If It Isn't a Clear Yes

Inspired by Greg McKeown · Essentialism Go to the source ↗

Almost everything is noise, and the only way anything gets your whole attention is that something else did not. Every card here is one choice made or one no said today — including the nos that are uncomfortable, because those are the ones that actually free something.

Choose from 8

Is this a clear yes?

Use the Clear Yes Test

If it is not a clear yes, I will treat it as a no.

I hold it against the best option available rather than against nothing, and ask whether it is a clear yes. If it is not, it is a no; if I cannot tell, I answer tomorrow rather than today.

What am I trading?

Say the Trade Out Loud

I will say what I am giving up by saying yes to this.

I say what I am giving up by saying yes, name what falls off the list if this goes on it, and decide whether I would still make that trade.

Say the Graceful No

I will decline one thing clearly and warmly, without a long explanation.

What am I letting go of?

Withdraw From One Thing

I will step back from something I already agreed to that no longer fits.

I name the thing I agreed to that no longer fits, and stop paying for it only because of what I have already put in — stepping back clearly and warmly.

What is the one thing?

Ask What's Essential Now

I will ask what the single most important thing is right now, and do that.

I ask what the single most important thing is right now, do that one, and finish it rather than advance five.

Keep Time to Decide

I will keep time to think about what matters, not only to do what is asked.

What makes the essential possible?

Clear the Way

I will take away the biggest thing slowing the essential work rather than push harder at it.

I name the biggest thing slowing the essential work and remove it rather than push harder at it, adding spare time to the plan so a surprise does not cost me the day.

Protect the Asset

I will treat my own rest as the thing that makes everything else possible.

You get your own editable copy — change anything, drop what doesn’t fit. They land in your Intentions, tagged Choosing; you pull in what each day is for.