How Saying “No” Can Lead to Your Biggest “Yes”

In a world that's constantly pushing us to hustle harder, the idea of achieving more by doing less might sound like a paradox. 

We've been taught—especially as women—that success comes from saying yes to every opportunity, working tirelessly, and juggling more than we can handle. But what if the real magic lies in the power of saying "no"?

When I turned 48, I had a revelation that changed everything. The moment I embraced the word "no," my life began to transform in ways I never anticipated. 

Opportunities started to appear—not because I was chasing them, but because I was finally making room for what truly mattered. NO = New opportunities.

I chose a simple business strategy: Stand still. Be visible

The hustle culture doesn't just drain our energy; it pulls us away from our deepest desires and true purpose. By saying no to what doesn't serve us, we open up space for what genuinely aligns with our mission.

The Power of Saying No

We often say yes out of fear—fear of missing out or the belief that every opportunity is worth our attention. But here's the truth: every time you say no to something that doesn't align with your mission, you're actually saying yes to something far more significant.

In Kate Northrup’s book *Do Less to Achieve More*, she introduces the concept of "egg wisdom"—a principle that encourages us to let the right opportunities come to us, much like an egg waiting for fertilization. It's a deeply feminine approach, and it can change everything.

From Chasing to Attracting: A Client Story

I've had the privilege of working with an amazing client who was searching for a new career. Initially, she believed the answer was "out there" and was ready to dive into the job hunt. But we shifted the focus inward. Instead of chasing opportunities, I encouraged her to explore her true self and what she genuinely wanted to contribute to the world.

She discovered a deep desire to help children understand the importance of caring for the ocean. Through her love for aquaculture, she wrote a children’s book and illustrated it herself—every single page reflecting her passion.

Once she gained clarity on what truly inspired her, she stopped chasing jobs and focused on what brought her joy.

The outcome? She became magnetic. Opportunities began to find her—opportunities she never could have imagined. She landed a dream position in aquaculture , one she didn’t even believe could exist!

What Happens When You Say No

Saying no creates space for what truly matters. It allows you to stop reacting and start living with intention, moving from a state of hustle to one of alignment.

If you're accustomed to saying yes to everything, here's a simple script to help you navigate those moments: 

"When I say yes to something, I am 100% committed. Right now, I can’t give you that full commitment, so I’ll have to say no for now. But perhaps we can revisit this later."

Try it! It works like a charm every time!

The Invitation

Here's my challenge to you: 

Slow down. 

Stop chasing. 

Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you. 

If you could design the next three years to be the best of your life, what would they look like? 

What would you need to say no to in order to make that vision a reality?

When you stop the hustle and make space for what truly excites you, you'll discover that opportunities don't vanish—they find you. 

Let go of the fear of missing out, and trust that what's meant for you will come.

If this resonates with you and you're curious about how to apply this to your own life, let’s have a conversation. Reach out to me—I’d love to explore this with you.

Until then, slow down. Say no more often. And watch the magic unfold.

Love,

Rita

PS. You can read All articles here. Discover The Tool For Achieving More By Doing Less!  here.

PSS. Here are the workbooks you can access.

Designing Your Extraordinary Life play book

 Zone of Genius
The Energy Awaken Tool

PSSS. Work with me in private 1:1 where I´m your coach and thought-provoking partner. Step into greater leadership in your life and business every day in a relaxed, calm, and joyful way, with lots of support, inner and outer. Request a conversation here