It’s a “No” if it isn’t Rocket Fuel 🚀 ⛽

🎨 Collage: Justine Anweiler, Rocket Fuel, 2025.

This is a concept I am currently using to evaluate the decisions in my life.

You see, I previously entertained mediocrity and chaos. I was The Queen of “making something work”.

I kept friendships, took on clients, and said yes to things I intuitively clocked as misaligned, but I thought I could make them a green flag, or at least a yellow one.

For anyone with a 5 in their human design profile or an upbringing that applauded you for being the fixer - I see you. This may be you.

I have the ability to solve other people's problems — really really well. But this year, after a call with Julie Fedele I started thinking about what potential 𝗜 could realize if I chose what problems 𝗜 wanted to solve.

So I started there…

For the first time ever in my 36 years of life, I’ve begun walking away from doorways that sing “You could make this work.”

It’s a shift from some inner work I’ve been doing and when I think about my reason for saying no, the answer is always the same:

❌ It’s not rocket fuel.
️
Rocket fuel is what “I” need to build my dreams.
To go all in on me.

Previously, when things weren’t aligned, I ignored the feeling because I was just so grateful someone chose me. I would spend a lot of energy solving their problems and making their solutions exceptional.

I’d lose energy.

You see, my dreams are like a not-quite-full fuel tank, and whenever I say yes to relationships that aren’t building my dreams, there is spillage. I am leaking rocket fuel. So recently, I’ve been taking stock of where and how much fuel I am leaking; consciously corking the sites of spillage and amplifying the energy within.

I’m done putting my rocket fuel into someone else’s tank and wondering, “Will my rocket ever be ready?”

So this year, I started saying “No.” asking more questions and taking my time so I can really be clear if this is rocket fuel.

Here’s to the rockets of dreams, possibility, and imagination launching this year 💥 🚀

Article FAQs generated by AI:
1. How can I identify what my own "rocket fuel" is when making decisions?
Start by tuning into what energizes you versus what drains you. "Rocket fuel" is anything that propels you toward your goals and aligns with your core values. Notice when you feel excited, motivated, or deeply connected to a task or opportunity—that’s a strong indicator. Reflection tools like journaling, Human Design, or simply asking, "Does this serve my bigger vision?" can help you pinpoint what truly fuels you.

2. What strategies can help break the habit of saying “yes” to misaligned opportunities?
Create a personal decision-making framework. This could include a simple checklist: Does this align with my goals? Will it energize me? Am I saying yes out of obligation or genuine excitement? Practicing pausing before responding—giving yourself time to reflect—can create space for more intentional decisions. Also, rehearsing respectful “no’s” makes it easier to turn things down when they’re not a fit.

3. How do I set boundaries without feeling guilty, especially if I’m used to being the “fixer”?
Redefine boundaries as acts of self-care and alignment rather than rejection. Recognize that saying “no” to others is often saying “yes” to yourself. Communicate your boundaries with kindness and clarity, focusing on your needs rather than the other person’s shortcomings. Over time, guilt lessens as you experience the benefits of more energy, focus, and fulfillment.