling great about it, but I thought, "What the heck." After a very moving sermon in church that morning, I said "no" to that audition and I felt great about it. I have, since then, been trying to figure out what I specifically want to do, what I feel confident doing, and what I feel "led" to do. I am going to use your "Hell Yeah!" in narrowing my interests and my path to success (and I don't mean success in terms of money, although I wouldn't complain if it included money... I mean happiness, fulfillment, a feeling that I'm headed in the right direction and making a difference in my life and in the lives of others.) Hell yeah!
first: i believe it should be: HEAVEN Yeah ;-))).
second: even if it feels great at the beginning - there will be times where there are just tears and blood till you finish a song, a project or whatever. if you are lucky it's about 30% inspiration and 70% transpiration ;-)
love harald
This is an amazing post. It applies to companies, too, that spend too many of their resources chasing down pretty cool ideas or opportunities. It only spreads the company too thing, and everything becomes ineffective. I'll be forwarding it along to many of my colleagues at the office.
bd
@bdunc1
I know that feeling of "HELL YEAH"! Good advise of how to prioritize from “Personal Development for Smart People”.
WITHOUT A DOUBT I AM AGREEING WITH YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON THE "HELL YEAH" OR STRAIGHT OUT "NO" CONCEPT. I FEEL YOU SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO DISAPPOINT OTHERS OUT OF FEAR OR ANYTHING ELSE. LOOK THEM SQAURE IN THE FACE AND DELIVER AS IT WILL HELP YOU AND OF COURSE THEM LATER ON. "NO" CAN BE A VERY GOOD THING IN MANY WAYS. IT HELPS THOSE WHO ARE TOLD "NO" TO HONE IN ON THEIR SKILLS AND CRAFTS AND COME BACK TO THE TABLE MUCH BETTER THAN BEFORE. "HELL YEAH" WHEN DONE OUT OF CONTEXT ONLY HELP TO ENABLE. "DON'T BE AN ENABLER".
Great writing. keep up the good work!
Something I realised a very long time ago is that in life you can choose to do one thing *really well* or many things not so well (but enjoy them). If you take one thing and devote your life to it, you will eventually be one of the best people at it, absolutely. The elite are either fanatically devoted or naturals and even naturals have to practice. People who are good at many things are very rare.
One thing I disagree though, is how you handle it: if I promise to do something, I do it. If I'm not sure, I'll say I'm not sure. My promises are like gold dust. If you get one from me then that thing gets done even if it costs me a packet or I have to break a limb. I prefer to be a man of my word.
Well, I'm late to this thread and this may have already been said, but I love the Oscar Wilde theorem: " I shall go through life either First Class, or Third, but never second". When I remember to live like this, I do (and concern myself with) fewer activities, but at a much higher level of intensity, flow, awareness etc for the ones that remain.
Funny how easy it is to become distracted from what matters to you. I've been developing a simple system to keep what matters right in sight.
Maybe this has been said already, but getting to a decision like this could mean a 3 months process too, if you have a new hire and you have to test him.
http://www.uberpix.net/wp-content/main/2009_12/Dancing.jpg
i think this suits here well.
But still i think its too black/white philosophy, that shouldn`t be used as all-life saving moto. Read in another book such example : A string on a guitar that is too much hardened brakes, a string that isn`t enough - doesn`t sound well, and it`s good just about the middle. Life is too complicated or easy or in the middle to have only one theory. sorry for bad english.
Ive had this one in my head for past few months. I can apply it to alot of things but not everything) Stepkids....hell yeah? hmmm....
Derek,
This is awesome boundary management advice. Google "Dan Mezick BART" if you can say "HELL YEAH" to this comment.
Dan Mezick
wow - seriously love this!!
As a stay at home mom this has been my theme over the past three years - if I don't *love* the idea of doing something I'm not going to say yes just because all the other moms are doing it.
Day at the park? Love to if it's hot and sunny!
Play date with another mom and her child? Only if I like the other mom!
Such a great article I felt like I should leave a comment, but I couldn't think of what to say.
Then I remembered that if I couldn't think of anything good to say, leaving a comment doesn't fit into the "hell yeah!" category, and I navigated away.
...but then I realized I had a meta-thought, and I enjoy meta-thoughts, so here I am.
Found on GRS. Perfect timing. Going to start applying this to my life immediately! Hell Yeah!
Thanks for this blog entry, Derek, and for everything you do. I'm a singer-songwriter who usually feels discouraged by the enormity and amorphousness of the new music industry, and I've decided that your blog is my new church. I hope you don't mind if I say, "FRAK YEAH!" instead. ;-)
Perfect.
I'll put it in a bit different way.
Trust your instincts.
It guides you towards the "hell yeah!".
Focus only on what you want(the "hell yeah!") and you'll get it!
Great post! And I like moving 5 - 8s down to 1. Your post reminds me of the "do it now or don't do it" time management system. Sure, you still need to delay some things (but you schedule them) when they'll take extra time, but basically "do it" because it's a Hell yeah! or don't do it at all--yes? Hell yes? Hell yeah!
This is a great perspective! I sometimes have to force a "hell yes" from a "hmm can I really be bothered?" [I am too good at being a hermit sometimes!] but I agree with the sentiment. If it's not a "hell yes" it's a "no". Great!
count me in on Hell Yeah!!!
Loved your "Japanese addresses" video, so thought I'd stop on by.
Your "hell yes" philosophy seems wise, but it proceeds from the assumption that we are all awash in opportunities all the time and we simply need to be more selective about the ones we choose.
But some of us simply don't have that problem. We have the opposite problem. There's nothing to say "hell yeah!" to, no opportunities to commit to too many things.
I'd honestly love to have your kind of problem. My problem is, I have no opportunities and I don't know how to generate my own. There's just too many options.
What would you advise?
Wow, this is exactly what I needed to read. I have been taking on so many new projects recently that I can't keep them all straight! From now on I'm only going through with the Hell Yeah! ideas.
WOW! Got directed here from Patrick McCrann's site. Glad I came by. I like this and it gets a definite "HELL YEA!" from me
No time to check for similar posts, so possibly a redundancy here. I think HELL YES is a good tool to have at ones disposal --but not the only tool. I think one has to leave oneself open to the possibility that one might NOT know what's best. How many pieces of music didn't move you at first, but later became favorites? How many artists/labels know which song should be the single?
Fertile Ground! Yes, I absolutely love that CD. Thanks for keeping my contact information and giving me the opportunity--in this case--to say "what the heck" and go check out one of your links. My big ah ha! came when I visited the Olympic Peninsula to see where friends were moving. Took me a day to know this would be home to me, too. Took a few months to arrange things back home, tie up loose ends, pack the car and make the 17 hr drive in one day.
..just... Brilliant! this really is a key to happiness in life.
your idea is inspiring to me. i am definitely chronically overcomitted.
thanks!
I sell real estate as one of my jobs. I really appreciate the HELL YEAH! client who looks at a house, gets excited, and immediately wants to find out how to buy it.
I am ever so much more willing to do all it takes to make this go through for them, as opposed to the ones who say: "Well, yeah, I sort of liked that other house, but I guess we could put in an offer on this one."
And it's not just the money; I'm so much more excited to work for a "HELL YEAH!" buyer offering 70k than a "Well, yeah...." buyer offering 100k on the same house.
hmm. this is interesting... i'll be reading a lot of your blogs for the next few days.
Hell yeah derick thanks for reaching out!! i'm loving your blogs and i hate blogs. now i'm going to stop fucking off and make something great happen HELL YES!
I've always used " Good and Best."
A lot of things might be good to do but not the best thing to do.But I must agree on how much that makes sense, if it ain't "hell yeah" it ain't gonna happen!
John / Jacob Blue
Great post. It seems we always spend too much time on the things that seem important, but really aren't that important. I like the idea of requiring a "hell yeah" before it ends up on my calendar.
Great post Derek! The Hell-Yeah thing is worth trying.
I agree 98%, but how often have you done something you didn't want to and had the time of your life!
Also, someone else's Hell-Yeah is worth it! Even if you end up not where you want to be.
My man,
That's the exact way I felt when I read the KarmaList blog. Derek your a cool dude, you got that good game my man ! You give away so much for free, you must be at peace with yourself...? Hell Yeah i'm f**king with my man Derek!
Balacke
Awesome post, captured what lots of people have been thinking but had not put into words!!
Great article Derek...I'll be shouting Hell Yeah a lot from now on!
This is what my HELL YEAH! sounds like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpMPFGBtE7Q
Jump to 1:48 in the video. This is probably my favorite SNL Digital Short. I adore Natalie Portman.
About this, I say, "HELL, YEAH!"
A BIG HELL YEA from me!! Life's too short...
A great philosophy! Let 2011 be the year of all or nothing! Hell Yeah!
Ah yes! Brilliant observation! I think this is totally the way to go, I couldn't agree more! HELL YEAH!
Derek -
thanks again for another great article. I tried to establish this "Hell Yeah!" strategy in my life for a while but I realized that I started to delve into a territory where I became suspicious of everything and did not enjoy myself whilst doing so.
My counterfix was to take things easy and evaluate each and every situation with more details.
Maybe you can update us on how you are doing nowadays with this "Hell Yeah" - Strategy?
Regards, George
Wowwwwww! I love love love this! I absolutely needed to see this. I am always saying yes....and then letting people down including myself because I absolutely feel obligated. And Hell Yeah, you have something figured out brother. From this moment forth, I shall reevaluate my response to opportunity...and really pay attention to whats true inside me, and quit being a people pleaser. I love you for this.
Right, hell yeah
Gret article!
This is basically the 80/20 Rule (Pareto's Principle) stated another way.
This is great advice! i think there's always a pressure to do as many things as you can to progress but if you're not feeling it with that passion you're not going to get much out of it anyway! Cheers!
I really like this post. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome advice! Here's to saying NO
Oh I love this approach to saying no! No guilt attached because you're saying no in order to give more of yourself to the things that really matter. Excellent. I shall put this into practice.
I'm saying "yes" to saying "no" :D
No is the way forward!
Have already starting sharing this. hell yeah!
;)
I agree with most that has been written. Who says you have to say a luke warm yes rather than a no?
I just freaking love this, hell yea
because I deserve the very best, to live my life on my own terms and don't take the second best as good enough. I'd rather wait for the very best. Love your blog. Thanks for the inspiration
Do you have a family? I believe in that too.
Dang, with an attitude like that I will not be able to work in the cube farm...
Oh wait, I don't work in the cube farm!
This sounds like a recipe for squeezing more joy out of life. Love the idea of replacing the 6,7,8's with a 0. Hell yeah!
I like it Derek, life is too short for anything else. Thank you!
I just quit my 2nd job based on the "HELL YEAH! or no" Principle.
-- Derek
My desire to be happy is finaly outweighingd my fear of...you name it: becoming destitute, letting people down, not following through, etc.
A moment of disrespect by my employer and I woke up. I've only been doing it for the money, and hating my life more every day for it.
So, I ended it. I didn't think about it, except for a brief question "is this the right thin?"g and I felt a "hell yeah" well up inside
I expect profound things to come of this personal revolution.
Thanks for planting this seed Derek, for all of us!
Wow! Congratulations! That's awesome!
I like your style Derek. Nice one man. Hell Yeah! Hope you're well. B
I love this mindset. Another great one is "if I could tell no one about this, would I still do it?"
Derek as always, your posts inspire. I find it very cool that almost two years after you posted this....you still get regular comments that are packed with their own value.
For me, I find that in working with artists, it's easy to see an initial "Hell Yeah" moment as we consider partnering with them that often fades as we get to know them. Some want to work harder than others and ultimately provide a greater return for all of us. When we partner on "Hell Yeah" opportunities, we need "Hell Yeah" partners.
Thanks!
Mark
there is a part of me that doesn't buy this concept. My friend Colleen said it best. "My no's aren't paying off."
Truth. They are not for her.
(at least at the present moment) I believe they will. I see how much joy it brings her and how much love she spins back into it. It is a gorgeous dance.
Question: how do you choose "no" to paying gigs if they are not fulfilling and low paying yet easy and paying your bills? Risking the "hell yeah" to the "yes" (in this case a piano concert) is not yet paying anything. It seems irrational to encourage her?
My intuition says, "Do it...play for old folks homes, play for a night clubs, offer up your skills and song for charity event, if you you want to play piano and sing all day, get out there and do it. There are ways to make it happen. Get the venue set the date, pre-sell tickets at every event and have the freakin' concert."
Even though my intuition on this this is correct, my logic fights intuition into submission.
Sometimes I can almost get logic to concur, but it feels like it requires radical trust which is....well...radical
Tonight we met a business man who usually diggs Colleen's work. As soon as he heard she was planning a concert after only 5 months of serious piano practice he immediately turned into Mr. Negativity.
Her feeling is she has always been meant to play and she took to the instrument like a fish returned to water
Anyways. I had a 'Hell Yeah' moment for myself tonight and it was the sweetest feeling. Four words: "Annie Get Your Gun" I found my 4th block final project for theater class. Now I don't have to fret about it. I can start doing the research and prep. Yeehaw!
It is fun to return to these posts,finding new ways to think about my thinking.
Thanks
wow, interesting how much I vacillate on this concept.
really challenging
how I can trust one moment, encourage a friend to trust.
Question....question....question.
Does it get easier?
read about you on the Art of Non Conformity blog.
Good luck with your chinese TED lecture.
Hell yeah !! I will come back to read this blog often.. very crisp in conveying what you want to... like it !
Yeah, you're applying this to major decisions, but this is the conclusion I've come to in dealing with something much more mundane, information overload.
There's so much interesting stuff bombarding us from every direction on the web, not to mention emails of all sorts, etc.
While the cost of information has dramatically dropped, our supply of time hasn't increased. Now it can't just be something interesting, it has to be something REALLY interesting and/or applicable to MY situation to make it worth spending time on.
I've heard this "advice" before. I do not subscribe to it - and would not have done, discovered, learned, or contributed much of what I have if I did. The value and benefit (to ourselves and/or others) is NOT always clear or compelling beforehand. While it IS important (to be able) to say "No", of more importance in much of life is the willingness to say "Yes".
... until a point. Saying YES is the correct strategy if you don't have much going on, and are moving your way to success. But once you are already busy or successful, saying YES can destroy you, as you over-commit and do nothing well. -- Derek
Hell yeah !! I will come back to read this blog often.. very crisp in conveying what you want to... like it !
This is the thing. If you say just yeah to something you might lose that HELL YEAH opportunity that's right around the corner. Meanwhile, you can do your own stuff and wait for the HELL YEAH to arrive! Thanks.
This is seriously the most beneficial single blog post I can remember reading. I can't tell you how happy I am to have read it. As a guy who is working tirelessly to succeed as an entrepreneur just articulating the idea in my head, that's it's OK to say no, is very empowering and exciting.
Interesting Read.... Liked it
. Thanks.
Hey, i'm glad Steve Pavlina's book inspired you. I loved it too.
Hell yeah or no.....
great thing to learn about life is that it is short..... so don't waste time on doing things half hearted.....do it completely or not at all....... thanks for the post..
All In, or totally out. Totally present, or totally absent. Opt in completely, or opt out. Bring Hell Yeah to your next meeting, or just say no. http://kasperowski.com/2012/01/dont-suck-at-meetings.html