korrents

← People and their mental models

Derek Sivers's mental models

3 claims Derek Sivers made fit 2 mental models. Most often: Say no by default, Your own biases. Everything they said here.

Models they name

Their own words name the idea.

Say no by default

Most good options have to be turned down, so make no the default and keep yes for what matters.

Others who think with this model

Adam GrantDes TraynorIan SilberMike KriegerPeter SellisPieter Levelsand 1 more

Open the model page

Say no to anything that is not an enthusiastic yes, because a life full of half-hearted commitments leaves no room for the things worth doing.

  1. Derek Sivers Founded CD Baby in 1998 and sold it in 2008 If you're not feeling “Hell yeah, that would be awesome!” about something, say no. If you're not feeling “hell yeah!” then say nosive.rs · 3 Jun 2018All korrents from this piece
    Their wordsIf you're not feeling “Hell yeah, that would be awesome!” about something, say no.

    ↗If you're not feeling “hell yeah!” then say nosive.rs

    3 Jun 2018

The hell-yeah rule is for people who are already overwhelmed; someone starting out should say yes to almost anything.

  1. Derek Sivers Founded CD Baby in 1998 and sold it in 2008 Though it's good to say yes when you're starting out, wanting any opportunity, or needing variety, it's bad to say yes when you're overwhelmed, over-committed, or need to focus. If you're not feeling “hell yeah!” then say nosive.rs · 3 Jun 2018All korrents from this piece
    Their wordsThough it's good to say yes when you're starting out, wanting any opportunity, or needing variety, it's bad to say yes when you're overwhelmed, over-committed, or need to focus.

    ↗If you're not feeling “hell yeah!” then say nosive.rs

    3 Jun 2018

Models we see in what they say

Our reading: their claim applies the idea without naming it. The claim is theirs; filing it here is ours.

Your own biases

Your mind jumps to conclusions and defends them; look for the evidence against you and use checklists.

Others who think with this model

Charlie MungerDaniel KahnemanRay DalioShane ParrishHenrik KarlssonPatrick Collison

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One good story outweighs a mountain of evidence, because most emotions cannot be argued with.

  1. Derek Sivers Founded CD Baby in 1998 and sold it in 2008 You'll ignore a mountain of evidence if you hear one good story against it or just feel yourself leaning the other way. What is “the truth” really for?sive.rs · 20 Jan 2026All korrents from this piece
    Their wordsYou'll ignore a mountain of evidence if you hear one good story against it or just feel yourself leaning the other way.

    ↗What is “the truth” really for?sive.rs

    20 Jan 2026