Just after I went blind I was asked if I wanted to go cross country skiing. I said “no” because of fear and ignorance so when I got home I decided from that moment I would turn my no into “why not.” This simple act has had the most powerful results and has created a habit of courage that you too can have! So – give it a go – and see where you end up. Following are seven tips on helping you turn your no into “why not.”
1. Ask yourself what’s the worst thing that can happen if I do this? If you are satisfied that the worst thing is actually not that bad then why not do it?
2. Make a list of the things you miss out on in life because you say no. What opportunities have you missed out on because of your negative stance?
3. Take a piece of paper and draw what doing this act would mean to your life. What have you drawn? What did you learn from drawing it?
4. Carry a diary around with you. Take a note of all the things you turn down. Write down what you turned down and the emotion you felt just before you said no. Is there a pattern? Do you say know because you are scared? What do you notice about the times you say no?
5. Ask yourself “what would it feel like if I did this?” Focus on the gain not the pain and see how inspired you get when you start thinking about having done this!
6. Ask around. Ask three other people who have done something similar. How did they find it? Would they do it again? Write down three questions and ask each of them. This way you will get a clearer idea of how they all found it.
7. If nothing changes – nothing changes. If you keep giving the same response to the same question then you will be stuck in your life. For once just say “why not” when you would usually say no and see where it takes you. Life is a failure rich learning environment so provided the idea isn’t harmful to your health, at minimum, you will have provided yourself with a fabulous learning opportunity.
Julie Woods
www.thatblindwoman.co.nz