What if You Need the Money

You’ve probably heard the advice from Derek Sivers:

“If you’re not saying HELL YEAH! to something, say no.”

It’s everywhere. And for good reason. It’s clean. It’s clear. It’s helped shape my own 3Ps framework. If you’ve got too much on your plate, this kind of clarity can be a lifesaver.

But.

What if you need the money?

What if it’s not your dream project, but the mortgage is due?
What if the client gives you a weird vibe, but your finances aren't aligned with your ideals right now?
What if it’s underpriced… but still better than nothing?

It’s okay to say yes when you need the money.
It doesn’t make you a failure. It doesn’t mean you’re betraying your values.
It means you’re surviving.

But do it with your eyes open.
Know why you’re saying yes.
Own it.
Show up like a pro.
Do great work.

And then, as soon as you can, come back to your deeper goals.

Come back to the kind of work you really want to be doing.
Come back to the kind of clients who see you.
Come back to your price point. Your standards. Your art.

Because the danger isn’t saying yes when you're broke.
The danger is getting stuck there.
Getting used to that low-level panic.
Letting it define you.

The 3Ps aren’t about pretending money doesn’t matter.
They’re about building a life where all three—People, Project, Price—line up.
Where you're not just surviving, but doing your best work for the right reasons.

So if you need to say yes today, say yes.
Just don’t lose sight of the Hell Yes you’re working toward.