Filtering opportunities

Not every project deserves a yes. Early on, I said yes too often, mistaking activity for progress. Over time, that scattered focus and diluted results.

Now, alignment matters more than excitement.

Signals I look for

Projects that matter tend to sharpen skills, clarify direction, or open new paths. Ideally, they do more than one. If a project only adds short-term output, it rarely pays off.

Momentum should extend beyond delivery.

Choosing deliberately

Learning to say no wasn’t about turning work away—it was about protecting attention. Fewer commitments created better work and more space to think clearly.

That shift improved both results and satisfaction.