One of the greatest time wasters in life comes disguised as a very innocent, even hopeful, phrase:
“Well, you never know.”
That single line has been responsible for more half-hearted projects, pointless meetings, awkward hangouts, and life clutter than we care to admit.
You know how it goes.
You get an invitation to some event you know you’ll hate — but hey, you never know.
Someone reaches out with a vague work idea — you might as well give it a shot.
You say yes to helping on a task you neither like nor believe in — because, well, what if it turns into something?
This phrase often masks a few deeper truths — procrastination, fear of saying no, fear of missing out, or simply avoiding discomfort. But here’s the thing: the more you grow in life, the more your gut knows.
As Naval Ravikant wisely put it:
“If you’re not sure, the answer is no.”
Simple. Brutal. True.
Because by the time you’ve lived a few decades, your internal compass gets sharper. You start recognizing that tiny flicker — the feeling that says “this doesn’t excite me” or “this is not worth my time.” And more importantly, you start listening to it.
Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, taking on a client, going to an event, or even saving someone’s number — if it’s not a full-body YES, then it’s a no.
Not a maybe.
Not a “let’s see.”
Not a “you never know.”
Just… no.
The same applies to people.
If someone made you feel uncomfortable, disrespected, undervalued, or simply not yourself in the past — chances are, they’re not going to be any different now.
People don’t change that easily.
And changing someone isn’t your job anyway — changing yourself is.
So don’t fool yourself into thinking this time will be different just because time has passed.
Be honest:
If you didn’t enjoy that gathering before, why go again?
If the last collaboration drained you, why say yes again?
If you instantly didn’t vibe with someone, why save their contact just in case?
Stop holding space in your life for “just in case.”
Stop putting your time, energy, and attention on layaway for things that don’t give you a full yes.
Here’s the truth that’s not said enough:
Your life gets clearer when your “maybes” become “nos.”
You don’t need to try every door just because it’s there.
You don’t owe your time to curiosity, guilt, or obligation.
By this point in life, you should know.
And if you don’t feel it in your gut — that clean, grounded, yes — it’s perfectly okay to move on.
Keep your life clean.
Keep your day full of only what sparks curiosity, joy, or deep purpose.
Let go of “you never know.” Because by now, you probably do.
0
20