“Say Yes, and you’ll figure it out afterwards’ Tina Fey
Some of the most successful people in life are not those with incredible talent or a 1st class degree; they are people who said ‘YES’ to an opportunity and then just got on with it. As Richard Branson said:
"If someone offers you an amazing opportunity to do something and you're not sure you can do it, say yes. Then learn how to do it later."
Say YES and stay young
Stay young at heart and LIVE your life, don't let it pass you by! Develop a healthy curiosity in what’s going on around you and the people you meet; engender a willingness to try something new and don't feel bad because you are doing something that YOU want to do. Look around you at the people who most inspire you and catch some of their enthusiasm. I bet they are people who you admire for their energy, their passion and their willingness to get out there and just do it.
Take a deep breath and jump in
When faced with something new, something that takes us outside of our comfort zones, its all too easy to say ‘No’.
I admit it isn’t always easy to say ‘Yes’ – that fear of failure, of making a fool of oneself or just believing that we don’t deserve to do something for ourselves. Sadly women tend to be more guilty of this than men. So, let's take a deep breath and jump straight in. Commit to something and tell our friends and family what we are planning to do - this way we are less likely to back out. It could be as simple as joining a book club, getting involved in a charity, learning a new skill or trying a different exercise class.
Stop saying ‘ but what if…. '. Let’s not assume the worst will happen but the best!
My nephew was asked to go and do some video editing for a global pop star. He had never used the technology her team used but said ‘yes’. He was terrified but did some research and believed in himself and flew to America. They loved what he did.
Say YES and reap the rewards
By saying YES - you will gain more confidence, meet new people and discover new opportunities, new interests, a new zest for life.
Saying NO is easy, it's no risk but also not a lot of fun. Saying YES can be exciting and make your life richer. You will have great experiences and create lasting memories.
5 benefits of saying YES (the non-exhaustive list...)
1. Boost your confidence.
2. Meet people you might never normally come across.
3. Feel healthier, happier and more motivated.
4. Discover new interests.
5. Become an inspiration to others.
So don’t wait for opportunities – go and create them. Open your heart and mind to new experiences, new people and keep learning. Be curious.
Draw up your 'Wish List'
On the 1st January at breakfast we sit as a family and draw up our ‘Wish List’ for the year ahead. We have a jar full of last year’s wishes and see how many we have fulfilled and any that we haven’t and still want to fulfil, go back in the jar. Next we all write down the things we would like to do and achieve in the year ahead. We go through them and then if there are any we need to book we do it there and then – otherwise time has a way of making you forget.
We’ve paddled boarded on Derwent water, been on a foraging course, been to festivals and theatre productions – the list is endless and things don't have to cost a fortune.
Take a moment to think of the things you would like to do and make your own Wish List:
1…………………………………………………...................................................................................................................................
2…………………………………………………...................................................................................................................................
3…………………………………………………...................................................................................................................................
4…………………………………………………...................................................................................................................................
5…………………………………………………...................................................................................................................................
NOW GO AND MAKE THEM HAPPEN!
