What are you saying "Yes" to? How to choose wisely.

Last week we learned how to say “no.” (If you missed that you can find it here.)

Now let’s talk about saying “Yes.”

There are so many things that we could do. Things that seem exciting, new opportunities, or activities that just look like fun.

Almost every day, I come across something that piques my interest—something I’d love to try. (And down the rabbit hole I go!) 🐇

But I have a job, a family, a house and many other things that I enjoy that I’ve already said “yes” to, so I have to be selective about taking on something new.

So, how to decide what new things to take on? For some guidance in this decision-making process ask these questions.

1. How does it fit in with my values?

We all have values that guide different areas of our lives, which usually include:

• Money & Finances

• Career & Work

• Health & Fitness

• Fun & Recreation

• Environment (home/work)

• Community

• Family & Friends

• Partner & Love

• Personal Growth and Learning

• Spirituality

If you think of these areas as being parts of a wheel, 🛞 how balanced is your wheel right now? Are you coasting smoothly down the street of life or are you clunking down that street on misshapen wheels?

If you add in this new thing, how does it fit in that wheel? Does it help to balance it more or throw it off-kilter?

2. Am I doing this for me or someone else?

Sometimes this is really straightforward and sometimes it can get really convoluted.

My mother in law wants me to cook dinner for her, I don't particularly want to. However, I do enjoy making her happy. So, in a roundabout way, making dinner for her makes me happy.

Understanding if your motivation is for you or someone else, helps clarify your decision.

3. Is fear holding me back?

Sometimes, we hesitate to say “yes” because we’re afraid—afraid of failing, or of not doing something well. But here’s the thing: you won’t know until you try.

If it costs a lot of time or money, you'll really want to think about it before you start. But if the stakes are low, why not give it a shot?

Let's say you're interested in skiing, the easiest thing to do is to go up to the mountain and get a lesson package that includes everything you need—skis, boots, poles—for a relatively low cost. This way you can find out if you like skiing and want to pursue it or decide that it’s not for you.

The best part? There’s so much you can learn from free resources like YouTube or local organizations. Sometimes, the barrier to trying something new isn’t as high as we think.

4. Will I be left wondering “What if?”

Imagine that it's five years from now. Will you still be thinking “what if I had (or hadn’t) done that? That may be worth considering when you make your decision.

5. How does it feel to say yes or no?

This is always a good one. Close your eyes for a moment and really imagine saying “yes”. How does that feel in your body? Are you tense? Relaxed? Excited? Uneasy?

Now imagine saying “no”. How does that feel in your body? Are you tense? Relaxed? Excited? Uneasy?

Many people are now calling our gut our second brain. The unconscious mind speaks through our body—what is yours saying?

I’d love to hear how these questions help shape your decisions. What are you saying “yes” to?