All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is your reaction when the opportunity to try something new knocks on the door? Do you feel excited or it stresses you out?
Many jump to the opportunity and say ‘Yes, why not?’ while others dread the possibility of a new experience and quickly say No.
I am not suggesting saying Yes to every new thing is a wise approach. New need not always be good for you. And it makes sense to discern what the new opportunity is and if it aligns with your ethics or interests. But saying No out of nervousness, or fear inhibits your growth, and you miss out on experiences that can enrich your life.
When you say Yes, your life becomes more fulfilling and positive changes come into your life.
Your Horizons Expand
Saying Yes to new opportunities and new things can expand your knowledge and help you see things from a new perspective. If you are into reading books but usually refrain from going outdoors, reading about photography, and then trying out your hand at photography by moving outdoors might work out for you.
This way, you will be able to expand your horizons and explore more avenues of interest. Your awareness of available options increases and the information you gain by saying Yes to new places, events, or ideas helps you define your future confidently.
Your Confidence Soars
Can you remember the last thing you said Yes to? It could just be going to a party if you don’t happen to be a party person.
How was that experience? Were people staring at you, judging you all the time? I don’t think they were. Little chit chat, some food does not harm anyone.
Similarly, if you just try to get out of your comfort zone and begin saying Yes to cool stuff, you will get talking to more people, come across new ideas. You will feel less scared, take more risks, and create new opportunities. And yeah, if you don’t like going to parties, it is OK. It gets difficult to force smiles after a while!
The World Begins to Make Sense
‘You reap what you sow.’ ‘You get what you give.’
Must have heard these quotes. They are not entirely wrong but not entirely right either. If you happen to be nice to people and expect people to be nice to you, then you are in for a disappointment.
The world does not care about our idea of fairness. And this confuses us. There are no rules that make this world work a certain way. There are so many questions we will never find answers to and we need to accept that we can’t control everything.
The best way to go about is taking decisions that align with your moral compass, make you happy. Make the best of your time on this planet by learning and experiencing as much as you dare.
Failure Doesn’t Hurt That Much
Failure is not a stranger to many. We have all been scared to fail and this fear has driven us to work harder. But the results are never in our control. Despite giving everything, things don’t turn out the way we want them to.
This may be classified as a failure by people, but you should not let any setback distract you from your aim. Not everything goes according to the plan and accepting it is the first step to dusting off any negativity and remaining focused on your goals.
Say Yes to getting up on your feet again. In this game of failure vs. success, be sure what your definition of success is. Don’t fall into the usual trap of buying a new house or a fancy car just to ‘feel’ successful.
You Get Creative
Once you get comfortable with taking chances, keep making efforts to get better, get creative. If your initial aim was to check items off your bucket list and you are almost done with that, the time is ripe to create a new purpose, set yourself next adventure.
The first step is the most difficult one. Once you get going and know where you are headed, it is easier to stay motivated and driven. We usually constrain ourselves and even when we get an opportunity to do something interesting, we generally say No, citing our busy schedules or feigning disinterest. But deep inside, it is rather our fear that makes us say No.
Don’t you say to yourself often, ‘I wish I were doing this.’ Why not give it a try. If you succeed, what could be better? Even if you don’t, you would learn something, something about yourself, your goal and see if you need to make some adjustments or change goalposts.
Your Health Gets Better
‘Living’ life is not what we do. Most of us go through our lives in a daze. So, how will things change? The change will come when you are able to take charge of your life and design it in such a way that your mind and body are aligned to help you feel more positive, more strong.
Two things are crucial: a calm mind and a body in motion to feel better and physically confident. When you feel better, you are more likely to accept challenges.
What have you been putting off lately? Don’t we all neglect our health? I have done it and if you have been thinking of doing something about it, say Yes to starting with some light exercise, just 20 minutes a day.
Look after yourself and things will take care of themselves.
You Say No to Unnecessary Stuff
As we grow, we have more things to take care of and must learn to say No sometimes. It is simply impossible to take it all at the same time, and if you keep saying Yes to everything, you might not find time for yourself.
Knowing what matters and what doesn’t really depends on your instinct, and your experience of saying Yes to so many requests until now.
Every person is different and is so their life goals and interests. If someone likes going out for a drink with a friend on the weekend, then it is his choice. If somebody else prefers staying at home and just sleep, then it is OK too. You have to decide what you say Yes to because with every Yes you are saying No to all other options.
The word Yes is magical. I do think so.
We all are afraid of taking chances because there is always a fear of failure lurking around, and honestly we don’t know what the outcome will be. Fair enough. It is natural to anticipate the worst.
But it is not about feeling pressured to do things that we don’t identify with. No. It is more about moving beyond what is holding you back and having the conviction to do things you really want to do.
This three-letter word is really powerful. We need to say it often.
