Curiosity In Motion

Welcome to this edition of Curiosity in Motion! Time is our most valuable asset, yet we often overcommit, stretch ourselves thin, and say yes to things that don’t serve our bigger goals. This week, we’re diving into the power of saying no, the key challenges of a startup’s first 1,000 days, and the true cost of hiring too early or too late.

Let’s jump in.

➡️ The Power of Saying No – How High Performers Protect Their Time and Focus

We often assume that success comes from saying yes to the right opportunities. In reality, the most successful people are those who master the ability to say no.

Every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else—whether that’s deep, focused work, time for strategic thinking, or personal priorities.

Here’s how to build the habit of saying no effectively:

✅ Use the 3-Filter Rule:
Before agreeing to something, ask yourself:
1️⃣ Does this align with my long-term goals?
2️⃣ Will this create a meaningful impact?
3️⃣ What will I have to give up to say yes?

If the answer to the first two isn’t a clear yes, then it’s a no.

✅ Learn to say no without guilt:
Many of us struggle with saying no because we don’t want to disappoint others. But as Warren Buffett puts it:
"The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything."

✅ Have a system for saying no:
Not every no has to be harsh—sometimes, it’s about redirecting the ask or offering an alternative. Examples:

• "I can’t take this on right now, but I can revisit it next quarter."

• "This isn’t the right fit for me, but I’d be happy to connect you with someone else who might help."

Saying no isn’t about rejecting opportunities—it’s about making room for the ones that matter most.

➡️ Surviving the First 1,000 Days as a Startup

The first three years are often make-or-break for a startup. Research shows that most failures happen within this timeframe—not because of bad ideas, but due to financial struggles, poor execution, or founder burnout.

So what separates the businesses that survive from those that don’t?

✅ Cash Flow is King
Many startups focus on raising money, but a healthy cash flow matters more than capital raised. Ensure you have at least 6-12 months of runway and a plan for how every dollar is spent.

✅ Adaptability Over Perfection
Businesses that survive the early years don’t wait for the perfect product or perfect conditions—they launch, iterate, and refine based on real-world feedback. If you’re not embarrassed by your first version, you launched too late.

✅ Founder Resilience
It’s not just about the business model—it’s about the founder’s ability to manage stress, make hard decisions, and keep going despite setbacks. Many startups don’t fail because of the market—they fail because the founders give up.

The first 1,000 days will test you. But with financial discipline, adaptability, and resilience, you can build something that lasts.

➡️ The True Cost of Hiring Too Early (or Too Late)

One of the hardest decisions for a growing business is when to hire. Bring on people too soon, and you burn through cash. Wait too long, and you risk missing growth opportunities.

So how do you know when it’s the right time?

✅ Hiring Too Early: The Cash Flow Killer
Many startups hire too soon because they want to “be ready” for growth. But every hire adds overhead, and if the revenue isn’t there yet, you’ll quickly run into cash flow problems.

✅ Hiring Too Late: The Growth Bottleneck
On the flip side, waiting too long to hire can mean missed revenue, burnout, and stalled momentum. If your team is constantly at max capacity and opportunities are slipping through the cracks, it’s a sign you need to bring in support.

✅ The Right Approach: Hire Based on Revenue & Workload
Instead of hiring based on “potential” growth, hire when your revenue and workload demand it. A good rule of thumb:

• If you’re working in the business more than on the business, you likely need help.

• If growth opportunities are being lost due to capacity issues, it’s time to expand.

Hiring is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make—getting the timing right can mean the difference between sustainable scaling and financial strain.

Saying no, surviving the startup grind, and making smart hiring decisions all come down to the same thing—being intentional with how you use your resources, whether it’s time, money, or energy.

What’s one decision you’re facing right now where you need to say no, adapt, or hire?

Until next time, keep moving forward.

Let’s keep the conversation going—follow me on LinkedIn for more insights!