What Works: Step Up and Watch Opportunity Grow
Submitted by editor on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 10:42am
When I was in kindergarten, I was asked to play the part of the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz.” Now, anyone who knows me know would say this story ended with me accepting the part and having a great time. But, it didn’t. As a kid, I didn’t know this important life strategy. When asked to step on stage, because people see talent in you or want to give you a voice, say yes.
No, little Diane didn’t enthusiastically say yes. In fact, she broke down in tears. She didn’t want to be seen as a witch. People don’t like the Wicked Witch of the West. Out of fear, little Diane begged for a role where she could blend in. So she stepped back and sang in the chorus. That was the first of many times I would step back before I finally stepped forward and began to enjoy theater life.
William Shakespeare’s character Jaques said it best in “As You Like It.”
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.”
Here’s the kicker, though. You don’t get the role if you don’t say yes to the opportunity. You don’t get new parts unless you say goodbye to old ones and welcome in the new.
The movie, “Yes, Man” gives an extreme example of what happens if you say yes to everything. However, when judiciously used, stepping up when your gut strikes fear into your heart will expand your life, introduce you to new people, open up doors for business opportunity, and (if you say yes to things that are healthy) improve the quality of your life as well.
Little Diane took a while to get over her fear of being seen as the character she assumed. She was afraid of doing it wrong, afraid of making a public mistake, and just plain afraid. This fear seeped over into other areas of life. It wasn’t until I stood up and started saying yes to opportunities, that life cracked open like a nut.
So, I have a challenge for you today.
I want you to share below what your passion is, what you are working on, what opportunities you have for others. I will do this same. Let’s start saying YES to each other and make opportunities known in Carson City. And, if something strikes you, accept the opportunity here and now. Today is the day your life opens up even MORE than you can imagine. The floor is yours, Carson City.
Come on. Say yes. Comment below right now. Let's make something happen!
ABOUT DIANE HANSEN
Diane Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, a coaching firm that has helped people worldwide with their businesses, careers, mindsets, and profit margins. She brings to Carson City more than 17 years of experience with a wide array of clients, ranging from top corporations, motivated entrepreneurs and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Her column appears every Monday on Carson Now.
