Perhaps you’ve seen the popular Jim Carrey movie ‘Yes Man’?
If so, then you’ll know that it is a film about a man who cannot help but say ‘no’ to everything. However, after attending a motivational seminar that challenges him to start saying ‘yes’ to more of life’s many, many opportunities, a string of positive (yet hilarious) events ensue…
So what has this box office hit got to do with YOU?
Well, there is a lot that can be learned from Jim Carrey’s character in this film.
For starters, it offers a powerful example of how making one seemingly small, positive change – like saying ‘yes!’- can transform your entire life for the better.
If you have a two-year-old or know of someone with a toddler, you’ll be familiar with the term ‘the terrible twos’.
Why is it called this?
Because it is at two years old that most toddlers discover the word ‘no’ – and aren’t afraid to use it!
They will use this new and wonderful word at every opportunity. Why? It would seem to be just because they can!
In a two year old, this trait can be kind of cute. Anyone over this age – not so much.
So why are you saying ‘no' at every chance you get?
It’s time you take a long hard look at yourself and asked the question – am I still behaving like my two year old self?
If you’re unsure, consider the following scenarios and whether or not they are familiar to you:
“NO I couldn’t try that, I’d be laughed at!”
“Oh, NO, I could never apply for that job. They would never be interested in me…”
“NO, I don’t think I’ll go. I won’t know anyone else there.”
Sound familiar?
Now consider these examples…
“YES I’ll have some cake…despite just telling you I’m trying to change my eating habits.”
“YES, I’ll give up my weekend with my family to take on that extra, unpaid work…”
“YES I’ll go along with what you want, at the expense of my own happiness…”
Obviously you probably won’t be using those exact words…but that doesn’t mean that this isn’t what you’re essentially saying.
The point is, how have we got our priorities so wrong? Why aren’t we saying YES more to the opportunities, people and things that make us happy – instead of unhappy?
If you believe that you’re saying yes to all of the wrong things, then it’s time for a change. You need to get back to what it is that YOU want…to start standing up and fighting for your best possible life, where you call the shots.
How can you say no to that?
In life, it can be easy to feel cornered into choices and actions that can make you feel trapped or depleted. If this is the case for you (and it has been for me) you can end up feeling as though you’re living a lie. Everything is an uphill struggle; you’re not spending your time the way you want to spend it, enthusiasm doesn’t come easily and you find yourself surrounded by people, places and situations that in no way serve your happiness.
How did you find yourself there? As a result of saying ‘yes’ too freely.
As much as we need to be saying ‘YES’ more to the people, situations and experiences we want– it is equally as important to learn how to say ‘no’ to what we want to see less of.
So remember – an important part of saying yes more, is learning to occasionally say ‘no’ to what no longer serves you. This will help to make more room for the things you do want to see in your life.
A great example of saying yes, is Jessica's daily affirmation video that went viral.
I’m asking you to say YES to the right things… to the people, opportunities and experiences you want to start seeing more of in your life.
Commit today and together, let’s say ‘YES’ to joyful living and a life we choose.
Ready? Just say YES.
