The Power of "And"

I always admired how a former colleague, in response to suggestions or requests, would reply, “Yes, and…” rather than “Yes, but…” “Yes,” she’d say, “adding a new session is a great idea, and we’ll have to utilize some additional resources,” versus, “Yes, adding a new session is a great idea, but we don’t have the resources.” “Yes, but” focuses on obstacles (e.g. "Yes, but we tried that before"). “Yes, and” drives us to uncover possibilities, improves upon the original idea, and makes for collaborative conversation. Those, like my colleague, who say “Yes, and” earn a reputation of being people who listen and add value.

Then there’s the concept of the “genius of the ‘and’; the tyranny of the ‘or’” from business best-seller, Built to Last. The “tyranny of the ‘or’” we’re told, is an unnecessary limitation on the heights to which we can rise: Not lower cost or higher quality, but both; not higher performance or lower price, but both. “Or” focuses on trade-offs; “and” is the aspiration and insistence that one can have both.

What a powerful word - “And!” What happens when you use it instead of ‘or’ and ‘but?’

Have a lovely day and be well!
~ Sophie

Decision-Free

Working at Weight Watchers, I’ve learned that people face about 200 food-related decisions every day (and remember only about 15 of them). This got me thinking – What if I made all my food-related decisions in advance? Wouldn’t that eliminate the need for willpower in the face of a box of donuts in the break room, or the chance of making a wrong choice when making a decision in a rush? For the last two days, I’ve tested this – planning each evening what I would eat the next day and when. I’m enjoying just checking off what’s on my list and ignoring all other choices and temptations. I wonder if there are other decisions that can be made in advance that would make making positive choices easier. Think so?

 All the best,

~ Sophie 

“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Using the power of decision gives you the capacity to get past any excuse to change any and every part of your life in an instant.” ~ Tony Robbins 

 “All my life, whenever it comes time to make a decision, I make it and forget about it.” ~ Harry S Truman

Take it Easy

Staples’ “That was easy” campaign is brilliant. Making things easy for customers is being kind to them, and kind to yourself. We all need an easy button.

Things that make my life easier: Buying pre-sliced vegetables from my on-line, home-delivery grocer; having a pre-printed Costco list so I can check off what I need on my next trip; buying the first desk I find that fits my requirements, hiring a tour guide for vacation and using her itinerary (Note: Simpler can cost more, but what is your time worth?).

Now I’m going to make it easier for you to read these posts, and easier for me to write them, by trying out a shorter format – Each post will contain a thought and some quotes – in 200 words or fewer -  that you can turn into a coaching exercise, if you’re so inclined, or just contemplate.

What aspects of your life can you make easier? Share!

 All the best,

~ Sophie 

• “I will always chose a lazy person to do a difficult job, because, he will find an easy way to do it.” ~ Bill Gates 
• "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." ~ Leonardo DaVinci