Mega producer, screen writer, and author Shonda Rhimes wrote a book called the Year of Yes, where she shares the beautifully interesting experiences that she had as a result of agreeing to do things that she had normally said “no” to.
Truth is, it is not practical or possible to say that you will say “yes” to every opportunity.
Here are seven areas where you can embrace an open mind in 2017 and be receptive to considering and doing more experiences that you would not have normally done.
Accept help: Often the very thing we need to take us to the next career level is help and assistance from others. The next time someone offers to look at your resume or help you in some professional way - don’t make excuses like your resume isn’t updated - just accept the help!
Helping others in your own way: I find that when others ask me for help, I sometimes say “no” because they are asking for something that requires more time than I have to give. You may not be able to drive your friend to Ikea and help move furniture from Harlem to Brooklyn. So offer to do what you can do.
Do one thing that scares you (a little): Sometimes the best way to get over something is to face your fear directly. Build a strong verbal and written argument for why you deserve a raise or confront that co-worker who seems to have had a problem with you since you started. Whatever the situation, addressing it head on will not be nearly as bad as you envision in your mind.
Embrace a new take on hanging out after work: Connecting with people outside of the office can be more than drinking at a local bar. Next time a co-worker asks you to join them for an activity after work – go for it. Stop by at a work friend’s open mic night, stand-up comedy set or event. Doing so can open up a whole new social scene and (potential professional contacts) by connecting you with new and interesting people.
Take the initiative and create your own work project: Create just one way that you can take on a job or activity that simply needs to be done.
Take that trial class: Whatever you are into - yoga, painting or martial arts - stop putting it off and just take the one FREE class. Who knows? You might hate it; but more than likely you’ll love and enjoy the fact that you tried doing something that you’ve never done before.
Help a friend with a worthy cause: We all know someone who works with a positive and charitable cause. Take seven minutes to see if you can volunteer, make a donation, or spread the word to others who can support their worthwhile efforts.
Embrace 2017 as the year that you will be more open, willing, and able to try new things. Sure you won’t be able to say “yes” to everything, but this month and throughout the year take time to thoroughly consider every opportunity and experience before you say “no.” See if there is a way to do something before you simply write it off.
The more diverse experiences we have the more we experience the “more” that life has to offer.