Insights from ‘Hell Yeah or No' by Derek Sivers

Question 1

What is the main principle of the ‘Hell Yeah or No’ policy?

Answer 1

Say ‘no’ unless you feel an absolute ‘Hell yeah!’ about an opportunity or decision.

Question 2

Fill in the blank: The ‘Hell Yeah or No’ approach helps to _____ in life for what really matters.

Answer 2

create space

Question 3

True or False: According to Sivers, it’s better to do many things partially than a few things fully.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

What question does Sivers suggest to determine what is worth doing?

Answer 4

What do you hate NOT doing?

Question 5

According to Sivers, why might ‘What makes me happy?’ not be the best question to determine what you love?

Answer 5

Because the list of things that make us happy can be too broad and needs further narrowing.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: The ‘Hell Yeah or No’ principle involves a mindset of ‘_____ almost everything, do almost nothing,’ but fully commit to what you choose to do.

Answer 6

Refuse

Question 7

In a scenario where you cannot do a preferred activity for days, what insight does this provide?

Answer 7

It reveals the activities you truly value and crave when unavailable.

Question 8

Application: If a project scares you but excites you, what should you consider doing according to Sivers?

Answer 8

Take on the project, as fear often signifies excitement and growth potential.

Question 9

Comparison: How does Sivers suggest distinguishing between safety and growth in life choices?

Answer 9

Choose growth over safety repeatedly, as growth often comes from risk.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Sivers mentions that life is a balance of _____ for safety and risk for growth.

Answer 10

choosing between

Question 11

Why does Sivers recommend acting as if you have an abundance of attention and money?

Answer 11

It helps reduce the urge to seek constant praise and money, allowing focus on interesting and useful work.

Question 12

True or False: Continually seeking attention and money leads to meaningful and satisfying work according to Sivers.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

Process: What should one focus on when they feel they have enough money and attention?

Answer 13

Focus on interesting and useful work, which can ultimately lead to breakthrough achievements.

Question 14

What paradoxical outcome does Sivers mention when one focuses on meaningful work rather than on money and attention?

Answer 14

You are more likely to build something remarkable that attracts money and attention naturally.

Question 15

What is the result of doing work that is interesting and useful, as per Sivers’ philosophy?

Answer 15

It energizes you, making you work harder, potentially leading to a breakthrough.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: ‘If money and attention are no longer priorities, one can _____ and focus on valuable work.’

Answer 16

step back

Question 17

According to Sivers, what type of work often leads to breakthroughs?

Answer 17

Work that is interesting and useful

Question 18

How does feeling ‘satiated’ in aspects like money and attention affect decision-making, based on Sivers’ view?

Answer 18

It helps one to say no to less meaningful opportunities, focusing instead on long-term, valuable pursuits.

Question 19

What does Sivers suggest you do with activities or projects that don’t excite you fully?

Answer 19

Say ‘no’ to them, as they do not meet the ‘Hell yeah!’ threshold.

Question 20

True or False: Derek Sivers believes fear should always be avoided in decision-making.

Answer 20

False