I try to live by the “hell yeah” concept from a blog post by Derek Silvers I read many years ago. I let it guide me in all of my career and business decisions, the speaking engagements I commit to and even in dating.

I find that when I don’t listen to this concept, I make mistakes by taking on the wrong clients or overcommitting myself or saying yes to an article that I really don’t want to write or speaking at a conference that doesn’t really align with my business. And then I feel resentful and upset with myself.

I dated someone for two years who I routinely had to talk myself into being with because it was never quite right. If I had just listened to my inner voice that didn’t say go for it – I wouldn’t have wasted two years of my life.

You can use this rule if you also often feel over-committed, have trouble making decisions or feel scattered.

The idea is that if you aren’t saying “hell yeah!” about something, say no.

When deciding whether to do something, if you feel anything less than “Wow! That would be amazing! Absolutely! Hell yeah!” — then say no.

When you say no to most things, you leave room in your life to immerse yourself completely into that rare thing that makes you say “hell yeah!”

Every event you get invited to. Every request to start a new project. If you’re not saying “hell yeah!” about it, say no.

We’re all busy. We all take on too much.

Saying yes to less is the way out.

As you end the year and think about what you want to accomplish in 2022, this is a great time to apply this “hell yeah” concept. It really does help you focus and become much more strategic.

And remember saying no it’s not a bad thing sometimes.

You can also do something and it may not be for you and that’s okay – but if you don’t try, how will you even know if you would have succeeded in it? It’s always worth taking a bet on yourself!

Do you live by a “hell yeah” life?