Many years ago I was asked if I wanted to have a counseling intern “help me out” in my high school classroom. I remember clearly that I was reluctant, to put it mildly. Kind of bratty about it, if I’m being honest. I was picturing some young college student who wouldn’t know how to interact with sassy teenagers and worried that, frankly, it would be more work for me than it was worth.
This one is different, I was told. In fact, I was assured and reassured that it would be a great thing. “She comes with glowing reviews. You’d be dumb not to use her.”
“Ok, Ok!…. Yes.”
And because I said yes, the trajectory of my life changed. For real.
Just.
Like.
That.
That intern’s name was Dina – and, all these years later – we still laugh about how scared and stubborn I was to say yes. I have learned since then that Dina is a ‘yes’ sayer. And her ability to say yes continues to impact those around her.
David Cornthwaite says there are 12 ways our lives change when we start saying Yes. I’m going to use 5 of his ideas to illustrate what people like Dina know.
Ready?
1. You become more interesting.
“It might take a little time, but when you have a different experience to talk about every time you catch up with your friends not only do you have new tales to tell, but as time goes on you will become more rounded, articulate and knowledgeable. … Slowly they’ll become infected with your enthusiasm to do new things.”
2. Your confidence skyrockets.
“As saying yes to cool stuff becomes second nature you’ll talk to more people which in turn will lead to new offers and ideas. You’ll feel less scared than ever before, more willing to take risks and as your field of vision opens up your eyes will shine brighter.”
3. Failure becomes OK.
“There will always be moments when you’re scared to fail or that people tell you that you’re not en route to success, but even when your latest adventure doesn’t quite come off you’ll be better prepared to dust yourself off. Saying yes is just as much about putting yourself in a position to accept that not everything goes perfectly, but that this is still OK.”
4. You get better at everything.
“You’re not going to be an expert when you try out a new activity or skill. But keep on plugging away and you’ll learn more, you’ll improve steadily and eventually your discipline will reward you. One day you’ll look back and laugh at how bad you were at the beginning, just as someone hands you a medal or you cross the finish line with arms aloft. Remember, not being able to do something does not mean you’ll never be able to do it.”
5. Things just work out.
“They do, they really do. You have to trust in this fully to get the most out of life, to turn disappointment into opportunity, to let heartache run its course and doubt evaporate into hope. The process of saying yes to so many things has meant that you’ve broken down barriers, learned more about yourself and started to help others, too.”
Dina has taken an unconventional route to most of her goals and has never stopped saying yes to herself and her highest good.
Because of her, I have carried ammo cans on a Marine Base field in the middle of California and tried not to die. I have played tug-o-war against a large contingency of large Polynesians and lost. I have taken a quiz without studying for it – I KNOW! I have purchased (too many) high heeled wedges. And gosh, I’ve said yes to a lot of pie.
That’s not even including all the credit I give her for my current status as a married business owner. Much longer stories for a much longer time.
In a few days, Dina, this yes-saying and technically high school drop-out best friend of mine, will deliver her first ever graduation address as the double Master-degree-holding principal of a very large and very high profile public high school. If you can’t tell, I couldn’t be prouder.
I’m glad every day that I said yes to her.
I can’t wait to hear about what you’re saying Yes to. And, if you need some help with it, she would love to talk with you. But since she’s a little busy currently, you can settle for me!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
PS If you liked this post – or any others, I’d love you to pass it on to a friend. They can subscribe here if they’re interested!
