I was recently given Derek Sivers’ latest book, Hell Yeah or No, what’s worth doing (Thank you, Zoë). I’m a big fan of Derek’s work, and interviewed him ten years ago when I was writing Implement!

The idea the title points to is pretty self-evident. If you’re not feeling “hell yeah” about something, then say no.

I’m using this as a bit of a mantra for my year. I’m working less than I have for a long time. I’m being very selective about the work I’m doing. I’m saying no to lots of opportunities and requests. And being very sparing with my yes’s.

My friend Rowdy McLean once had a year of saying no. My friend Stacey Barr had a year of grace (which I suspect is rolling into a decade of grace).

My year of no steals from both these ideas, as well as from Derek’s book.

And of course, lots of no’s makes space for some big yes’s.