The Hidden Cost Inside Every “Yes”

4 Thoughts to Reflect On

1. Profit isn’t what you make. It’s what you keep.
   If a deal looks good but bleeds resources, it’s not a win.

2. Every “yes” has a price tag.
   It costs you something like focus, time, or bandwidth. Be sure it’s worth it.

3. Complexity kills momentum.
   A deal that complicates your systems or people is a deal that slows you down.

4. Discipline isn’t just about doing more.
   It’s about saying no when something doesn’t serve the long game.

4 Lessons I’ve Learned

1. The wrong deal can set you back years.
   Sometimes walking away is the most profitable move you’ll make.

2. Bigger isn’t always better.
   A simple, scalable deal often outperforms the flashy “home run.”

3. If it doesn’t align with your core model, it will break something else.
   Your systems and vision must come first.

4. Emotional deals are expensive.
   When ego leads, logic disappears. Always run the numbers, not the feelings.

4 Challenges for You This Week

1. Review your pipeline.
   What deals or projects are draining more than they’re delivering?

2. Define your focus filter.
   Write down your 3 main criteria for saying yes or no to any new opportunity.

3. Ask your team what’s working, and what’s not.
   They often see the hidden costs before you do.

4. Read your numbers.
   Look at your actual profit per deal, not just the top-line revenue.

Quote of the Week

“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” — Warren Buffett

The next time a shiny deal shows up, slow down.

It might look like gold, but if it doesn’t fit your model, it’s fool’s gold.

Say no to good things so you can say yes to the right ones.