“If you can’t decide, the answer is no”

Life's a wild ride, filled with those moments where we scratch our heads, trying to figure out which road to take. Indecision is like an unwanted hitchhiker on this journey, always hanging around when we face those make-or-break choices.

Let's get real – we've all been there. Picture this: you're stuck in decision limbo, wondering if the grass is greener on the other side. I've had my fair share of these moments, and I bet you have too.

The power of ‘NO’

But what if I told you that sometimes, the answer to your indecision is simply "no"? It may seem counterintuitive, but by saying no to certain options, we are exercising our freedom and taking control of our lives.

One incident that still nags at me is a recent and critical decision that I had to make at my job regarding a new project. I'm sitting there, listing the pros and cons of both options, only to discover that it becomes more complicated along the way. I spoke with a few friends and family members, and everyone agreed that I would make the best decision for myself because only I know what is best for me, and I must live with the outcome.

It got me thinking, and I realized that deep down I wanted to say no because it's something I don't particularly enjoy, and I realized my time and effort could be better spent on something I truly wanted to do. Believe me, this was not an easy decision. It's difficult to say no. But herein lies the power of "no."

While reading a book, I came across the writer and musician Derek Sivers' concept of 'hell yeah or no.' He advises that whenever you are deciding whether to take Road X or Road Y, you have two options: 'hell yeah' or 'no'. There is no in-between.

Opportunity cost

When you start thinking along these lines, you'll notice that 80% of the time, we know the answer is no. Things rarely end with a 'hell yeah'. We usually think that a particular path will be useful or at least semi-interesting in the future, so why not? These are your brain's justifications that you must overcome. Consider the time you'll save, the freedom you'll gain, and how you can devote all your resources to the things you genuinely want to do.

Now, science backs up what we've all sensed – if you can't make up your mind, it's a soft 'no.' It requires considering what economists call opportunity costs. Opportunity costs reflect the fact that every 'yes' we say means saying 'no' to something else we could have done with that time and energy instead. Research points out that folks who can commit to decisions are the ones more likely to hit their goals. Being wishy-washy? Well, that doesn't get you far.

‘Hell yeah or No’

So, here's the key point: if you find yourself trapped in decision quicksand, see it as a sign. 'No' might just be the default answer, pushing you to get off the fence. Life's too short for maybes. It's about grabbing life by the steering wheel and steering towards a purpose-filled horizon. Choose, embrace the chaos, and witness how making clear choices today creates a vibrant picture of an amazing tomorrow.

Remember, it's not about saying no for the sake of it; it's about making intentional choices that serve our greater purpose. So next time you find yourself struggling to decide, take a step back and ask yourself: if it's a ‘hell yeah’, because if it isn't, then it's definitely a ‘no’.