We come across many ideas in business. Some sound exciting. Some come from people we trust. Others offer fast results or big profits. But saying yes to every idea is not the right way. Over the years, I have learned that every project brings responsibility. Once you say yes, you must give your time, energy, focus and sometimes even your peace of mind.
That’s why I never rush into things. I take my time. I think carefully. Before I agree to start any project, I ask myself three very simple but powerful questions. These questions help me decide what is right for me and what is not.
I learned this approach after reading the book “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown. One thing that stayed with me from the book is this: “If it’s not a clear yes, then it’s a clear no.” That sentence changed the way I make decisions. It helped me understand the value of saying no, so I can focus on what truly matters.
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Things I Asked Myself Before Saying Yes To A Project
1. Is This Project Going to Help Me in the Long Run or Just for Now?
The first question I ask is about long-term value. This is very important.
Many projects look busy. There is a lot of activity. People are excited. Things are moving fast. But speed does not mean success. Some projects are like running on a treadmill. You are moving but you are not going anywhere. You are busy but you are not growing.
So I ask myself: Will this project still be useful after five or ten years? Will it still bring value after the trend is gone?
If the answer is no or I am not sure, I pause. I do not want to waste time on things that disappear quickly. I want to build something that stays strong and meaningful. It does not have to be big right away. But it must have the power to grow and last.
This habit of thinking long term has helped me avoid mistakes. It has helped me stay focused on the right path.
2. Will I Still Believe in This If the Market Changes or Problems Come Up?
The second question is about belief. It is easy to believe in a project when everything is going well. But markets change. Conditions change. Sometimes, things get tough. In those times, it is your inner belief that keeps you going.
So I ask: If the market becomes slow, if money stops coming in or if problems come up, will I still stand by this project? Will I still believe in it with the same confidence?
If I can’t answer yes to that, I say no.
Belief is not about following the crowd. Belief is about trusting your own vision, even when others are not clapping for you. I have seen this many times. Projects that succeed in the long run are not always the most popular in the beginning. But they are backed by people who truly believe in them, no matter what.
This belief gives strength. It gives direction. And it helps you make decisions that are not based on fear.
3. Do I Trust the People Involved When Things Go Wrong?
This question is about people. Every project looks nice in the beginning. The plan looks clean. The slides look good. The numbers are promising. But real business starts when things go wrong. And they always do, in some way or the other.
So I ask myself: Do I trust these people when things don’t go as planned? Will they take responsibility? Will they stay honest and strong?
I don’t just look at what they say. I look at how they behave under pressure. Trust is not built in meetings. It is built in hard times. When people fight, delay payments, blame others or disappear during problems, it becomes very clear who they are.
If I have doubts about their mindset, values or honesty, I do not move forward. Even if the project looks perfect, I know it will not last with the wrong people.
Business is not just about ideas. It is about people who can carry those ideas forward, even during storms.
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Why These Three Questions Help Me Say No with Confidence
These three questions may look simple but they are powerful. They save me from rushing. They stop me from choosing projects that only sound good. They help me protect my time, my health and my peace of mind.
Most people think saying no means losing an opportunity. But I have learned that saying yes to the wrong thing is more dangerous than saying no. A wrong project takes your time, your sleep and your energy. It slows down your other work. It affects your team. It can even hurt your image.
Saying no is not a weakness. It is a strong decision. It helps you say yes only when the project is right.
From My Own Experience
I have said no to many projects in my life. Some were very big. Some had big money. Some had a lot of attention. But when I asked myself these three questions, the answer was not clear. So I walked away.
I have also said yes to simple, quiet ideas. They didn’t look big in the beginning. But they had long-term value. I believed in them. And the people behind them were honest and strong. These are the projects that became successful.
Looking back, I feel proud that I trusted the process. These questions helped me stay away from trouble and stay close to my goals.
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Conclusion
Before I say yes to anything, I stop and ask myself:
- Does this project give long-term value or is it just activity for now?
- Will I still believe in this project if things go wrong?
- Do I trust the people involved, even during difficult times?
If I can say yes to all three, I move ahead with full energy. But if even one answer is missing, I step back. That pause has saved me many times.
This way of thinking has shaped my life, my work and my peace of mind.
It’s a mindset I follow every day at ANAX Holding, where we say yes only when the purpose is clear and the people are right.