052: What Should You Be Saying 'No' To?

In this solo episode, Erik goes deep on one of the most deceptively difficult questions in leadership and life: What should you be saying no to? Drawing from his own calendar, coaching practice, and real-time decision-making, he lays out four clear steps—and several powerful tools—for reclaiming your time, energy, and focus. This is a masterclass in discerning the good from the right.

❓ The Big Question

How do you decide what to say no to when everything feels important—or good?

💡 Key Takeaways

• Clarity on what you’re saying yes to is the foundation for learning what to say no to.
• Saying “no” often means turning down good things that just aren’t the right fit for this season.
• Your calendar is the execution layer—where values and priorities become real (or don’t).
• Communication is a critical part of saying no with integrity, especially in relationships.
• There’s a distinct difference between time management and priority management—focus on the latter.

🧠 Concepts, Curves, and Frameworks

• The One-Page Clarity Tool: From Andrew Anderson—1 goal → 3 priorities → 5 strategies per priority (x2: personal + business).
• Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritizing by urgency and impact (do, schedule, delegate, delete).
• 168-Hour Exercise: Map your actual weekly hours by category to reveal capacity vs. overwhelm.
• Skills, Experiences, Responsibilities: Define what to grow, what to feel, and what to own in this season.

🔁 Real-Life Reflections

• Erik recognizes he needs to cut back on random networking meetings and social trips, even though they’re “good.”
• He’s calendaring time next Wednesday to intentionally clean up and refocus.
• He challenges listeners to walk through this process in real time, not just conceptually.

🧰 Put This Into Practice

1. Name your YESes: What are the goals, priorities, and strategies that define your focus?
2. Use the Eisenhower Matrix: Plot your current tasks for clarity on where your energy should go.
3. Audit your week: Use the 168-hour exercise to see where your time actually goes.
4. List the Good Nos: Write out good things you’re choosing not to do—for now.
5. Make it real: Block time on your calendar and communicate your new boundaries.

🗣️ Favorite Quotes

“The best way to figure out what you should say no to is to get clear on what you’re saying yes to.”

“Good things are the hardest to say no to. That’s why most people don’t.”

“You don’t manage time—you manage priorities.”

“Saying no isn’t just a decision. It’s a practice. And it happens in your calendar.”

“Clarity is the compass. Your calendar is the map.”