Business Quote by Rolf Dobelli
““We must learn to close doors. A business strategy is primarily a statement on what not to engage in. Adopt a life strategy similar to a corporate strategy: Write down what not to pursue in your life. In other words, make calculated decisions to disregard certain possibilities and when an option shows up, test it against your not-to-pursue list. It will not only keep you from trouble but also save you lots of thinking time. Think hard once and then just consult your list instead of having to make up your mind whenever a new door cracks open. Most doors are not worth entering, even when the handle seems to turn so effortlessly.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli, 2013
Strategic avoidance of unproductive pursuits saves time and mental energy, mirroring corporate focus on non‑engagement.
In simple terms: Write down what not to pursue.
Key Takeaway
Use a “not‑to‑pursue” list for decisions.
Themes
productivity
decision making
focus
Mood
practical
analytical
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- project selection
- daily habits
Key Concepts
behavioral economics
strategic planning
Questions to Reflect On
- What could you stop doing to free time?
- How do you decide what not to pursue?
A Different Perspective
May cause overly rigid choices.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)