When you look back at your life, you realize that the many of your regrets or memories are based around things you didn't do; opposed to things you did do. When faced with the decision of yes versus no, we often opt to just say no. Why? Because its easier to say no. After no, there is less follow up. Less energy expelled. Less explanation. No is the punctuation- where yes is the beginning of the story.
Too often, we say no for the sake of saying no. I m just as guilty as anyone when it comes to this and looking back (thanks hindsight) I might have missed out on some pretty cool experiences. I try to live life with few regrets and constantly look to move forward. You cannot change what has already happened, but you could certainly change your course by saying yes today. With recents events in my life, I have decided to open my mind and time to saying yes more often to things where I would have traditionally said no.
Years ago, Jim Carrey did a movie called "Yes Man". The basic storyline was that after he went to see a motivational speaker, he ended up saying yes to everything. Through these experiences, it opened up doors and experiences in his life. The overall message of the movie was better than the actual movie. There's a consensus that Jim Carrey hasn't done anything great (minus Jenny McCarthy) since Dumb and Dumber.
In an episode of the Big Bang Theory, Leonard and Penny both ask Sheldon his advice on if they should go on a first date. If you watch the show, this was the episode that made references to "Schrodinger's cat". In short, without explaining the theory, you need to say "yes" or "open the box" to a new experience in order to determine the unknown outcome.
How often do you just say no for the sake of saying no? "Hey, come hang out tonight" is usually answered with the words "I would, but I got this thing". That "thing", more often than not, is just laziness or a desire to not expound the energy that is required to perform the task you are being asked. We all say no too often.
If you want to change your life, experience new things and break free of your day to day rut, you need to "open the box" or say "yes" when you would traditionally do the opposite.
I'm not Tony Robbins. I am not writing this in an effort to be the worlds next motivational speaker (perhaps a reality show idea?). I am also not suggesting you throw logic aside for the sake of "yes", because we all know that that's not a truly healthy decision. Theres no need to wake up tomorrow, try drugs for the first time a break a few commandments for the sake of saying yes. When suggesting yes, that doesn't mean that you change who you are or start a new life. Just be open to saying yes. I too will struggle with this.
I suggest starting small. When the server at the restaurant asks you if you want the spicy version of the dish, unless you have a true digestive issue, say yes. When that co-worker asks you to go have a beer after work-say yes. When presented with a challenge that you feel will be overwhelming, instead of tapping out-take it on head first. Yes.
We will never grow personally or professionally unless we agree to do things that require stepping upside of yourselves. Like I said before, self restraint is healthy, but don't use it as the crutch that prevents you from experiencing life and growing. We all need to honestly examine the things that we deem our "line in the sand" beliefs and break down those limiting boundaries. Stop drawing the line for the sake of drawing the line.
You will find, with saying yes, that your life will be open to new and exciting story lines. let your accomplishments and memories be your punctuation...not the word no.
