Stimulus

Doctoring Done Well

A friend called me at an odd hour recently. I braced myself for bad news.

But no emergency—he just wanted to share that he’d turned down a prestigious job offer. The role would’ve moved him up by someone else’s metric, but it just didn’t feel worth it to him.

He said "No."

There was a calm, almost celebratory satisfaction in his voice. We high-fived over the phone, and it struck me: we rarely celebrate a “No,” even when it’s exactly what we need.

Why No is Yes

A “No” creates room for the meaningful “Yes.”

Early in our careers, we’re quick to say "Yes" to nearly everything—projects, roles, and responsibilities to gain experience, establish ourselves, and please others.

This quickly leads to a pile-up of commitments. So many “Yeses” leave little room for the opportunities that matter.

More Isn’t Better—It’s Just More

In working with leaders, I often help them untangle from low-impact responsibilities - commitments that don’t serve their growth or the organization’s goals. I can’t remember ever helping someone take on more tasks.

The solution is rarely to take on more; it’s about letting go of what’s not working.

Head First Into FOMO

A few years back, we released a short podcast episode called “Hell Yeah or No.”

The idea is simple: if it’s not a 100% “Hell Yes,” it’s a “No.” The right “Yes” should feel clear and exciting, not like a compromise.

However, saying “No” can feel like diving headfirst into FOMO. What if you miss the “one that got away”?

Hard to not have FOMO about riding a mammoth.

You Have Finite Time

This idea is at the core of one of my favorite books, 4,000 Weeks – each “Yes” is a "No" to countless other possibilities.

We can’t fit it all in—that’s just how life works. Living in a world with endless options means we’ll always leave things out.

The real trick isn’t cramming more in—it’s deciding what not to do and making peace with it.

Keep on rocking,

Robbie O

P.S. Quick poll

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Imagine your future self