Meta Description:
Learn how the “If it’s not a yes, it’s a no” rule transformed my decision-making, with lessons from personal experience and Islamic values.

The Decision That Sparked This Reflection

I first heard Naval say it:

“If your decision isn’t a clear yes, then it’s a no.”

It’s such a simple filter, but today I really put it to the test.

My mom’s side of the family was gathering — her sister was visiting after a year. There were plenty of good reasons to go: I’d see relatives, enjoy conversations, laugh, and maybe even play football, which I love.

But still… deep down, it wasn’t a full yes.

And that’s the point. If it’s not a full yes, it’s a no.

Why I Said No (Even With All the Positives)

The truth is, the last 5–10 times I went, I left with regrets.

I’d get sick or exhausted from playing football all day.
My prayers would suffer — I’d pray late or without proper focus.
As a Muslim, certain cultural habits there made me uncomfortable (like unnecessary physical contact with non-mahram relatives).
The conversations often felt exaggerated — like we hadn’t seen each other for years when we’d just met the day before.

I realised that nostalgia and “it might be fun” were clouding the reality of past experiences.

This time, I chose logic over the temporary pull of enjoyment.

The Filters I Use for Decisions

Naval’s rule is powerful, but I’ve added a couple of my own filters over time:

1. If It’s Not a Yes, It’s a No

This alone removes a lot of noise from life.
If I’m even 20% unsure — unless it’s something essential — I don’t do it.

2. Choose Short-Term Pain Over Short-Term Comfort

When faced with two equal options, I try to choose the harder one now. It usually pays off later.

3. Look at the Long-Term Impact

Before saying yes, I ask:

Will this help me in the future?
Will it bring me peace or happiness later?
Will it help me grow spiritually?

If the answer is no — or if the activity involves things I shouldn’t be doing as a Muslim — then it’s an easy no.

Why Saying “No” More Often Improves Life

The more I say no, the more space I create for things that truly matter to me.

I avoid negative environments.
I protect my time for learning, reading, and prayer.
I choose activities that align with my values and my happiness.

Saying no isn’t about rejecting people for no reason — it’s about protecting your energy and living intentionally.

Applying This Rule Beyond Big Decisions

This mindset works everywhere:

Clothes shopping: If I don’t love it, I don’t buy it.
Social events: If I’m not excited, I skip.
Opportunities: If I’m not ready to commit fully, I pass.
Food: If I know sugar will harm me long-term, I say no — even if it’s tempting now.

Sometimes the gut says yes in the present moment, but when I apply the “future impact” filter, the answer changes to no. That’s where discipline kicks in.

Final Thoughts

Life is short, but it’s also full of choices.
Filtering every decision through these questions has made my life simpler and more peaceful:

Is this a clear yes? If not, it’s a no.
If it’s a tie, choose the harder path now.
Will it make me happier and more at peace in the future?

For me, this isn’t just productivity advice — it’s about living according to my faith, my values, and my priorities.

And sometimes, the most powerful choice you can make… is to say no.

If It’s Not a Yes, It’s a No — My Simple Rule for Better Decisions