Question Your Conclusions: Give “Yes!” A Chance

How often in life do we determine that the answer will be ‘No’ before we’ve even asked the question? You’ve got an idea for a project, but immediately say, “My boss will nevergo for it.” You see a job posting that interests you, but, right off the bat, say, “They always want someone with a masters for that type of job.”

In my coaching practice I see this Always/Never thinking on a regular basis, and, when it comes up, I advise clients to allow things to play out rather than write the script in their head – assuming how it’s all going to turn out in advance.

One coaching client didn’t want to even consider applying for a marketing position for a consumer products company because she felt she didn’t have the level of social media experience they were expecting. I encouraged her to quiet the inner naysayer and go for the job anyway. She did, and she landed the job much to her surprise. The hiring manager made it clear that they appreciated the unique skill set and abilities she brought to the table over and above the social media part of the equation. They promised her social media training, and said she would have plenty of support to hone her social media skills on the job.

It’s human nature to want to second-guess a situation and immediately jump to a negative conclusion. It’s often easier to do that than put yourself in a vulnerable position. But the next time you’re tempted to listen to the ‘Negative Nellie’ in your head, thank her for sharing and continue moving towards the positive.

We all want to know what’s around the next blind corners, but then what fun would life be? Taking a chance that you’ll hear ‘No’ is the only way you’ll ever have a chance of hearing “Yes!”