The Power of Yes and No

For the past month, I, along with 700 others, have been hunting for treasures all over Eastern Massachusetts. Yes, treasures. Boxes of money to be exact. Seriously. $20,000 total sprinkled among 30 or so boxes. But that’s not what this is about. Well, kinda.

I talk to a lot of clients about learning to say “no” more often and how to not be an automatic yes machine to every request that comes their way. We’ve all agreed to something out of guilt or obligation, and then regretted it later. 

There’s an important part of the conversation that I always make certain to include. Sure, learning to say “no” is important, but as important is learning to say “yes” to the right things; to opportunities; to adventures. Doing so plugs you into life in a powerful way, and can often lead to life-changing experiences.

When I come across the email advertising this treasure hunt, I immediately assume it’s a scam. I mean who buries $20,000 of their own money for shits and giggles? After some research and reading about the guy, I decide that it’s a real thing. And for a $15 Premium Pass, I can get advanced access to clues and more.

Most people I tell about it think I’m nuts; that it can’t be real; that I essentially just tossed $15 in the trash. Have I found one of the boxes yet? Nope. Have I had a blast trying? You betcha.

When you take a chance and say yes, you become a walking invitation for opportunities and unplanned joy. And it’s by saying no to guilt and obligation that you allow yourself the time and energetic space to say yes to life.

My latest “yes” has introduced me to fellow adventurers in my area, to new, beautiful, green spaces not far from my home, to fun historical facts through my online research, and a whole new appreciation of Google Earth! Of course I’d love to find a box of loot, but with all of this, I feel like I’ve already won.

Taking a chance can feel scary, and it’s easy to use that as an excuse to not go for it. However, fear is often excitement in disguise. “Going for it” may mean simply taking one small step beyond the fear. That, in and of itself, can feel exciting and sends a message to the universe that you’re in the game.

So, yes, practice saying no more often to energy drains; just don’t let “no” become your default. There’s so much life has to offer, but you’ve gotta be willing to say yes when it counts.

What say you about all this? Join the convo in the comments below.

Until next week, keep taking those small steps to Live Out Loud

P.S. If you’ve never seen the movie “Yes Man” starring Jim Carrey, check it out.  It’s a great example of what we’re talking about here.