How do I expedite the no's?

I'm skipping over the part where we accept and embrace the fact that we are going to receive boatloads of no's in our adventures. That's a given.

Taking that a step further, we want to get through all of the no's as quickly as possible so that the yes's come through loud and clear.

I'm an optimizer and am always looking for greater efficiency. By expediting the no's, I can save lifetimes of maybes, time wasting, mental energy, stress and disappointment. Give me the "fuck yes, or no" as Mark Manson so eloquently put it.

Whether it's about hiring, fund raising, dating, where to eat dinner, or even (especially) what idea or business to start, it's our job to clear out all of the no's. We live in a world of virtually unlimited choices where we can spend 40 minutes scrolling through Netflix with a bunch of maybes. Stop that. If it's not a complete and total yes, it's a no.

Something might not be a no forever, but if it's a no right now, be thankful for the no and move on. If it's meant to be a yes later on, it'll find a way.

The best way to expedite the no's is to ask the really difficult questions that cut through all the pleasantries. If you know what you want, ask for that up front regardless of how awkward it might be. You'll save everyone involved lots of time and that's way more valuable than a few moments of difficult conversation.

Steve Schlafman has a simple and powerful way to do this when pitching investors. Ask them directly, "What are your concerns about our business?” You cut through lots of fat with that question. It's our goal to find questions like this in all that we do.

Give me all the damn no's until there are no no's left. Then the beautiful yes's can shine down upon us.