“Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.” —Josh Billings
How often do you use the word “no?” If you’re like most people, it’s probably not enough.
We live in a world that seems to glorify the word “yes”—seize every opportunity, keep every door open, spend every dollar, stay constantly busy.
But in our pursuit of more, we often lose sight of what’s truly important. Filling our lives with a million yeses often leaves us empty.
One thing I’ve learned over the years of pursuing minimalism is that the word “no” is not a rejection, it’s a choice.
In fact, it’s one of the most empowering words in the English language. By saying “no,” we take control of our own lives and free up space for what truly matters.
Kelvin Wong, Economics Professor at ASU, once wrote in Simple Money Magazine something I have never forgotten, “Every choice we make comes with a cost, even those that are monetarily free, since even our time or energy can be put to alternative uses.” I couldn’t agree more.
Every choice we make has an opportunity cost, and the currency we’re trading is not just our money—it’s our time, energy, and attention.
For example, when we say “no” to impulse purchases, we are saying “yes” to financial health and the peace of mind that comes with it.
When we refuse to jam-pack our calendar with non-essential commitments, we are saying “yes” to quality time with loved ones, or quiet moments of meditation and solitude that can nourish our soul.
When we decline unnecessary responsibilities, even if they seem like noble causes, we make room for work that aligns more closely with our truest purposes and passions.
This temptation to over-commit ourselves and our resources comes from both external and internal sources.
We live in a world that tempts us to always add more: more clothes, more gadgets, more social events, more obligations, more side hustle opportunities.
But studies have also shown that our tendency as humans, when faced with a problem, is to look for solutions that add elements to our lives rather than subtracting them. In the process, we risk overcomplicating our lives.
Here’s a fresh perspective: what if, instead of adding, we started subtracting? What if we embrace the power of “no” more often?
Saying “no” is not about shutting doors or missing out. It’s about making conscious decisions about what we truly value in life. It’s about freeing ourselves from clutter, distractions, and the weight of unnecessary burdens.
Next time you find yourself on the verge of saying “yes” to another commitment or purchase, ask yourself, “Is this adding genuine value to my life, or is it merely another distraction? If I say ‘no’ to this, can I create more room for things that truly matter?”
Remember, each “no” is also a “yes” to something else, something potentially more meaningful. It may be a “yes” to your own well-being, personal growth, financial freedom, or the pursuit of a life well-lived.
Minimalism, after all, isn’t about the absence of something. It’s about the presence of the right things—the ones that add real worth to our lives.
And often, it starts by saying one small word: “no.” And that is why it may just be one of the most empowering words in the English language.
Give it a try. You might be surprised by the freedom and clarity it brings.