How often do you say 'yes'. If you are like most people, the answer 'no' is used quite a bit more than 'yes'. Our cultural upbringing conditions us to respond this way. Research has show that children hear the word 'no' tens of thousands times by the time they start school. It is interesting to note that it is one of the first words that we speak. It is no wonder since infants mimic those who they are around. Obviously, the adults are saying 'no' with regularity.



Many have claimed that life is a contact sport. It is something to be a part of. Those who choose to 'sit on the sidelines' typically do not get very far. Obviously saying 'no' all the time does not lead one to success. This is one concrete way to ensure that you are a witness to life.

Richard Branson is one of the most successful businessmen in the last 50 years. With an estimated net worth in the multiple billions, he pioneered a number of innovative businesses. His basic concept is summed up with this quote. “My general philosophy in life is that you never really go wrong saying yes". If it worked for a billionaire, perhaps it might work for you also.

Everyday we are presented with opportunities. We are constantly making choices in every area of our lives. Researching successful people will lead you to realize that they said 'yes' in the majority of instances. We all have met people who turn down every opportunity that is offered to them. It is interesting that these very same people are the ones who are the first to complain how terrible things are. It is always someone else's fault. The company needs to do more for them. Ditto for the government. Life would be better if only they weren't married. Regardless of what is brought up, they will point the finger elsewhere.

The way to protect against being one of these individuals is to begin saying 'yes' to life. Take advantage of some of those opportunities that come your way. When someone offers something to you, take them up on it. Try different things if for no other reason to spruce you life up. When asked, go to a new restaurant. Look for different ways to invest your money if the present avenues are not providing the returns you like.

Life involves a degree of risk. The greatest in any arena failed more than one time. Babe Ruth struck out over 2,000 times while hitting over 700 homeruns. Obviously he swung a lot. Donald Trump once owed $1.9 billion. Michael Jordon missed more than half the shots he took in his career. Marc Victor Hanson was bankrupt before he wrote the “Chicken Soup For The Soul" series. Warren Buffet has lost money on more than one stock trade.

All these people kept getting into the game. They did not allow the fear of loss to deter them from taking action. They said 'yes' to the opportunities presented to them. Obviously, we want to analyze the data to reduce the risks in life. However, it is impossible to win without having the possibility of loss. You cannot hit the baseball without the prospect of missing. It is simply a fact of the game. Life acts in a similar manner. Do not let it stop you.

Jump at the opportunities that life offers. Fear and doubt are natural emotions when confronted with something new. However, with enough experience, things become second nature to us quickly. For example, increased job responsibilities becomes just another day at the office after a couple months. Accept that it is impossible to know everything ahead of time. Decide to move forward and learn as much as you can after the decision is made. Life will reward you more often than it will penalize you.