It seems like every New Year, I compile a long list of resolutions and to-dos. But this year, I've been working on a one word list: No. After years of adding to my list of things to do, this year I’m focused on making my to-do list shorter—and being more efficient with my time.

Saying “No” more often will be no easy task. I remember the last time I realized I was too busy and worked with a friend who promised to take me on as a “client” and be my conduit for saying no. This arrangement worked well and she staved off the first invitation. But when that first organization reached directly out to me a second time, and I immediately accepted and I was swiftly fired as my friend’s pro bono “client.” I realized I have a “Yes” problem and I still to this day have the calendar to prove it.

Last year, I read the book, “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.” I think Marie Kondo wrote it just for me. Kondo provides step-by-step directions for simplifying and organizing your home. It’s all about prioritizing, finding what is truly essential, valuing those things above all else and ridding yourself, your life and your living room, of items that don’t make the cut.

In short, Kondo advocates that it’s time to go through your things, identify what you really need and love, and donate the furniture from storage or the extra sheets and towels to charity and folks who can really use these items.

What a perfect metaphor for my professional life. While I am truly fortunate to receive a plethora of speaking requests charity fundraiser invitations every year, I know that in order to truly make a difference it is essential to fully dedicate myself to those for which I am most passionate. It helps knowing that by declining a speaking request, I may be providing someone else who really cares about the cause an opportunity to make a difference. And helping someone step up gain their footing is an opportunity I cherish. In that sense, my “No” is really giving a “Yes” to someone else.

So many people find themselves stretched too thin between family, work, friends, passion projects, and community commitments. Greg McKeown’s book, “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,” advocates that success in today’s busy world requires a focus on what is truly essential in order to make the highest contribution towards what matters most.

So for 2016, I’m committed to paring down on my obligations rededicating myself to my most passionate missions. Cheers to even greater success this year.