"اگر این یک بله واضح نیست، پس یک نه واضح است"

Trying to figure out if you should say yes to something or not? This idea makes it simple: if you’re not feeling an enthusiastic yes, then it’s a no. Easy, right? It’s all about paying attention to your inner voice and gut feelings. If something doesn’t excite you, maybe it’s not worth your time.

This saying likely gained traction in recent years as a counter to the culture of overcommitment. You know how everyone’s always so busy, juggling a million things? There’s a ton of pressure to say yes to everything. But more seasoned folks or those who’ve been there, done that, often realize that not every opportunity is golden. So, it’s kind of like a way to cut through the noise.

Take Jane, for example. Jane is a marketing manager. She’s got a good job, but she’s always being asked to take on extra projects. Now, Jane could say yes to everything and be completely overwhelmed, or she could use the "clear yes or clear no" rule. One day, she’s asked to lead a new project. She doesn’t feel genuinely excited about it—it feels more like just another task. So, she says no. Turns out, that project was a mess, and saying no saved her a ton of stress.

So how can you apply this in your life? Next time someone asks you to do something, take a moment. Do you feel a strong pull to say yes? If not, it’s probably a no. This doesn’t mean you should never step out of your comfort zone, but for the most part, trust your gut. If you’re not enthusiastic about it, maybe it’s not worth the time and energy.

Imagine you’re at a party, and someone offers you a new kind of sushi. You’re not really sure about raw fish, and the idea doesn’t make you excited. So, you politely decline. No big deal. Now, imagine this applied to bigger decisions. Someone offers you a job that seems okay but doesn’t make your heart race. Maybe it’s not the right move. This way, you’re saving your energy for things that truly matter.

Think about all those times you said yes when you really wanted to say no. Like that weekend you spent helping a friend move when you had a pile of your own stuff to deal with. Or the committee you joined that turned into a weekly time-suck. Yeah, not fun. But when you start saying no to the things that aren’t a clear yes, you free up time for stuff that genuinely excites you.

So, next time you’re faced with a decision, big or small, check in with yourself. Are you feeling a clear, enthusiastic yes? If not, it’s probably a clear no. Trust yourself, save your energy, and focus on what truly matters to you. You'll be glad you did.