In his book "The Ego Is the Enemy," Ryan Holiday highlights the tendency of people to agree to commitments without careful consideration. Many individuals say "yes" out of a desire to please others, fear of missing opportunities, or a wish to gain approval. However, this habit can lead to a life filled with activities that do not contribute to personal happiness or fulfillment. Instead of opening doors, constantly saying yes can actually hinder our progress and satisfaction.

Holiday emphasizes that by obliging ourselves to do things we don’t genuinely enjoy, we often end up striving for validation from those we may not even respect. This misguided pursuit can lead to wasted time and effort, focusing on achieving things that do not align with our true desires. Ultimately, the author advocates for the power of saying no, urging readers to prioritize their own values and well-being over societal expectations.