Despite having a $25 million net worth, Hilary Duff thinks saying yes too much to opportunities actually hurt her career

Hilary Duff rose to prominence at the young age of 13, becoming the lead in Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire. This franchise quickly transcended television, leading to movies, merchandise, video games, and a level of fame that is rare for teenagers. However, she now reflects on her career and expresses regret over her tendency to accept too many offers during her rise.

"When the doors start opening, it's very easy to think the right answer is always yes," Duff shared with the graduates of Northeastern University during her commencement speech. "Yes to the next project. Yes to the next expectation. Yes to saying yes. For years, I said yes to almost everything because I thought that was what you were supposed to do when you were fortunate enough to have opportunities. You take them. All of them."

As Duff navigated various commercials, appearances, and the unyielding pressure to determine her next move, she realized that accepting every opportunity had its drawbacks.

"I came to understand that just because something is a good opportunity or lucrative doesn't mean it is right for me. By simply accepting what the world offered, I was losing my own voice," the 38-year-old actress remarked. "I found myself reacting rather than considering what I genuinely wanted."

In an uncertain job market, Duff tells Gen Z: 'Choose what gives you room to grow'

Over time, Duff learned the importance of stepping back and channeling her energy more effectively, moving away from the constant cycle of projects to forge a career path on her own terms. Today, as a millionaire, a mother of four, and the chief brand director of Below 60°, a fragrance company, she emphasizes to Gen Z that success does not necessitate a meticulously plotted future.

"Redirecting your energy in one area can mean determining a new direction in another. The key is that I was selecting where to direct my energy instead of allowing others to choose for me," she elaborated. "An invaluable aspect of taking that space for yourself is that you can reflect on the progress you've made."

Duff also acknowledged the challenging job market facing the class of 2026, as many graduates are entering industries undergoing transformation due to advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence—where some of the roles they will hold in five years may not yet exist.

"Choose what excites you. Choose what challenges you. Choose what allows you room to grow. And just as crucial, choose to let go of what no longer serves you," she advised. "This will grant you the freedom to evolve and become who you are meant to be. The world becomes more intriguing and accommodating when individuals present themselves authentically."

Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett have preached the importance of saying no

Duff's inclination to say yes to opportunities during her early career aligns with a common decision made by many ambitious individuals when new possibilities arise.

While some business leaders assert that maintaining an open attitude is vital for success, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski has noted that flexibility amid career shifts often positions workers for growth.

"To be a yes person is far superior to being a no person," Kempczinski stated in a LinkedIn interview. "As those career shifts occur, being perceived as someone willing to say yes and engage in new endeavors will likely lead to future opportunities."

Conversely, others have echoed Duff's realization that indiscriminately saying yes can ultimately detract from one's effectiveness.

Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook mentioned in a recent interview with CBS News that one of the most significant leadership lessons he learned from Steve Jobs was the importance of focus.

"[Jobs] understood that you must say 'no' to a thousand things to say 'yes' to the one thing that truly matters," Cook explained. "When you commit to something, it should be done at an exceptional level; mediocrity is not an option—it must be outstanding."

In a similar vein, Melinda French Gates shared insights gained from billionaire investor Warren Buffett, emphasizing that once individuals clarify their priorities, the process of saying no becomes substantially easier.

"Warren Buffett once advised us early on at the Gates Foundation to 'identify your bull's-eye of what you're working on, and let the other matters fall away. You'll feel more accomplished if you concentrate your talents on that bull's-eye and persist in addressing those critical issues, making it easier to part with other tasks,'" French Gates recounted during a recent LinkedIn interview. "I believe this to be true."