Hell Yah, or Heck No!
I’m a big podcast fan, and one of my favorites is the Tim Ferriss Show in which Tim hosts some of the most interesting folks. He has recently interviewed Julie Rice of SoulCycle and author Neil Gaiman, but the one that struck me the most was his recent interview with musician and CD Baby founder, Derek Sivers. Sivers, one of Tim’s personal friends and advisors, offered up some great advice on how to live your life to the fullest. His advice was to look at opportunities and decide whether it makes you think, “Hell yah!” or not. If not, then it’s a “Heck no” and you shouldn’t waste your time doing it. Hmm. Something to consider….
Now after hearing Sivers’ quip, I can honestly say that I have already been using this logic a lot this season. First off, it is almost the same thought process as when I cleaned out my clothes closet and looked at my helmets and bike parts. When something didn’t register a firm “Hell yah!”, I tossed it aside or sold it off. Now, everything I have to wear and everything bike related just flat out makes me stoked.
So far, I have not raced once this season. I have considered it, but I just have not been inspired to the point if getting a “Hell yah!” It has been tough to balance a busy family life this year so far, and so racing has just not been a priority. When life gets in the way, I usually don’t get that “Hell yah!” feeling because pressure ruins the fun pretty easily for me. I can’t go and enjoy a race knowing that I could be supporting the family or chipping in at home in some way.
I have not missed more than one Campus Tuesday Night Ride all year because that is always a “Hell yah!” even when the weather blows. I have only missed one Sunday Clarence Coffee Shop Ride, and I was sick that day. The friends and fellowship of my “tribe” on these days just makes it always worth the while. Because everyone at home knows these are scheduled things, it is never a problem. Tuesday night and Sunday morning are usually pretty open times for everyone.
Money also came into play with this decision making philosophy. With the racing, I considered rejoining the local club ($80) and buying my license (another $80), and if I was 100% “Hell yah!” I would not have batted an eyelash to spend the money on joining either. But because I get that “meh” feeling, it was a “Heck no!” and I used the money to pay off bills and save for when the next “Hell yah!” hits.
By limiting commitments to what really moves you, you can open up a tremendous amount of space in the schedule to get things done and to enjoy the “Hell yah!” moments even more. I know that there are several commitments that I will be leaving or stepping away from to help free up more time for fun. I think you should consider Sivers’ advice, and give the whole episode a listen when you can. It’s good stuff.