How to Be a “Yes Person” For More Opportunities and Growth
It’s time to become a “yes person.”
No, not the “yes” person who
shamefully agrees with everything that his or her boss says to them. I’m
talking about the “yes” person who is open to new opportunities, willing to
accept change, and ready to change their life for the better.
by
Megan Wild
How to Be a “Yes” Person
The good news is that opportunities are all around you. Every single day there are new opportunities to meet someone new, get a better job, or take steps towards your dream. It’s up to you to notice these opportunities and be ready to say “yes” to them.
This is your year. I know this and you know this. Let’s look at some ways that you can be a “yes” person in 2022 and change your life forever.
Start Saying “Yes” to the Little Things
Saying “yes” can be scary in the beginning. This is especially true when you’re saying “yes” to a job promotion, big financial investment, or move to another city.
You can get over this fear by saying “yes” to little things.
Things happen every day that you might decline without even realizing it. Maybe someone asks you to get lunch or go shopping. You probably turn down these offers because they don’t match your daily routine and you aren’t fond of change.
But change is good. By saying “yes” to these smaller engagements, you’ll be more willing to accept change. You’ll be ready for bigger opportunities when they come your way.
Say “No” to the Distractions
Being a “yes” person doesn’t mean that you always have to say “yes.”
You should only say “yes” to opportunities that will benefit you. You should visualize where you want to be in life and map out how you will get there. Say “yes” to anything that is on your path.
It’s important to say “no.” However, you should only say “no” when you have to. By saying “no” to something of little importance to you, you’re essentially saying “yes” to the possibility of other opportunities that might come from it. These opportunities might help you get to where you want to be in life.
You should turn down any distractions that’ll stop you from achieving your goal of happiness. For example, if a friend says, “Hey, let’s go cow tipping.” You should probably say no because 1. It’s not a constructive use of time 2. Cows, on average, weigh at least 800 pounds.
Ask yourself, “Is today a good day to die?” If the answer is no, then say a polite “No thanks.”
Say “Yes, and” to Life
Making the most of life and accepting anything that is thrown at you is a big reason saying “yes” is important. Saying yes will make your life more interesting and more opportunities will present themselves to you.
“Yes, and” is a principle that is used in improv. In improv, one person will set the scene by making a statement about pretty much anything. The other person must accept what has been said and then build upon it to continue the scene. This is the “yes, and” principle.
Implement this principle in everyday life. Instead of turning something down, accept it and then see where it takes you. It could end up leading to something beneficial, like a job offer or making a new friend. Not only are you saying “yes” to something new, but you’re also making the most of the opportunity.
Don’t Fear Change
Change is good. It may be scary at first, but it’s ultimately a good thing.
You are often hesitant to accept something new because you become comfortable with what your life has become. But everyone needs to change in their life once in a while. It keeps things fresh, which makes it easier to get through the day.
The next time you’re about to say “no” to something because it doesn’t feel right, stop and think about it. Are you declining it because you really don’t want it in your life, or are you turning it down because you’re afraid to step out of your comfort zone? Challenge yourself and say “yes” to this exciting new venture.