What Matters Most: Lessons in Clarity, Character, and Choice

This month, I finished reading "Hell Yeah or No" by Derek Sivers. It was a short, quick read and structured in brief chapters that get straight to the point. Over the next couple of months, I'll share some of my favourite chapters from the book — not only because they were interesting, but because they also prompted me to pause and reflect.

Here are four chapters to spark reflection and intention:

Actions Reveal Your True Values

Words are easy—but actions tell the truth. If you keep saying you'll do something, start something, or change something, but you’re not taking consistent steps toward it, it’s worth asking: Is this truly what I want?

Maybe it’s time to step back and take an honest look at your current actions and priorities. If they’re not aligned with what you say you want, either your goals need reevaluating, or your daily choices do. Making space for what truly matters starts with clarity and honesty.

 

Know Why You're Doing What You're Doing

Many people go through life simply following the flow and doing what’s expected, what’s familiar, or what others have told them they should want. But what if we get to the end and realize we never actually chose our own path?

Social norms are powerful. So are the quiet expectations we absorb from those around us. That’s why it’s vital to pause and ask: What do I truly want? What is actually important to me? Once you’re clear on that, pursue it. Relentlessly.

Character Predicts Your Future

Your past doesn’t determine where you’re going but your direction does. Your character is not about fate, talent, or DNA. It’s built by the small, repeated choices you make every day.

How you do anything is how you do everything. Every action counts. If you want to know where you’re headed, don’t look at your goals but look at your habits. Your future is being shaped, moment by moment, by what you choose to do next.

Say No

If it’s not a “Hell Yes”, then it’s a no. Too often, our lives become crowded with half-hearted commitments — things we say yes to out of obligation or just to be polite. We end up too busy, too drained, and too distracted to recognize or act on truly meaningful opportunities.

By filling our time with the mediocre, we miss out on the great. Start saying no more often, and more intentionally. Say no to almost everything that doesn’t excite you, inspire you, or align with your values. Only then will you have the time, energy, and presence to say yes to what truly matters.

These four chapters were a reminder to slow down, reflect, and make more intentional choices. I’ll be sharing more from "Hell Yeah or No" in the coming months — but for now, I hope these thoughts give you something meaningful to sit with too.