Yes Means Yes

Dear Claire,

This advice is super easy to say, but not always easy to follow.

It is simply that, yes means yes.

Incorporating this phrase into your values will improve many of your relationships, whether with friends, significant others, people at work, and those in your community.

What does 'yes means yes' mean?

It means that if you say you're going to do something, you're going to do it.

I know you're probably thinking that this seems pretty easy, but for most people, including myself sometimes, it's not.

The trick to being able to live by this rule is this: take time to think about something before agreeing to do it.

Ask yourself: is this something I really want to do?  What if it takes longer than expected, do I want to put in extra time?  Will I find personal fullfillment in this?  Will I enjoy spending time with the other people involved?  Do I have the energy to do this?

Remember, there are very few situations where you have to give a 'yes or no' answer immediately, yet most people feel that this is what they have to do.

Don't.

Take the time to think about something before you agree to it, especially if it's going to be something that may impact you in the long-term.

Obviously there's going to be times when you can't keep a committment, just don't let this become a constant, or people will lose their faith and trust in you.

Love you when you follow through!