“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically—to say no to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger yes burning inside.”
— Stephen Covey
Simplified Meaning:
To focus on what matters most in life, you need to first figure out what those top priorities are. Imagine you are a student deciding between studying for an important test or attending a party. If getting good grades is your top priority, you must confidently choose studying, even if it means saying no to going out with friends. Picture having a clear and strong reason, like wanting to get into a good college, that motivates you to stick to your choice. This inner motivation makes it easier to turn down distractions because you know your goal is more important. In everyday life, this means saying no to things that don't help you reach your bigger goals, without feeling bad about it. By doing so, you stay focused and move closer to what you truly want.