Avoid ‘Yeah, But’

Change your thinking and open up possibilities

Years ago I took a college Japanese class. On our first day we received the textbook that displayed the inspiring title “Japanese Made Possible.”
It wasn’t made simple, just possible.
Though the only thing I retained from the language class was counting to 10, ironically I did later serve an LDS Church mission to Tokyo, Japan. During the first few weeks of training in the language, I was able to speak fluent Japanese conversations. Unfortunately, this was only in my sleep (as my missionary companions would, in exasperation, tell me). Although it eventually transferred to daytime, the point here is that perseverance, change of attitude and ultimately faith were pivotal to my language success.
Napoleon Hill, author of the landmark “Think and Grow Rich,” stated, “Faith is the element, the ‘chemical’ which, when mixed with prayer, gives one direct communication with Infinite Intelligence.” Faith is indeed, the beginning of everything. When we focus our thoughts, efforts and energy on the positive in our lives now and what we want for the future, life-changing paradigms begin.
For several years I envisioned a LIFECoach training conference and program. At one point I had a good feeling about doing it, but my knee-jerk reaction was, “There is NO possible way I have time or energy to do that and still put family first.”
However, the feeling persisted.
Instead of wasting energy on feeling overwhelmed, I focused on the possible things that could be controlled. After outlining the ideal, I applied a ludicrously limited amount of time and energy on key areas, and prayed for the rest to be filled. Repeatedly thoughts and ideas came about how to be efficient, find skilled and caring people, and still focus first on my family. The result was an amazing conference and program with inspiring women of exceptional ability and compassion.
Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking the dreaded, “Yeah, but.” Those yeah-buts will keep you running in tight, anxiety-filled circles your whole life. It takes courage to see beyond, to have faith in something more. There is risk, or at least that’s what we see. What we truly risk is staying in the same old stuck place.
A while back I had lunch with Tanya Harmon. Through her countenance and conversation, it was clear she was frustrated, like many women, with some aspects of her life that were yet unrealized. The discouragement was clouding her daily ability to feel joy.
I encouraged her to let go of the negative and instead open up her thoughts and ideas to what her ideal life could be like. I invited her to put energy toward what might be and begin focusing efforts on the specifics of that ideal life. Within the hour her countenance began to change, and within a few days I received an e-mail that affirmed the same. Within a few weeks I met her again and was thrilled to see the bounce and actual life changes made in her personal and professional life as she shifted from perceived deadends to joyful possibilities. This all began from seeing possibilities with an eye of faith.
To change requires our efforts to get the ball rolling. Instead of wasting energy thinking of what you can’t achieve, try visualizing a day in your “ideal life.” Lay down in a comfortable spot, and for five minutes focus on details of what you’re doing, saying, feeling, experiencing, etc.
Involve prayer, in whatever way is meaningful to you, to invite the spiritual help you will need. Then list one vital thing you can do this month to move forward in that ideal life.
Whether it’s a happier relationship, secure finances, or personal improvement, you can experience a change when you funnel the possibilities.
If life isn’t what you thought it would be, look through the lens of what could be. Then get up and do.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The whole course of things goes to teach us faith. We need only obey. There is guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening, we shall hear the right word.”

Connie Sokol is an at-home mother and president of LIFEChange, a program to enhance women’s lives. For more information, visit www.lifechangeprogram.com.

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