Yes, if…
Posted on April 16th, 2007 by SusieJ
My husband had the opportunity to hear Newt Gingrich give a talk at a conference last week. Gingrich closed his speech with this one piece of advice. If anyone asks you to do something, instead of saying, “No, because…” turn it around, and say, “Yes, if…”
“No, because” brings everyone down — including yourself, and cuts you off. How many times do you say, “No because…” each day? Think about what it does to your spirit.
The very act of trying to come up with a logical “Yes if…” forces you to think in a positive way. It might be tough to do:
- “Can we go to Europe next summer?”
- “Do you like sushi?”
- “Can we convert the screened porch into our kitchen?”
- “Mom, can I have desert for lunch?”
- “Let’s go feed the homeless.”
The very act of answering “Yes, if …” could change your whole day.
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I heard that speech, too.
That was one good thing he said. the rest was twisted nonsense, half truths, exaggerated comparisons of medicare to cruise trips.
I hate to leave your readers with the idea that he is a deep or sensitive thinker.
newt also called for a mandate for daily exercise in all schools–this would fight obesity.
I wonder if he would be willing to raise taxes to pay for the school teachers and school infrastructure (like gyns, and playgrounds) that would be required to support the mandate.
Nice to hear from you, Peter. (By the way, still here, at Disney, and it’s a nice mid 70s, and a cold 50s at night). Dave’s sentiments as well. — But still, yes, if…
Yea but it sounds like it would add a lot more work too.
I guess that was not very positive thinking in that last comment huh?
Oh, I will have to remember this. I like it a lot! There is a benefit to both parties with this approach.
* “Can we go to Europe next summer?”
Yes, if we win the lottery.
* “Do you like sushi?”
Yes, if it has fried bacon in it.
* “Can we convert the screened porch into our kitchen?”
Yes, if …we win the lottery.
* “Mom, can I have desert for lunch?”
Yes, if you clean your room and scrub all the toilets.
* “Let’s go feed the homeless.”
Yes, no ifs ands or buts about it.
Good post. But, I can say “no” without adding a “because.” Some things just deserve a “no.” Sorry, that’s just my thought.
Sorry but Newt Gingrich?!?
SO will you start saying more of this? Yes if…
No but really I should start being a bit more positive about things. Great post. Thanks
And yes I like sushi
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I am busy catching up on YEARS of past posts! ; ) This is hysterical. I am going to try it on my family tonight. Your examples and This Eclectic Life’s answers gave me a giggle fit. Glad I’m not reading this at work. : )