The Power of No, Showing Up, and Slowing Down

This month, I'm continuing from last month's email by sharing more of my favorite chapters from "Hell Yeah or No" by Derek Sivers. I hope they spark something meaningful for you—whether it’s a moment of reflection, clarity, or a new way of thinking.

Here are three chapters to inspire intention and focus this month:

Saying No to Everything Else

The "Hell Yes or No" rule is a helpful filter for choosing what matters—but this goes even deeper. It's not just about prioritizing; it's about eliminating decisions altogether.

It's a commitment to say "No" to every distraction until you've finished what you started or truly want to pursue. It means giving a wholehearted "Yes" to one thing, and a firm "No" to everything else.

Showing Up

Showing up is the clearest sign that you're serious about creating change. There’s no speed limit on how fast you can learn or how much you can do and no cap on what you can learn. Just because a learning experience comes with a suggested timeline doesn’t mean you can’t move faster and finish it in your own time.

You’re not bound by the norm. If you're more driven than most, you can go further and accomplish far more than anyone expects, and this can apply to every area of life.

Relax for the Same Result

Derek Sivers shares a story about regularly biking a trail as fast as he could—it always took him about 43 minutes, and it was exhausting. One day, feeling burnt out and unmotivated, he decided to take it easy and simply enjoy the ride. He cruised, noticed the scenery, and felt good. When he checked his time, it had only taken 45 minutes (!?)— just two minutes longer.

Sometimes we push ourselves so hard, thinking it's the only way to make progress, but the gain is minimal, and the cost is our enjoyment and energy. Taking it easy doesn’t mean giving up. Often, we can achieve just as much—sometimes even more—by working with less stress and more presence. Not everything has to be intense to be effective.

These three chapters are a reminder to focus on what matters, take bold action, and slow down when needed. This month, I’m choosing one priority, showing up for it fully, and letting the rest wait. Which lesson are you taking with you? 🌸