Menu
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on.
But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done.
Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.”
— Steve Jobs
“I just need to get better at saying ‘No.’”
Quite a few people have said this to me recently. Maybe there’s something in the air? Perhaps a shared realisation that our lives are overflowing with activity yet often empty of true fulfilment.
I wonder do we keep ourselves busy so that we can ‘feel’ like we’re going somewhere? To justify our job, our existence, or maybe at times to avoid an emptiness we feel inside?
We live in a world designed to pull us in every direction, where our attention is a priceless commodity that countless brands, apps, and platforms are fighting to claim.
And with that constant pull, it’s never been easier to fill our days with busyness while missing out on what really matters.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth of the world we’ve created:
So what’s the answer?
Saying ‘no’—to the things that are not connected to a higher vision.
When you say ‘no’ in this way, you’re not only reclaiming your time and energy, but you’re also making space to build a life aligned with a higher vision of who you are, what you stand for, and what you want to create.
This kind of focus isn’t just about narrowing down tasks or saying ‘no’ for the sake of it.
It’s about defining the bigger picture and crafting a vision (personal and/or business) that pulls you forward.
Imagine, for a moment, if every decision you made aligned with a larger vision
—a vision that reflects the impact you really want to make, who you want to be, and what you stand for. The clearer you are about what you want to create, the easier it is to say ‘no’.
This approach can profoundly impact both your personal and professional life.
In business, saying ‘no’ to the countless “good” ideas allows you to focus on the essential ones —the projects, initiatives and space that truly drive you forward.
It’s easy to feel like we need to do it all, but the truth is, the most impactful progress often comes from the things we choose not to pursue.
In your personal life, when you say ‘no’ to distractions or obligations that don’t align with what’s most important to you, you create the room to engage more meaningfully with the people and experiences that do. You’re not just managing your time—you’re protecting your energy, allowing yourself to show up fully for what truly matters.
So, as you look at your week and month ahead, ask yourself some or all of these questions:
Maybe this week, you could try saying ‘no’ to just one thing that doesn’t serve you, and use that time to nurture the part of your work and/or life that brings you closer to the best you can imagine.
Best,
Shane
PS – If you’re interested in crafting a more inspired vision for your work and life, consider joining me for my new video workshop series ‘Limitless 2025’, which starts in 3 weeks. You’ll be joining me and ambitious leaders keen on stretching their sense of what’s possible – in work, leadership and life. Details and registration here.
The Inner Edge Podcast – Most Recent Episode:
Ep 204: Be Aware Of Your Own Fake News
Listen on my website here or on all major podcasting platforms.
Up Your Game: Have you checked out my online academy? It has a range of products that will help you raise your game in all areas. More details here.
