I’m reading a really great book, entitled The Yes Man, by Danny Wallace. Like many of us, Danny’s gone through life avoiding things. Unconsciously, of course. Or at least that’s what he’ll have you believe. The basic premise is that Danny’s miserable. Avoids going for a beer with his “mates,” let’s the voicemail or caller-id kick into full swing. And makes excuses for just about anything – just to avoid having to do everything. He finds himself on a bus, telling his story to some poor soul next to him. The advice this wise (and surely patient) man is “Say Yes more.”
Simple. Say Yes.
The book takes you through his experiment (of a year long journey!) of this advice. What could he encounter if he just said Yes more often?
What could you encounter if you’d say YES?
Here’s the challenge: For this week, take stock in what you say Yes to. What’s it getting you in return? What opportunities did you get to experience?
More pessimistic perhaps – try this: Take note to what you are saying NO to. Any patterns? Anything you may be avoiding or not confronting head-on? Here’s the zinger – what are you missing out on? (If this one hurts, try experiment #1 for a week – the one where you get to say YES!)
Whaddyathink?
Filed under: Personal Development, Success | Tagged: Danny Wallace, Discovery, Doing, Happier life, Jeff Stafford, Jim Carey, Joy in LIfe, life coaching, Life Success, Opportunity, Optimism, Optimistic, Passion, positive attitude, Purpose, Say Yes, Success, The Yes Man film, Yes Man
Over the last week, I have been conscious of putting the “Yes Factor” in my life. And I want to tell you – Damn does it feel good!
Last weekend I participated in a camp for adults. As one who has never been to camp – this was an easy No lister before my experiment. But at this camp, Camp Freetopia – check it out here: http://www.freetopiacamps.com/ – my YES paid out!
Andy’s a great mentor of mine and has a way to really get people connected. And he was in true form this day, posing us possibilities to think about, shouting out words to dream about and enticing us to go deeper! I’d recommend the Camp to anyone who is looking to connect with others, build relationships, encourage is courageous conversation – and have a ton-o-fun on a Saturday or Sunday.
Yes, gave me a great day, built some new friendships and connections and rekindled a passion to continue to bring a “camp-filled” spirit into the city!
Jeff –
I’m so glad you said YES to camp! You are a total CAMP PERSON – regardless of the fact that you never went to camp as a kid. You have the spirit of camp in you!
Looking forward to our camp reunion!
Somehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation
Anyway … nice blog to visit.
cheers, Compilation
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Really good stuff, keep up the good work
Anthony Hosking