Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. – Colin Powell
During his days as president, Thomas Jefferson and a group of companions were traveling across the country on horseback. They came to a river which had left its banks because of a recent downpour. The swollen river had washed the bridge away. Each rider was forced to ford the river on horseback, fighting for his life against the rapid currents. The very real possibility of death threatened each rider, which caused a traveler who was not part of their group to step aside and watch. After several had plunged in and made it to the other side, the stranger asked President Jefferson if he would ferry him across the river. The president agreed without hesitation. The man climbed on, and shortly thereafter the two of them made it safely to the other side.
As the stranger slid off the back of the saddle onto dry ground, one in the group asked him, “Tell me, why did you select the president to ask this favor of?”
The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the president who had helped him. “All I know,” he said, “Is that on some of your faces was written the answer ‘No,’ and on some of them was the answer ‘yes.’ His was a ‘Yes’ face.”
Whether or not you wear a “yes face” is a choice you make each day. Along with it are the consequences of that choice. As we enter into a new year let’s explore a few ways in which a “yes face” can be a difference maker in 2015. Here are four ways.
Say yes to a new attitude
Your attitude is the deal breaker of all deal breakers. 2015 will be no different for you if you do not learn to master your attitude.
As a leader your attitude is contagious and sets the tone for your leadership style and effectiveness. John Maxwell was right when he said, “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” In 2015 say yes to a renewed attitude that is positive and empowering.
Say yes to new realities
Each New Year brings a new set of realities. Are you where you thought you’d be? Perhaps not. But 2015 is your year to embrace a new attitude and to right the course. Don’t be discouraged about where you are – it’s only temporary. It’s your starting point.
It’s now time for some honest appraisals of where you are in order to chart the course to where you want to go. Don’t turn a blind eye to your current realities. See them for what they are – benchmarks to where you want to be by the end of 2015.
Say yes to new successes
As you embrace a new attitude and new realities you can then move forward with a new game plan to achieve new successes. 2015 may be your year to bring on that coach you’ve been thinking about. It could be time to join up in a Master Mind group that can help you achieve your goals and help keep you accountable.
Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” This philosophy is essential to your success. 2015 is your year to say yes to new successes and new opportunities you’ve only dreamed about.
Say yes to yourself
2015 is your year to square your shoulders, hold your head high, and to embrace and believe in the God-given abilities you have as a leader. 2015 is the year to tune out the people who would hold you back by their negative talk and influence. It’s time to cut loose from those who refuse to see your potential and those who desire to hold you back.
2015 is your year to say yes to what you already know in your heart to be true about yourself as a leader so you can run your race with confidence and faith. Where other people have doubted you and have said no to your dreams it’s now time to say yes! 2015 is your year to soar!
Say yes!
© 2014 Doug Dickerson
