8 Questions to Help You Decide What Not to Do

Steve Jobs once said, “Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.”

Most of us keep adding more. More tasks. More plans. More yeses. Society tells us busy is good. Full schedules mean success.

But often we end up tired. Distracted. And far from the life we really want.

The fix is simple. It’s about saying no. Choosing what to let go so the good things get your full attention.

Time and energy don’t grow on trees. Every yes takes from somewhere else. The best commitments build purpose. They strengthen relationships. They let us give more to others.

When we protect our time, we protect our ability to live well.

Here are eight questions to help you decide. Use them when something new comes up. A request. A habit. An opportunity.

Does this fit the life I want to live?

Think about what matters most. Close family. Helping others. Meaningful work. Faith. If this new thing supports those, keep it. If it pulls you away, even a little, it’s okay to pass.

What will I lose if I say yes?

Every yes means no to something else. Maybe fewer nights with your kids. Less rest. Less time to think. Name what gets pushed aside. That shows the real price.

Does this give me energy or take it away?

Some things lift you up. Others wear you down over time. Look back at what you’ve done before. Which ones left you refreshed? Which ones left you empty? Trust how you feel.

Is this the right time for it?

Life has seasons. Busy seasons. Quiet seasons. Family seasons. A good idea now might not fit later. Check if it matches where you are today.

Am I saying yes because I want to or because I feel I should?

Guilt pushes us. Fear of missing out pushes us. Pressure to look capable pushes us. If “I should” is the main reason, step back. Real desire feels different.

How much time and energy will this really take?

We often guess low. A short meeting turns into hours. Prep. Follow-up. Emails. Write it on your calendar. See the full picture. Then decide if you have room.

Will this help me give more to the people who matter?

The best choices look outward. Do they free you to love your family better? Show up stronger at work? Serve your community more? If yes, they’re worth considering.

What opens up if I let this go?

Letting go creates space. Space for rest. For real conversations. For things you didn’t expect. Picture the relief. Imagine what could take its place. Something better often does.

The world will keep asking for more. It always does. But you can choose different. You can guard your time. You can give it where it counts most.

These eight questions will help.