Chasing Money vs. Chasing Meaning

The Truth I Haven’t Said Out Loud in 5 Years

Lately, I’ve been grappling with a tricky choice: say ‘yes’ to a lucrative project that comes at the perfect financial moment and would likely be enjoyable—or protect my time to grow my own businesses and writing.

See, I am at my best when I’m writing—whether it be this newsletter, working on my novel(s), or crafting copy for one of our products, such as Unstuck or Starting Block.

Credits: Warner Bros.

Part of what I love about writing is that it takes time and focus and perseverance to whittle down all the words and ideas to get to a simple, powerful truth. And by truth, I mean the thing that, when read, makes readers go, “Oh yeah, I’ve been there!”

So, clearly, saying ‘yes’ to this more immediate work opportunity means saying no to working on my other businesses and getting some great writing done. And quite frankly, being a great writer appeals to me more than designing and leading workshops.

OK, real talk. As I’m typing this out, I realize I’ve been scared to say that last sentence ‘out loud’ for the past 5 years.

Why would I be scared to say that?

Because acknowledging this truth might close doors. Friends and clients might stop offering these workshop opportunities. And someday I might desperately regret passing them up.

Years ago I recall listening to Tim Ferris interviewing Derek Sivers and Derek has this now famous mantra for making decisions: “If it’s not a hell yeah, it’s a no.” He even has a book titled Hell Yeah or No.

I probably don’t need to explain the premise further, but the idea of burning the ships so I can fully commit to my writing and coaching is honestly terrifying. My mind keeps framing it as a self-limiting move—like I’m cutting off a reliable path. But my heart knows it’s something else entirely: a full-send commitment to the work I truly want to be doing, the aspirations I’ve been carrying for years.

Know what I’m saying?

To be clear, I’m not swearing off consulting gigs forever. I’ve got consulting work lined up for this year that I’m stoked about. It just has to be aligned with my bigger aspirations in order for me to delay my writing and coaching work.

Also, if it’s not apparent, I’m not some online gazillionaire that can say no to every opportunity that comes his way. I don’t have the luxury of being flippant about taking on work. Like most of you, I have bills to pay and this renovation work we’re doing right now is a legit budget item that needs to be dealt with.

So I won’t sit here and tell you to say ‘no’ to every ‘unworthy’ opportunity that comes your way. But I can say that I’ve deferred my dream long enough under the banner of financial responsibility (aka fear).

I’m not actively trying to be irresponsible, and I hope that saying ‘no’ to this current project doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass, but I am saying that I want to more frequently apply a decision-making matrix that includes my hopes and dreams as well as my bank account.

So here's my truth: taking this gig would ease short-term finances and even be fun. But saying no allows me to grow my businesses and become the writer I know I’m capable of being—and deep down, I trust that pursuing meaningful work pays dividends beyond the immediate. 🤞

And maybe, just maybe, that’s the biggest truth worth whittling down to.