Living with Intention: 7 Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes

If you’ve ever found yourself saying “yes” to something and then instantly regretting it (🙋🏾‍♀️), you’re not alone. Whether it’s volunteering for yet another project, signing up for a commitment you don’t have time for, or agreeing to coffee when your soul just needs a nap, it’s easy to fall into the trap of automatic yeses.

But living with intention means learning to pause before committing. It’s about making decisions that align with your values, your season of life, and your energy. Saying yes is powerful, but so is saying no.

Here are 7 questions to ask yourself before you give your next yes:

1. Does this align with my values?

If it doesn’t connect to what matters most to you, it might not deserve your time.

2. Does this support my current goals?

Sometimes good opportunities aren’t the right opportunities for right now.

3. Do I actually have the time and energy for this?

Future-you will thank you for being honest about capacity.

4. Am I saying yes out of guilt or obligation?

A yes from guilt is usually a no to yourself.

5. What will I have to say no to if I say yes here?

Every yes is also a no. Make sure you’re not crowding out what matters most.

6. Will this bring me delight or drain me?

Not everything has to be fun, but if it’s all drain and no joy, maybe it’s not for you.

7. Does this feel peaceful in my body?

Pay attention to that gut check. Your body often knows before your brain catches up.

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t owe anyone an instant yes. Take a pause. Ask the questions. Give yourself the gift of thoughtful decision-making. When you choose your yeses with intention, you create space for a life that feels more purposeful, more joyful, and more you.

Sometimes this is easier said than done. Trust me, I know. That's why I created the Surrender & Simplify guide to help you take those small steps into intentional living. Begin with this guide and discover how to prioritize what matters most.