Hell Yeah Or No
What is it:
Hell Yeah or No is a mental filter for decision-making, designed to help you protect your time, energy, and focus. The concept was popularized by entrepreneur and author Derek Sivers, who argued that if you're not enthusiastically saying "Hell yeah!" to something, you should feel free to say "no."
This model is especially powerful in a world where burnout, decision fatigue, and FOMO are the norm. Most people are overwhelmed not because they have too little time, but because they say yes to too many things that don’t matter.
When applied well, Hell Yeah or No is a strategy for clarity, boundary-setting, and high-leverage living. It’s not about being flaky or selfish, it’s about being intentional.
Why it matters today:
We live in a hyperconnected world where opportunities, invites, and requests are endless. But your time is finite. Saying yes to one thing is saying no to something else—often what matters more.
By only saying “yes” to the things that genuinely excite you or deeply align with your values, you:
Avoid resentment and overcommitment
Stay focused on your biggest goals
Reclaim energy for things that actually move the needle in your life or career
When to use it:
New work opportunities (Should I take on this side project?)
Social invites (Do I actually want to attend that dinner?)
Creative collaborations (Does this light me up or feel like a chore?)
Personal commitments (Am I excited, or just avoiding guilt?)
E.g. You’re asked to join a committee at work. It’s good visibility, but you’re already stretched thin and the topic doesn’t excite you. Instead of saying yes out of guilt, you apply the “Hell Yeah or No” lens. It’s not a hell yeah, so you say no. You protect your time and use that space for a passion project that energizes you.
Or you get invited to a last-minute weekend trip. Your week’s been draining, and the idea of travel feels exhausting, not exciting. That’s a no, and that’s okay.
Note: The bar for a "Hell Yeah" may differ based on context. For survival-mode tasks (e.g. paying bills), this model may not always apply. Use it for non-essential decisions, where you’re evaluating optional time and energy investments.
Prompts for application:
Does this feel truly exciting, or am I just saying yes out of obligation?
Will this move bring me closer to my bigger goals, or is it just a distraction?
Will saying yes to this energize me, or will it drain me?
Sources:
Sivers, D. (2015). Hell Yeah or No
