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A little while ago, I was looking through my local bookstore when I came across a mantra by entrepreneur and author Derek Sivers: “If it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a no!” It’s a reminder to focus your time and energy on things that truly inspire you.

At first, it sounds simple, but it really means that if an opportunity doesn’t excite you right away, your answer should probably be a clear “no.”

It got me thinking: What does it really mean to say “Hell, no!” right away when something doesn’t excite me immediately?

The ‘Hell Yes’ Mentality: Deciding with Certainty

The “hell yes” mindset can help you focus on your goals and values. When you know what truly excites you, you avoid spending time on things that don’t fit your vision, giving you more clarity and focus.

Another benefit is that it can prevent settling for mediocrity. By going after things that genuinely excite us, we push ourselves out of our comfort zone and aim for excellence.

That said, while this advice sounds good at first, it’s important to look at it critically. One potential downside is that it might make you avoid anything that feels challenging or requires effort and persistence.

For example, imagine you’re thinking about a new career path. You find a company that seems interesting, but you’re not completely sure it’s a “hell yes.” You might be tempted to say no right away instead of taking the time to see if it could be a good fit.

This also applies over the long term. Trusting your gut is valuable, and noticing red flags matters, but the “hell yes or no” mindset might make you give up too quickly when things aren’t totally clear or you’re feeling uncertain. You could leave university too soon or walk away from a job you’ve held for years, just because it didn’t feel like an instant “yes.”

Alternative Perspectives: Finding Your Own Path

Reflect on Your Top Values #1: Your values guide your choices and actions. Instead of asking whether something or someone is a “hell yes,” think about whether it fits with what matters most to you.

Envision Your Ideal Future #2: Imagine yourself 5 or 10 years from now. What does your ideal life look like? What kind of work are you doing? What kind of lifestyle and relationships do you have?

Experiment with the New #3: Sometimes we don’t know what really excites us until we try it. Explore new hobbies, projects, or experiences. You might discover a passion you never expected.

Draw Inspiration from Others #4: Look at people who inspire you. Seeing what they’ve achieved can give you ideas and motivation, and help you figure out what really drives you.

Uncover Your Own Goals #5: We often chase goals that aren’t really ours. Ask yourself if a goal truly matches your values and desires, or if it’s something you feel pressured to go after. When you take the time to separate your real goals from others’ expectations, the goals you choose will feel meaningful.

The key is to follow your own path, not someone else’s. Your goals should always feel like a “hell yes.”

Next time you face an opportunity, don’t just ask if it’s a “hell yes.” Ask yourself:

• Does this match my values and vision?
• Am I letting fear of leaving my comfort zone influence me?
• Is there a chance for personal growth here?
• Is this really MY goal?

If the answer is yes, it’s a hell yes. If not, it’s okay to step back and look for something that fits better.