This week, I had the privilege of attending the Amsterdam Business Forum, where I joined a VIP Q&A with Neil Pasricha, the author of The Happiness Equation. When I had the chance to ask him a question, I chose one that is close to my heart: What is your non-negotiable?
His answer was simple, but powerful. For him, it is the number of days he spends away from his family. No matter what opportunities arise, how exciting the project, or how impressive the stage, he won’t cross that line. That limit is his anchor, the thing that keeps him grounded.
It made me reflect on my own non-negotiables, and how often we forget to define them clearly for ourselves. We rush from project to project, balancing family, business, and personal dreams, but without clear boundaries, it becomes so easy to lose ourselves.
What I realized again is that non-negotiables aren’t fixed forever. They evolve with us. What mattered to me ten years ago might not be what matters today. And that’s okay. What counts is being conscious about them and having the courage to honor them, even when it’s hard.
In my book 10 Quintessential Questions, I wrote about the importance of identifying your non-negotiables. They serve as guideposts, helping you navigate dilemmas, opportunities, and the chaos of everyday life. Without them, it’s far too easy to end up in that “golden cage”, seemingly successful, but not truly free.
Neil’s answer reminded me that clarity doesn’t always come from the big strategies or the long-term plans. Sometimes it comes from one simple line you refuse to cross.
So let me turn the question to you: What is your non-negotiable, the one thing you won’t trade, no matter what?
