Are You a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ Person?

Abundance Growth mindset Happiness

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Key Point: Getting to “YES” is often hard work. It is so much easier being a “NO” person. Google’s Executive Chairman, Eric Schmidt, stated the following: “Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to invitations to a new country. Say yes to meeting new friends. Say yes to learning a new language, picking up a new sport. Yes is how you get your first job, and your next job. Yes is how you find your spouse, and even your kids. Even if it’s a bit edgy, a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means you will do something new, meet someone new and make a difference in your life, and likely in others’ lives as well… Yes is a tiny word that can do big things. Say it often.”

I resist hanging out with “NO” people. Of course when something is illegal, immoral or hurtful then NO is the only right answer. However, too often people get to NO within themselves and with others because saying yes can be scary and/or more work. YES usually involves each of us learning how to do something different. A recent article in Inc. Magazine noted seven reasons to take every opportunity to say YES. I agree with the author’s viewpoint. How about you? 

“1. The next opportunity might change your life.

Sometimes I’m tempted to say NO when a new work opportunity presents itself. However, I know that the next opportunity might be the one that changes my life forever. So I do everything possible to say YES. 

2. It pays to push yourself just a little harder.

While we’re all busy and often feel pushed to the limit, we can always squeeze a little more out of our lives. Remember: If you get up just one hour earlier each day, you’ll have 15 extra days to work with every year.

3. People like people who are agreeable.

People like other people who are agreeable and open rather than disagreeable and closed. Who would you rather work with?

4. People don’t like naysayers.

People who constantly look at the negative side of life are no fun to be around. Don’t be one of those.

5. YES is for optimists.

Optimists get more done and they’re more successful than pessimists. Just say YES, and you can be an optimist too.

6. You’ll build your network.

When you say YES and open yourself up to meeting new people, you’ll grow your network and your business reach. This can lead to all sorts of new opportunities — and success — that you never imagined.

7. You’ll be more successful — and happier.” 

I recently heard a story about a top notch software developer wanting to come in to the office an hour later and then leave later, so she could lessen the pain of her long distance commute. Her neanderthal boss got to NO because there is “no policy for this and we don’t want to start a precedent?” Huh? So the talented developer quit and Mr. NO is still looking for a comparable talent. Don’t be the big NO in your workplace. 

Character Moves: 

  1. Learn how to get to YES by really listening and finding what value YES really brings to you and others. Getting to YES does not mean acting with blind compliance or being a patsy. Instead, it does mean finding a way to achieve a meaningful and valued intent. When you learn how to use the phrase, “YES if…” the doors of possibility open up. Think! It is having the mindset of doggedly getting to YES that opens up possibilities. 
  2. How self-aware are you relative to being a YES oriented versus a NO oriented person? How would your teammates describe you? When did you say NO and wished you’d have tried harder to say YES? When did you say YES and you regretted it? What did you learn from that? 
  3. Learn how to start a conversation with, “let’s see how we can find a way.” OR a “what if?” You’re not being paid to having NO be your default response. Any machine or software program could do that!

Yeah to YES in The Triangle! 

– Lorne

One Millennial View: One of my favorite podcasts is hosted by a guy who frequently travels, but will purposefully not book a hotel at his destination. Instead, he prefers the challenge of going out and meeting people who will eventually house him for the night… How courageous is that? Is it the safest? No. Cheap? Yup. Smart? Meh. But it’s certainly a “yes” mentality. There are times where he had to sleep in his rental car, but more often than not, he walks away well rested with a good story and new friends. Saying “yes” isn’t always secure, but it can be a great learning experience or a whole new adventure. “No” is just a Saturday night at home watching Netflix.

– Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis