Just Say Yes

There is power in the word, “yes”. By simply pronouncing this one-syllable, three-letter word, a person is susceptible to a verbal contract, to a commitment. One syllable. Three letters.

“Yes” does not always imply a bind to another. It is also a promise made to oneself. “Yes” fills the mind and body with power. There is a TED Talk by Shonda Rhimes, the fantastic mind we thank for Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, in which Rhimes explains lessons learned from her year of saying yes to (nearly) everything that scared her. By the conclusion of the 19-minute talk, the mind is forced to stop, do a double-take, and reflect.

Shonda Rhimes, the titan behind Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder, is responsible for some 70 hours of television per season, and she loves to work. "When I am hard at work, when I am deep in it, there is no other feeling," she says. - TED

The thing is, we cast limitations on ourselves. Nobody tells you “no” more than you. There are the typical excuses: “I can’t do it,” “I don’t have time,” “It’s not like me to…”. What if, when faced with these situations, the response was: “I can do it,” “I will make time,” “It’s worth a try.” Every. Single. Time. Life would be a completely different experience.

It is almost impossible not to have a goal. A person must work really, really hard to convince themselves otherwise. Curiosity poses the question, whom among us turns their dream into reality? Dreams can exist in the mind forever, and they take work to fulfill. Instant success is rare to come by, yet it is often the expectation. As weeks go by, turning into months, going on years, the number of people still in pursuit of their dream dwindles. Any doubt about this, and think back to the last time you achieved your New Year’s Resolution.

So, here is a challenge posed to all, replicate Shonda Rhimes’ year of yes. Just say yes. If your body urges to get into shape, do not count the reasons why that will never happen. Just say yes. For every opportunity leading to an unfamiliar journey, do not remain within your comfort zone because it feels safest. Just say yes. When the invitation is extended to be among friends and family, take it. Just say yes.

There are people who choose to hide their bodies from others, because the threat of comparison is too strong. There are people who refuse to live, for fear of losing out on time and money. There are people who are afraid to start, because the chances of finishing, whatever it is they start, are against them. All this equates to waste. Wasted moments, wasted energy, wasted life. Saying “yes” carves the way for new opportunities, relationships, and revelations. Excuses create weakness where there should be growth.

Commit to your mind to your dream, or goal, or just to a weekend you’ll remember. Something new is always waiting for exploration, and honestly, it’s about time.