One of my favorite things about being in my position is being able to say “no.”

Some say that having the ability to say “no” is a privilege.

But I think that’s reductive—because truly being able to say “no” requires strategic decision-making.

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Saying No Isn’t Just a Privilege—It’s a Strategy

Even people with high status, like brain surgeons or CEOs, can’t just say no.

A brain surgeon needs to be available for patients at all times.

And a CEO?

They’re a white-collar slave to the shareholders.

Golden Handcuffs

Sure, those positions (Brain surgeon & CEO) come with perks—money, status, admiration.

But to me, they’re just golden handcuffs.

I realized early on that I didn’t want that life.

I’d rather go to bed on a weekday without setting an alarm for the next day.

I’d rather have my office be a tiny table in a mom-and-pop café in a small French town than a glass box on the 49th floor in downtown Manhattan..

When Saying Yes is Necessary

My version of saying no might be different from yours.

Maybe you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey.

At this stage, learning to say no is still important—but in a different way.

You have to say no to things you want to do:

• Hanging out with friends on the weekend

• Watching your favorite TV show after a long day

Instead, you have to say yes to every opportunity, every meeting, every late-night grind on your side hustle.

Because that’s the only way it turns into your main hustle.

My Story

Recently, a friend reached out with a medical spa investment deal.

A while ago, I would’ve jumped at the opportunity.

I even considered the business myself at one point.

But now? Hard pass.

Not because it was a bad deal—because I’ve changed.

A few months ago, I was itching for something new, looking for a project to sink my teeth into.

But if I’m being honest, I wasn’t looking for a good business—I was looking for a distraction.

I wanted to be busy. Because being busy is easier than doing the hard work of figuring out who you are and what you actually want.

Now, I know that no amount of money is worth my time freedom and independence.

Why More Money Isn’t Always the Answer

At a certain point, money stops being the motivator.

Once you can take care of yourself, your family, and afford a few comforts, what’s the point of more?

I’m not saying money doesn’t matter—it absolutely does, especially in the early days.

But there comes a moment when you realize that more money is not worth the cost..

From Saying Yes to Saying No

Early on, saying yes moves mountains.

But once you’ve built something solid—once you’ve put in the years and created systems that allow your business to run without you—

Saying no bends time and space.

For me, the only businesses I want to work on moving forward are the ones that let me keep my time and location freedom.

Nothing else is worth it...

Understanding Life’s Phases

This realization was a good reminder that life moves in phases.

Sometimes, you need to hustle and say yes to everything.

Other times, you need to protect what you’ve built by saying no.

Know Which Phase You’re In—That’s the Real Game

Recognizing what phase you’re in is the real key to success.

Last Word 👋

I love hearing from readers and I'm always looking for your feedback.

How I'm doing with the Elevated Path. Is there anything you want to see more of or less? Which aspects of the Newsletter do you like the most?

Hit reply, say hello, and let me know what you think of the power of saying no.

I'd love to chat with you !

All my best,

~ Elevated Path