November 19

The Power of No

Entrepreneur and author Derek Sivers says that if something isn’t a clear yes, it’s a no. Life is too short to half commit to things that you really have no interest in spending your time on. We do this out of guilt or shame or obligation, but if we aren’t really putting ourselves fully into it, we’re not really doing it anyway. This applies to discretionary work, relationships, personal obligations, and more.

In many ways, creative work is about choosing what you’ll say no to. Others may never see what was left on the cutting room floor, but that material is just as crucial to the finished product as what made it into the project. It’s the negative space gives substance to the work. A brilliant musician knows which notesnotto play.

Is there something in your life that you need to say a clear no to right now? Doing so will help you channel your energy into what really matters.

Closing a door by saying no allows you to channel your finite energy into the places where it can really matter. Do not commit out of guilt, shame, or obligation unless you plan to give it your full effort.

QUESTION

What do you need to say no to today?