Are You in a Yes or No Season?
Many leaders have the privilege of being asked to say yes to various worthy opportunities. It’s an exciting place to be—one that often comes with seasons of change, promotions, or recognition. These moments open new doors, present fresh possibilities, and can be both exhilarating and rewarding.
But leadership also requires discernment. Sometimes, newfound clarity, passion, or priorities demand that we say no—not because the opportunities aren’t good, but because they no longer align with where we’re headed. Refining our focus gives us the strength to step away from commitments that once held our yes, allowing us to pursue what truly matters in this season.
Perhaps you find yourself in both places: eager to embrace new opportunities but realizing that doing so requires letting go of past commitments. Taking inventory of your goals for the year—where you want to go and what you want to achieve—can help you determine what belongs in your yes column and what needs to move to no for this season.
To gain clarity on whether you're in a yes or no season, take these three steps:
List Your Priorities – Write down your top goals for the year. What do you want to accomplish personally and professionally? What excites you or feels most aligned with your purpose?
Evaluate Your Commitments – Make an honest assessment of where your time, energy, and resources are currently going. Which commitments are still serving your mission? Which ones feel like obligations rather than opportunities?
Decide with Intention – Categorize your commitments into three lists:
Yes: What aligns with your current goals and deserves your time?
No: What no longer fits and needs to be released?
Maybe: What requires further reflection before making a decision?
By intentionally mapping out your priorities and commitments, you’ll gain clarity on what to embrace and what to let go of, ensuring that your time and energy are spent in ways that truly matter this season.
So, where are you? A yes season, a no season, or a bit of both?