Welcome to "No"vember, a time of year when we actually need to say "no" more often (and yes more intentionally). As we enter the final stretch of the year, it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity, meeting, or last-minute favor. But this is the moment to double down on focus, not expand your to-do list. Derek Sivers has a great decision-making filter: “If it’s not a Hell Yeah, it’s a No.” And I think that fits perfectly for this time of year. This month, let’s protect our time, energy, and priorities by treating “no” not as rejection, but as strategy.

Tip of the Week: This November, say "no" more often. Not to be difficult, but to be strategic.

Side Note: Saying “no” is powerful, but it won’t work if your calendar, inbox, and systems are working against you. If you’re drowning in pings, meetings, and vague priorities, even the best intentions fall apart. That’s not a motivation issue… it’s a workload design issue.

That’s exactly what I built the Effective Workload Management Systems course to solve. It helps you reset how you manage your time, say “no” with confidence, and focus on what truly aligns with your roadmap. It’s been battle-tested by over 70,000 Amazonians, and this latest version is the strongest yet. Check it out.

The Theory Behind

Saying yes has a hidden price tag. Every time we agree to something new, we’re also saying no: to focus time, to rest, to deep work. In Essentialism, Greg McKeown puts it best: “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” This doesn’t mean becoming rigid or unhelpful, it means being clear. Trade-offs are real, and the most effective people make them on purpose, not by accident.

We underestimate the cost of good distractions. Warren Buffett’s 25/5 rule reminds us that our biggest obstacles aren’t bad ideas... they’re good-but-not-great ones. After identifying your top 5 priorities, Buffett says to avoid the other 20 at all costs. Why? Because they feel productive but slowly dilute your impact. Saying no is more than the time you save, it's actually about protecting your ability to go deep on what matters most.

Too many yeses clutter your mind. The more open loops we carry, the more our brain stays in a low-grade state of alert. Psychologists call this the Zeigarnik Effect. It's our tendency to fixate on unfinished commitments. Add in the fact that multitasking drops productivity by up to 40%, and it becomes clear: every yes chips away at your clarity and momentum. A well-placed “no” creates mental breathing room, with the space we need to think, focus, and lead.

What I’ve Learned

The “Why?” test still works. When someone asks for something (especially last-minute) I’ve learned to pause and ask “Why?” at least once, sometimes more. Most big asks are overinflated. A request for a six-page strategy doc turns into a single forecast table once you dig in. I’ve saved entire days this way. Asking “why” is often perceived better (less confrontational). It shows you care about solving the real need, not just reacting to the noise.

The jiu-jitsu move is still undefeated. Some of the most persistent interruptions come from senior folks, so I always try to flip the script. I ask them, “How do you handle saying no?” Most offer surprisingly thoughtful advice. Then, the next time they drop a last-minute request, I mirror their own logic back. “I’m protecting the deep work time we talked about.” It’s respectful, it works, and it strengthens the relationship. Try it (especially with the people you think you can’t say no to).

Make It Happen

1. Filter with “Hell Yes or No.” If it’s not exciting or aligned, say no. Default to clarity over politeness.

2. List your top 5 for the rest of the year. Keep them visible. Protect them fiercely. Focus just on them.

3. Create a “No” script. Write 2–3 polite decline templates you can reuse. Example: “I’d love to help, but I need to stay focused on X this month.”

4. Ask “Why?” twice. Clarify what's really needed before you commit to doing the whole thing.

5. Mirror senior advice. Use their own strategies as respectful ways to decline their future asks.

6. Block time for your top priorities. Label it on your calendar, and don’t let it get overwritten. Act like it is the most important meeting during your day.

7. Build in Buffer Time. Leave open space in your week (e.g. Friday afternoon), not everything needs to be filled. Buffer time gives you room to think, pivot, or just complete what you couldn't during the week.

This month, don’t just give thanks, give yourself permission to protect your focus.

Welcome to "No"vember.

It's time!,

Jorge Luis Pando

Say hi 👋 on LinkedIn or YouTube

PS: Wow, you made it all the way down here? You must really care about your personal development! Here are 3 ways I can help you grow even faster:

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Enjoying what you’re reading? Help a friend out… and you will win something for yourself too.