A few years ago, I was talking to one of my older coworkers. She committed over 40 years to the company and raised a beautiful daughter who is an executive at a major tech company.
With her daughter’s success came the opportunity to travel around the world. While I was there, she has traveled to the Caribbean, two countries in Europe and a trip to Japan. She was having the time of her life.
When we first talked, she was resistant to her daughter’s invitation to go to Europe. I looked her square in the eyes and said, “You need to say yes to that trip. You need to take in these wonderful blessings and experiences that are being bestowed upon you.” She finally agreed.
Upon her return, she could not stop talking about how amazing the trip was and how it totally wiped away her preconceived notions of what London would be like. The photos really showed her excitement and enjoyment.
This all goes to show that you need to say yes more than you say no. Saying yes:
1. Opens the door of opportunity and success
Saying yes can be the catalyst for change in ways you might never anticipate. Often, others can see potential in you that you haven’t recognized in yourself, presenting you with opportunities to build skills and explore talents you never knew you had. Imagine saying yes to a project that seems daunting at first, only to discover that it ignites a passion for something completely new.
By choosing to say yes, you open yourself to experiences that push your boundaries, challenge your limits, and foster personal growth. It’s easy to let fear or self-doubt convince you to decline, but when you step forward with an open mind, you allow yourself the chance to grow in ways you never imagined. These moments of courage can become the turning points that lead to your greatest successes.
2. Allows blessings to come through
Whether you believe in divine intervention, fate, or simply the serendipity of life, saying yes can often invite unexpected blessings into your life. Consider this: every opportunity you embrace is a seed planted, and each seed has the potential to grow into something incredible.
A personal example stands out for me. Once, I attended a career fair and waited in line for a company I hadn’t considered working for. I almost stepped out of line, but I stayed and handed over my resume. Weeks later, I was called for an interview that led to an amazing opportunity. The role was perfect—it allowed me the flexibility I needed as a mom and offered a salary I never expected. It wasn’t what I initially sought, but it was exactly what I needed. Saying yes allowed the universe to align my circumstances in a way I couldn’t have planned.
3. Opens the doorway to living your best life
We all aspire to live our best lives—a life filled with purpose, excitement, and fulfillment. Saying yes more often can help you craft a life that feels meaningful and vibrant. Each yes becomes a step toward a richer existence, whether it’s through travel, deepening relationships, or embracing new hobbies.
By being open to opportunities, you create space for joy and adventure. Maybe it’s saying yes to a spontaneous trip, joining a club, or even meeting new people. These moments, while seemingly small, weave together to create a life full of unforgettable experiences. Saying yes leads to stories worth telling and memories worth cherishing.
4. You attract positivity and fun
When you embrace the power of yes, you naturally foster a positive and optimistic outlook on life. People who say yes tend to see opportunities instead of obstacles and possibilities instead of problems. This attitude not only benefits you but also influences the people around you.
Positivity is contagious. By saying yes, you attract like-minded individuals who bring joy, excitement, and encouragement into your life. The simple act of being open can lead to meaningful connections with people who inspire you and make life more enjoyable. Optimism and openness are magnetic—they draw in positivity, fun, and opportunities for happiness.
Google executive Eric Schmidt said, “Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to invitations to a new country, say yes to meet new friends, say yes to learn something new. Yes is how you get your first job, and your next job, and your spouse, and even your kids. Even if it's a bit edgy, a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means that you will do something new, meet someone new, and make a difference. Yes lets you stand out in a crowd, be the optimist, see the glass full, be the one everyone comes to. Yes is what keeps us all young.”
(Photos from Wix)
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