Decide Whether to Accept a New Commitment This Week

Someone asked you to do something and your instinct was probably yes before you thought about it. This runs the commitment through four questions: what it displaces, whether it is real value or disguised obligation, what no costs you, and whether a smaller yes exists. Describe what you were asked and get a recommended response.

You have been asked to take on something extra and are not sure whether to say yes. Describe the commitment in one sentence: [write here].

Run it through four questions: (1) What specifically would it displace if you accepted; (2) is the stated value of it real or is it obligation dressed as opportunity; (3) what happens if you say no; (4) what is the smallest yes that works, if a full yes feels wrong.

Close with a recommended response: yes, no, or a smaller yes.