By: Mary Berg, RVT, VTS (Dentistry)
I recently saw a clip on Good Morning America about saying yes to everything in 2020. I thought to myself, “This is strange in a world where we are constantly told to slow down, learn to say no, and relax for our wellbeing.”
Full disclosure, the individual on the show stated that saying yes to everything for a year was unrealistic and recommended only doing so for 30 days. The theory was that by saying yes, we might experience things we wouldn’t normally do, stretch our horizons and challenge our selves outside of our comfort zones.
I often joke that I don’t know the meaning of the word “no.” Having said yes has led to some incredible opportunities in my life and career. In my youth, I was dreadfully afraid of public speaking, but I said yes and have learned to embrace talking to large crowds. I never thought I would own my own business but here I am running my consulting and training business. I also detested writing but have many published articles, and I am finishing up my first textbook. Thankfully, I have wonderful editors!
Saying yes can help you unclutter your life. I decided to say yes to unsubscribing from the many emails I get daily from organizations and companies. Say yes to cleaning out a pantry or the junk drawer! Let me tell you that scares me! I found things that ….. never mind!
Say yes to a night out with friends at a new restaurant, you may have a wonderful time and would have missed it if you’d turned them down because you were afraid to try something new.
Give it a try! Say yes to things that scare you or make you uncomfortable. Maybe it’s a leadership role in your practice or join a committee. Maybe write an article for a journal (NAVTA journal is great place to start!). Whatever you decide to try, realize there are people out there that are willing to help and have your back! You’ll never know if you don’t try!