What would happen if you said yes to new opportunities and things that you might not usually do? In the book Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes (writer of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder) tells of how she was transformed from being afraid of the limelight to learning how to become a stronger more authentic version of herself by saying yes!
But I’m used to this
Oftentimes we fall into habits. These may be “good” or “bad” habits, where generally we find something we like, we get comfortable with and instead of trying something new when the opportunity arises we choose instead to just stick to what we know. This could apply to anything … things we like to eat, drink maybe, places we go to, friends we hang out with.
But have you ever stopped to question what might open up for you if instead of doing the same old, you decided to try something new? That’s what saying yes is all about.
What’s holding you back?
I challenge you to introspect just a little bit and see if there are things you might be saying no to that secretly you want. Now be honest there must be something.
Beneath that no, you might be afraid like Shonda was … fear of the unknown, fear of failure, of looking foolish, fear of what others might say or think of you. And instead of saying yes and moving past the fear, you allow it to keep you in check.
Maybe it’s not fear. Maybe it’s just easier to not push yourself. Maybe although it seems easier to stay in the same old, you might find yourself complaining or making excuses or even finding fault with the people who might be out there experiencing and doing the things that you secretly want.
Where there’s a will there’s a way
No matter what, know that whatever it is that is keeping you in the “no zone” from something that you want can be overcome. The secret is to choose to bring it into the light of your consciousness and see it for what it is.
What I mean by this is that if you spend some time to examine what is beneath your “no”, you can become more conscious of what’s really driving you. Uncovering your invisible thoughts .. fears or assumptions or beliefs can free you to make your choices more consciously. With time and practice you will begin to see yourself saying yes to more and more of these opportunities and possibilities.
So the next time you get invited to something new that you always wanted to try, or to a new place, or to meet someone new or anything that you secretly want to do but would not normally. Why not say yes and see what happens?
My challenge to you
I’m seriously taking on this challenge myself of saying yes for the next six months. If you want to join me click the link here to join my free FB challenge group and let’s do this together!
To your happy trails
Your Coach
Emily
Emily is a professional coach, learn more about Emily here.
Originally published at yourlifepathco.com