I’m Just a Guy: Who’s Overwhelmedનમૂનો

Refocusing on What Matters

It took me a long time to learn that “no” is a complete sentence.

What really helped me embrace this principle was when someone introduced me to the concept of opportunity cost. At its simplest, opportunity cost is the value of the next best thing you give up when you make a choice. It isn’t always about good versus bad—it’s often about good versus better. And that’s where things can get tricky.

This realization forced me to be more intentional about what I said “yes” to. I discovered that much of the anxiousness and overwhelm I was feeling stemmed from my default of always saying yes. Before long, everything began to suffer. As a man, I found it hard not to help when asked. To be honest, I liked being included. I enjoyed it when people valued my input. But that craving for validation quickly became my Achilles heel.

I related a lot to Martha in Scripture. I ran from meeting to meeting, filling my days with activity but lacking true purpose. My mindset was simple: get as much done as possible today, and if the Lord gave me tomorrow, repeat the process.

But after walking through some challenging seasons, I’ve learned to be far more cautious in what I commit to. Every yes comes with an equal no to something else. And when I considered the possibility that my “yeses” might actually cause me to miss what God wanted for me—that hit hard.

Here’s something God showed me: I had to stop focusing on climbing the next rung of the ladder and instead make sure I was even on the ladder He desired. For me, that meant a purposeful pause in chasing promotions and accolades, and instead pouring my heart into what He was calling me to do.

You’re reading this today because of that decision. And while some may say it was a poor move financially, I can say with certainty that nothing compares to the freedom of walking in obedience to the Lord’s call.

I’m not suggesting you stop striving for excellence at work. What I am saying is this: make sure your priorities are aligned with God’s purpose for you. Don’t get so caught up in “many things” that you miss the “one thing” Jesus said truly matters—sitting at His feet, hearing His voice, and letting Him direct your steps.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where are you saying “yes” too quickly in your life?
2. Which “ladder” are you currently climbing, and is it His?