Yes

Today I’m celebrating – well actually, more just noticing – my birthday.

I’ve asked those who might give me a gift to please refrain. Daveen is Spring cleaning and giving our possessions away, and I think I already have everything I need.  That’s a definite change from my tenth birthday when I wanted toys and instead received a scratchy wool sweater from my parents. I wore it exactly once.

Years ago, when my children were growing up, I decided to say “yes” to any of their requests, unless I had a good reason not to.  As many of you know, over the years “yes” has permeated both my personal and business life.

Years ago I read a story in the Wall Street Journal about bureaucracy in government. While I don’t remember the full details, I recall that a married couple in India met with a government representative at the airport to get the necessary documentation to travel abroad.  Realizing this might take time, they arrived four hours early.  Three and one-half hours later they told the representative that what they needed required his immediate attention because their plane was about to depart.  His response?

“Whatever you want, that’s what I won’t give you.”

That has not been my experience. I find government employees in the US are almost always helpful, and sometimes offer excellent suggestions.  Of course, a few don’t.  But all of us prefer, and sometimes need, a “yes.”

Even if we don’t think about it consciously, we all have a bias – “yes,” “no,” or “I need more information” are typical responses. I know there are people who always start with a no, then might backtrack to yes. I find it more constructive, and more fun, to start with yes.

As my birthday gift to the world, I suggest that we all invoke the tremendous power of “yes” in our lives.  Everyone you know will be happier, and you will feel great about the “yesses” you give to them.  You will feel even better when you say “yes” more often to yourself.

Don’t you think that’s a wonderful idea?

(Fill in your answer here ___.  A hint.  It’s one word with three letters.  Second hint.  The word starts with a “Y”.)

Happy Alan’s birthday to all.

Alan