Hey, hey, hey! In this episode of Design for the Creative Mind, we’re talking about something that feels scary but will absolutely change your business: saying no before you feel ready. I know how hard it is to turn down a project—what if the right one doesn’t come along? What if word gets around that you turned someone down? I’ve had all those same fears. But here’s the truth: every time you say yes to the wrong project, you’re blocking space for the right one.

I’ll share the hidden costs of saying yes to everything, how to recognize the red flags early, and the exact scripts you can use to say no without burning bridges (because you don’t need to feel like the bad guy).

IN THIS EPISODE, I COVER:

• Why we wait too long to say no (hello, FOMO + people pleasing )

• The financial, creative, and emotional costs of taking on bad-fit clients

• A simple red-flag checklist to spot a “no” before you’re in too deep

• My favorite word tracks that let you say no kindly and confidently

• A student story: how saying no freed her calendar and brought in higher-value clients

Saying no isn’t risky—it’s a growth strategy. When you protect your time and energy, you create space for projects that light you up, clients who respect your process, and a business that actually feels good to run.