The Power of… YES!

“Even if you are on the right track,
you will get run over if you just sit there.”
— Will Rogers

YES. How many times have you said “no” to something you really wanted to do? Does indecision or fear hold you back? What could you experience if you simply said “yes”?

An old boyfriend used to accuse me of “thinking too much.” There were two parts to his dissatisfaction. His first complaint was that my “constant flow of new ideas was overwhelming” and his brain couldn’t take it after 9pm. That posed a challenge for our relationship because most of my entrepreneurial brainstorms came at night. His second, and even bigger gripe, was that I would take my time weighing options before making a decision. While he labeled me with having “analysis-paralysis,” my frustration with him was that I thought he didn’t think things through enough. He would often make decisions with absolutely no information. Looking back, we both had a little room to grow. Most of my divine inspirations still come in my dreams and I am thankful for this flow of creativity. I will admit, however, that on the second point my former beau was on to something – sometimes you just have to go for it!

As Napoleon Bonaparte said, “Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in.” You won’t always have all of the information, and the circumstances may not appear to be just right. However, at a certain point you simply have to say “yes.” If the situation doesn’t work out the way you hoped, you will still learn. Planning is good, but until you take action nothing will happen. Waiting for things to be “perfect” is a form of procrastination. In fact, indecision can be debilitating. It is a passive choice with often regretful consequences. It often leads to a habit of vacillating – always being in limbo. In that mode, you will never achieve your dreams, or at the very least, you will lose momentum and delay positive results. As Margaret Thatcher said, “Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides.”

Waiting for things to be “perfect” is a form of procrastination. 

Saying “yes” with conviction breeds an affirmative mindset. It’s a way of opening up to the power of the Universe and allowing transformation to begin. In one single moment you can change your experience by saying “yes” to life’s opportunities instead of resisting them. Move fear aside and rely on faith that ALL is happening for your Highest Good. Get into the habit of pushing past your comfort zone. If you don’t think you have the courage, then fake it! I used this technique as a student at Harvard Business School. With an art and sociology background, I initially had doubts about fitting in with all of the left-brained investment bankers and consultants. To get through the first month, I called upon the acting techniques I learned from my parents and simply pretended to be confident. Over time, I grew into it.

If you want a more exciting life, then develop a “yes” mentality. Say “yes” and sample a new food. Say “yes” and explore a new relationship. Say “yes” and accept a new job assignment. Follow your intuition and see where it takes you. It’s been said that the power of “yes” is a measure of your soul. As you add more “yes” into your life, remember to focus your energy. Always keep your overarching vision in mind, making values-driven decisions. In this way, each “yes” will lead you closer to fulfilling your divine destiny.

ACTION STEPS:

• Practice saying “yes.” As soon as you wake up in the morning say, “YES, thank you for this day. YES, I know you will show me the way. YES, I am ready to receive. YES, I will move through this day with ease!”
• Be mindful of your responses. Next time you say “no” when your heart is really saying “yes,” ask yourself: Am I saying “no” out of fear? What would happen if I said “yes”?
• Take on the role. Do you want to be a better public speaker? Then, pretend you’re the best motivational speaker ever. Look in the mirror and then go over the top with an impression. Have fun. When it’s time for you to take the stage, remember this character.
• Add spice to your life. If you’re used to eating bland food, go to an Indian restaurant. If you love the water, take a ferry ride. Every week, try something new. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Seek joy and adventure.
• Be supportive. If there is someone around you who is constantly saying, “No, I can’t,” then say, “Yes, you can!” Allow your affirmative spirit to be contagious. Encourage others to take action and follow their dreams.

AFFIRMATION:

Today, I say "yes" to life!

When I say "yes," life responds. I have faith in the power of the Universe. I do not make excuses out of fear. I simply have to claim my Good. I battle fear with faith. I honor inspirations through action. I move past the status quo. I seek new experiences and everyday joys. I understand that even if I fall, I will pick up knowledge that stays with me forever.

Today, I say "yes" to life!

Copyright Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy. Power Living® Column Vol. 64.07, originally published August 2007. Teresa Kennedy has written over 70 “The Power of…” columns are available for syndication. Photo credit: Pexels.

Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy is a Harvard Business School-trained Strategist, Mind-Body Expert, Award-Winning Author, Keynote Speaker and Activist.  She is Founder & CEO of Power Living and creator of Elder Dignity.  Selected as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, her mission is to unleash human potential and create a more just and sustainable world.

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