This week I was talking to a high school teacher who has taught Latin, English, history of art, American government and seventh-grade science. I asked how she managed such a wide array and said, “I just said yes.” She loves to teach. She loves her students. And she loves to get uncomfortable and learn. So whenever possible, she says yes.

As a result, she has done things she might never have and had a life filled with amazing experiences. Was she always successful? No, but often and always stretched.

Why say yes?

1.  It might change your life. Really. Saying yes means new experiences. Growing. At best, it’s an amazing experience. At worst, you learn something new.

2. It expands your capacity for courage. Every time you do something brave and let’s face it, stepping into the unknown requires bravery, your ability to be brave grows. Every time you survive the hard things, you grow your capacity for hard things.

3. You’ll be happier and more successful. Not sure? Consider the words of former Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt: “Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to invitations to a new country. Say yes to meeting new friends. Say yes to learning a new language, picking up a new sport. Yes is how you get your first job, and your next job. Yes is how you find your spouse and even your kids. Even if it’s a bit edgy, a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means you will do something new, meet someone new and make a difference in your life, and likely in others’ lives as well…Yes is a tiny word that can do big things. Say it often.”

What can you say yes to this week?

Julie