Anything You Want

Okay, let’s talk about Anything You Want by Derek Sivers. This book is like a friendly, no-BS chat with a guy who has been through the ups and downs of business and wants to tell you, “Hey, you don’t have to do it like everyone else!” It’s short, simple, and packed with life lessons that feel more like stories than lectures. Derek starts by telling us about how he accidentally started CD Baby, a company that helped independent musicians sell their music online. He didn’t plan to build an empire or make millions. Nope! He just wanted to help his friends sell their CDs when no one else was doing it. That’s the first big lesson: solve a problem you care about, and you might create something amazing without even meaning to. The way Derek talks about business is refreshing. He says, forget the big, fancy plans. You don’t need a grand vision or a perfect strategy. Just focus on what feels right to you. For him, success wasn’t about making loads of money—it was about helping musicians and creating something he was proud of. That’s another key takeaway: success is personal. Define it for yourself. Oh, and here’s a fun bit—Derek treated every customer like a friend. He made sure every email was personal and even turned the shipping process into something quirky and fun. He had this little note in the package that said, “Your CD was lovingly shipped by someone who cares.” How awesome is that? The lesson here is simple: make people feel special, and they’ll remember you. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Derek also talks about the times he said no. People wanted him to take big investments, expand the company, and chase after more, more, more. But he didn’t want to be trapped by someone else’s idea of growth. He stayed small and focused, and it worked. That’s a big one: it’s okay to say no if something doesn’t feel right. You don’t have to follow the crowd. Eventually, Derek decided it was time to move on. He sold CD Baby for $22 million—not to buy yachts or mansions, but to gain freedom. And here’s the kicker: he gave all the money to a charitable trust. He didn’t need the cash; he just wanted the freedom to live life on his own terms. Lesson? Don’t be afraid to walk away when it’s time. Life is about freedom, not just money. The beauty of this book is how real it feels. Derek’s voice is honest, funny, and full of wisdom. He’s not telling you to follow his path exactly—he’s saying, “Do what makes you happy. Build your business your way. Live life how you want to live it.” Anything You Want isn’t just about business; it’s about life, choices, and staying true to yourself. If you’re looking for inspiration, this book will hit you right in the feels.