Often women are told they need to say “No” to maintain balance in life. Women (as men do) at times suffer from the need to people please and in the process lose sight of their own needs and opportunities. As we head towards the holidays the polarity of “do I say Yes”? or ” Do I say No?” starts to play out more than usual.
Surely the discussion about saying “yes” or “no” is a vibrant one, and at the end of the day choosing what you want in your life, and what kind of life you want is ultimately up to you. Sometimes though you have to take the leap (without seeing the bridge) as that is often the magic behind which opportunity presents itself. Rebecca Matias, a subscriber and well respected international speaker, author and success coach has some thoughts to share about why becoming a “Yes” woman can be a good thing, and three steps to get there.
How to Become a Yes Woman in 3 Steps
When I was presented with an opportunity for an apprenticeship with Gina DeVee, 7-figure Success Coach and creator of The Academy ~ Coaching Certification Program, I boldly said YES! Why? Because this time, saying yes was for me. I was at a low point in my personal life and this miraculous opportunity rose up from the ashes. Here was a chance for me get rid of old patterns and excuses and throw myself to the winds of possibility. When an exciting opportunity comes your way, what do you do? Now’s the time open your mind and mentally prepare to seize the next opportunity that comes your way!
#1. Surround yourself with people who challenge you
Who do you hang out with? Do they always agree with you? If so, it’s possible you’re not being challenged enough. When I was in Paris working on the marketing aspect of Gina’s Academy, I was surrounded by other business-minded women who challenged me and stimulated interesting thoughts and ideas. Of course your friends and family should support you, but they should also care about your well-being in the sense that they want you to excel. Sharing their genuine thoughts and opinions on your newest idea is crucial to your growth as well. When people are honest, they’ll force you to be honest- and you’ll start to do things because you want to. Not because you think someone wants you to.
#2. Stop saying “I don’t know”
“Let’s take a trip this summer!”
You: “Oh, I don’t know”
You may find yourself saying this from time but, “I don’t know” doesn’t get anyone anywhere. It puts out the spark of a great idea with it’s indefinite uncertainty and indifference. When I was approached about the apprenticeship, I knew it was something I had to do for myself and my career, so I figured out a way to make it work. When someone brings an idea or offer to the table, genuinely think about it. Just because you’re strapped for cash doesn’t mean you can’t go. Sit down and analyze your funds. Even if it takes you till next summer to save, you’ll still be taking the trip. Whereas if you said, “I don’t know” you probably wouldn’t go at all.
#3. Say No so you can say Yes
This is probably the most critical step, because as women, we often say yes to things just to please and help others. Saying no is just as important to being a Yes Woman as saying yes. If you have a goal you’re working towards and you’re approached about another obligation (school committee, fundraiser, etc), politely decline. Spending time working on those projects only takes away from the goals you’re trying to reach for yourself. Working on this academy has been one of the best experiences of my life, helping me grow professionally and personally. Had I been swamped with other obligations, I might have been too overwhelmed to consider taking on this commitment. Really focus on projects and opportunities that propel you forward, not keep you in neutral.
To see what I contributed to creating in Paris and to learn more about The Gina DeVee Academy click here.
About Rebecca Matias
Rebecca Matias is an Intuitive Success Coach™, a Money Breakthrough Method® coach, an author and a speaker. Rebecca asks the tough questions to help people form a solid foundation of authenticity and purpose, powered by their “Big Whys.” As a coach, she passionately guides visionaries, entrepreneurs, authors and world-changers on how to live at their highest potential and transform their lives, so they can increase their prosperity while enlarging their impact in the world.
She is a member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching.
To learn more about Entrepreneur subscriber Rebecca Matias visit her web site by clicking here – or visit her on Facebook.