entrepreneurship

If It’s Not a F*ck Yes, It’s a No

January 15, 2025

< back to blog home

#60: So here’s the deal—I took a 17-day hiatus thinking it would be no big deal, but plot twist: it changed everything. In this episode, I’m getting real about shiny distractions (hi, Pilates studio co-ownership), saying no to things that aren’t aligned, and why your business shouldn’t fall apart just because you step away. Spoiler: if it does, you’re doing it wrong.

Remember when I said 2024 was the year of life over deadlines? Yeah, it also taught me that we don’t need to reinvent the wheel every damn year. I’m sharing why refining what you’re already doing (even if it’s boring AF) is the real key to long-term success. Plus, let’s talk about those shiny opportunities we say yes to when we know they’re just a distraction—and how to get clear as hell on what you actually want to build.

Oh, and my half marathon? Iconic. Not because I’m a runner now, but because committing to hard things builds confidence like nothing else. If you’ve been overcomplicating your goals, avoiding the unsexy work, or saying yes when you should be saying “f*ck no,” this episode is for you.

Find what you need in the episode:

00:00 Work strategically: balance hustle and leisure effectively.

05:57 2024 was life beyond work and deadlines.

08:22 Resetting life through habits, not grand goals.

12:44 Consistent structure perfects business, allowing leisure.

17:16 Embrace change and growth in your business.

19:02 Considering working for others for fulfillment.

22:29 Joined partnership, later realized it was unaligned.

27:10 Focused on stability over pursuing new opportunities.

28:48 Align opportunities with goals, avoid distractions.

31:16 Ended Pilates; focus on long-term alignment.

36:36 “If it’s not a priority, it’s no.”

39:09 Journaling prompts for envisioning your ideal self.

41:31 Prioritize family time over work commitments now.

45:14 Seek growth beyond comfort; embrace challenges consistently.

48:53 Push yourself, discover growth, enjoy new challenges.

Is video more your thing? Watch this episode on YouTube.

Join 1k others in my weekly unhinged newsletter where I get honest about entrepreneurship.

Learn more about the Ironically Serious podcast at www.ironicallyserious.com

Submit a guest or topic for the podcast here.

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ironicallyseriouspod

Stay connected with Taylor @tay.hedden @chanelandlee

Submit your SOS to be featured on an episode here.

Leave Taylor a voicemail here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

SUBMIT YOUR SOS

CLICK BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY OR GET SOUND OFF ADVICE IN A LIVE EPISODE.

TAYLOR, SOS?!

SOS: STORY OR SOUNDOFF

Looking for advice or Taylor's take on an ironic, humorous life story? Submit your SOS below to get feedback on a live episode.
{No sweat, we keep it anonymous.}

Your message has been delivered.

Thank you!

Head to the blog to search the show notes.

Hey! Do you have any advice on...

Take Me to the blog

© 2022-2025 ironically serious podcast | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS + CONDITIONS