What Would Happen if You Said Yes to Everything?

Modern professionals are conditioned to say no to unnecessary meetings, an unsustainable workload and other stress-inducing activities. Whether you're struggling to find a new job or to get out of a professional rut, however, saying yes can be a valuable catalyst for change. By responding to the world in a different way, you can transform your career and your life.

New Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of saying yes is the exposure to new opportunities. Accepting invitations you'd normally turn down places you in new situations and exposes you to new people, which can open up everything from jobs to potential new industries. Be patient; it often takes a few tries to move beyond your usual circle. If you say yes to a networking event with a colleague, for example, you might make a new contact, which can lead to another event invitation and a subsequent introduction to a new job that's the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Renewed Excitement

Saying yes is a rush, particularly when you do so to requests you'd normally turn down. When you're stuck in a professional rut, this burst of adrenaline can help you rediscover your enthusiasm for your work. If you're bored in the office, start by saying yes to cross-training projects or new committees. If you're searching for a job, accept a pro bono assignment from a local nonprofit, or accept a friend's request to teach a workshop for elementary students. New professional experiences can spark excitement, inspire new ideas and remind you why the work is worth it.

Broader Personal Life

When you're focused on your job or the search for work, it's easy to let your personal life slide. Balance out the professional stress by saying yes to anything that's not work-related. Accept an invitation for a night out with friends instead of browsing job postings online, or heed your partner's request for a phone-free weekend. In many cases, a yes-based mindset at home can bring you joy and fulfillment that balances out your career commitments. As an added bonus, you may find you come back to the search or the office feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next task with a clear head.

Force Action

If you have a big career goal, it's pleasant to imagine the process and daydream about the results. Committing to saying yes forces you to do rather than dream, which can result in tangible progress. This step requires that you say yes to yourself; when you think, "I should learn about app design," take action instead of letting the thought go. Accept your own invitation by completing an online tutorial or taking a class at a community college. Over time, these small steps build up and create momentum that propels you closer to your dream.

Saying yes can have a powerful impact on your life, both in and out of the office. By mustering the courage to stay open to people and opportunities, you can discover exciting new professional pathways.

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