Just say no, redux

Here’s a more extreme version of the same principle. Adopt a rule that no new task can be deferred: if accepted, it must be the new priority. Last come, first served. The immediate consequence is that no project may be taken on unless it’s worth dropping everything to work on it.

Tim Harford on the importance of saying no.

Surprisingly often, blog readers tell me they found my own “Just say no” blog post unusually influential. People do not normally go out of their way to say such things, so I notice when they do.

I am pleased to say: four years ago I said “no” to new field projects and new major papers. I stuck to it. As of a couple of months ago, I have no active field projects or people working for me anywhere in the world, other than the research manager who sits beside my office. And that is from a peak of 120 employees two years ago. Color me unstressed and relieved. Also, back spasms of stress not so common anymore. Occupational hazard.

It won’t last. Naturally I am starting new projects. But what I treasure is the time and mental energy that comes from clearing the table of old projects, giving me the time and freedom to be strategic and picky about what I do next, rather than opportunistic. Highly recommended.

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