A Birthday reflection on strategic nos and intentional yeses
27 January 2025
As a design student, I think a lot about structure, balance, and intentionality-whether it’s in layouts, user flows, or the way I approach life itself. Turning 20 has made me realize that designing my time is just as crucial as designing an experience.
In my teenage years, I used to say yes to every opportunity-every project, every event, every networking session-out of fear that missing out would mean falling behind. But over time, I’ve learned that time is the most valuable resource, and like any well-designed system, it needs thoughtful prioritization.
The Experience That Shifted My Perspective
I was once invited to an exclusive industry event-on paper, the perfect opportunity. It promised networking, insider knowledge, and a chance to be seen. A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice before saying yes. But this time, I paused. I assessed its actual value against my current priorities. Would it challenge me creatively? Would it push me toward my long-term goals? Would it add more than it took away?
I realized that while the event was valuable, it wasn’t essential. Instead, I delegated my ongoing work efficiently and chose to spend that time recharging, refining my own projects, and strengthening personal connections. And the best part? I didn’t feel like I missed out-I felt in control.
Saying No is a Design Choice
Good design isn’t about adding everything-it’s about editing with intent. The same applies to life. Now, I structure my time the way I structure my work:
Weekdays: Deep, immersive work. I say yes to projects that challenge me, push my creativity, and align with my goals.
Weekends: Reserved for only high-value work. I protect this time unless the opportunity is truly worth it.
No-Brainers Get a No: If something doesn’t stimulate my creativity or growth, I skip it-just like I remove unnecessary elements in a design to keep it clean and effective.
The Future: Designing a Better Work-Life Balance
Turning 20 is about refining this approach. Every “no” is an opportunity to say “yes” to something better. Like a well-crafted interface, my life is becoming more streamlined, more intentional, and more aligned with what truly matters.
As I step into this new decade, I choose to design my time with purpose—because when you remove the clutter, what remains is what truly adds value.