Let me start with a quick disclaimer. I am not much of a TV or movie watcher, so the film I’m referencing is a bit old, but stick with me because the point is still solid. Saturday afternoon I had about 30 minutes to kill before I had to leave the house, so I turned on the TV. I stumbled across Yes Man starring Jim Carrey. I remembered hearing about it, but only after checking IMDB did I realize it was six years old.
Although I didn’t watch the entire movie, I saw enough to catch Carrey’s I’ve given up on life
character land at a seminar called Yes.
That seminar had the typical high-energy, boiler-room style that anyone in sales for more than two years has probably attended. I had to leave soon after, so I can’t tell you how the movie ended or how Carrey’s character applied his new mindset, but that scene stuck with me.
The Simple Word That Changes Everything
As the day went on, I kept thinking about the word yes.
It’s short, simple, and often overlooked, but it carries incredible power. Many people go through life avoiding risk, thinking safety equals happiness. But taking action, saying yes to opportunities, and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is what separates those who succeed from those who just watch life pass by.
I’m a big believer in the Pareto 80/20 principle, but here’s my twist: anyone can become part of the top 20 if they choose to. You’re not born a 20 or 80 percenter. You’re shaped by your environment and experiences. Consider the movie Trading Places with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. Your mindset and choices determine where you land.
Hard Work Meets Focus
Getting on the road less traveled isn’t always easy. You have to relearn how to think, work harder in the beginning, and embrace challenges. The payoff isn’t just personal either; it can ripple through your family and community for years.
There is still time. Even an old dog can learn new tricks if the drive is strong enough. In honor of anyone aiming to live a “Yes Man” life, I’m reposting one of my all-time favorite passages:
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will,
It’s all in the state of mind.If you think you’re outclassed, you are,
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.
― Walter D. Wintle
How to Start Saying Yes Today
- Look for small opportunities to say yes this week, even if they scare you.
- Take note of how saying yes changes your mindset, your confidence, and the doors that open.
- Challenge your habits. Swap passive activities like scrolling social media for action-oriented steps toward your goals.
- Surround yourself with people who encourage risk-taking and celebrate initiative.
- Remember, mindset is everything. Thinking “I can” sets the foundation for success.
Saying yes isn’t about being reckless. It’s about committing to growth, choosing opportunity over fear, and taking control of your own life. One small yes today can become a momentum that carries you toward your biggest goals tomorrow. Embrace it. Make the choice. Start now.