Say No to say Yes

Last week, A Better Life Foundation (ABLF) hosted their Volunteer and Monthly Donor Appreciation Event for us to get together, chat, and catch up on each others’ journeys. From the many energizing conversations from the night, one stood out for me and allowed me a thoughtful takeaway home that night.

“I have learned to say ‘no’ so that I can say ‘yes’ more”, said Ronald Guenther (Ron). I had to ask him to repeat himself because for a second I thought either he was saying it wrong or I was mis-hearing him. He explained “like many others, I am an ambivert, and while I love my quiet time, I also enjoy socializing now and again”. To strike this balance, Ron elaborated, he practices saying “no” to experiences that don't feel like an immediate “yes” to him. This allows him to be not only be more present and energetically aligned in the selective places his attention and energy flows, but also, saying “no” empowers him in prioritizing what truly matters, creating space for meaningful “yeses”. I heard him say how he feels more grounded in the social experiences he chooses for himself, while also conserving his energy, focusing on activities that align with his values and goals.

An example which most of us can relate with is declining an invitation to a casual event we aren’t truly excited about, so we could spend that evening preparing for a personal goal, like working on a project or enjoying quality time with loved ones. Being from a pre-pandemic generation of entrepreneurs, Ron is also a strong believer in the development of community (also prominently displayed through his consistent volunteer efforts at ABLF), and we spoke about the positive impact of employees working together in a physical office environment at least a few days every week. In this context, we discussed how choosing to work in the office instead of working from home might mean saying "no" to the convenience of home, but it allows people to say "yes" to more face-to-face collaboration, networking opportunities, and an environment that energizes them.

Ron’s insight reminds us that every ‘no’ is not about closing doors but is an opportunity to say ‘yes’ and opening the right ones. It’s a practice of choosing what aligns with our values and goals, whether it’s in our personal lives, professional choices, or community connections. In a world where our energy and time are finite, by being intentional with our energy investments, let’s ask ourselves: Is this a “yes” worth showing up for? After all, it’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing everything that matters.