Balancing Work and Life: The Power of Saying No

Every day in most well-organised businesses is busy. Always lots to do. Our lives can feel the same way. Lots to do.

We constantly need to prioritise our work and our life. It’s not always easy — sometimes we don’t have all the information we need to make an obvious decision, and we worry about making a mistake and prioritising the wrong thing.

One question I always ask, and encourage my teams to ask when making decisions, is this:

“If we do this, what are we saying no to?”

• If we implement this architectural enhancement, what are we saying no to?
• If we automate this process, what are we saying no to?
• If we hire for this role, what role are we saying no to?
• If we direct energy and attention to this new feature, what are we saying no to?

The question works in life too. I’ve spoken before about the Pillars of Life, and it applies there as well:

• If I take this job, what am I saying no to?
• If I spend more time at work, what am I saying no to at home?
• If I learn this new skill, what am I saying no to elsewhere in my life?
• If I start this fitness routine, what am I saying no to?

We cannot do everything. We cannot solve every problem, learn every skill, meet every person, or do everything we want in work and life.

Thinking about what we are saying “no” to gives us the chance to weigh our options, understand the consequences, and consider alternatives. Simply trying to do everything will leave us undone.

Yet in business, I see it all the time: companies trying to do everything at once, managers taking on too much, people overworked and spending less time with their families.

It’s about tension. Trade-offs. Making the best decision we can with the information we have — while being conscious of what we are saying “no” to.

Balancing this tension in our own lives requires care, attention, evidence, and thought. We’re all in different seasons of life, with different opportunities, needs, motivations, and privileges. Prioritisation is never simple.

But here’s what I’ve learned: when we say yes to too many things, we eventually come undone. Every “yes” comes with a “no.”

By consciously acknowledging what we’re saying “no” to, we make better choices. If we decide that the yes is worth it, and we accept the no, we can focus, execute, and move forward with no regrets.

It’s painful when we say yes without understanding what we’re sacrificing. Recognising the trade-offs is the key to prioritising both work and life effectively.