Years ago I was asked to list a commercial property. Based on the location and past use of the building, I knew it would be a nightmare. Not only would it take years to sell, it would also be an environmental disaster. Could I do it? Yes. Did I want to do it? No. So I said no.
No is my go-to word. Some people have a yes problem. I have a no problem. Want to serve on a committee? No. Want to help with the school fundraiser? No. Want to train for a marathon? Hell no.
A couple years ago, I realized my knee-jerk “no’s” might be missed opportunities; opportunities to have fun with my friends and family, for growth in my profession, and opportunities to try new things.
So I decided that when I was confronted with an opportunity, I was going to think before I said no. I asked myself this question:
Are you saying no because you really don’t want to do it, or are you saying no because you don’t want to go outside your comfort zone?
If my answer was that I just really didn’t want to do it, then I’d say no. Usually, this has to do with time constraints. I don’t like to feel overloaded, rushed, or guilty when forced to choose between commitments and family. And if I do actually agree to do something, it isn’t fair to complain about having to do it- which I have a tendency to do- so I’m better off just saying no to begin with. So “no” it is.
But what I found more often than not was I was saying no because I felt uncomfortable. I don’t like new situations. I like to know what to expect, and plan the details leading into it. So if I’m asked to do something I’m unfamiliar with, I immediately think, “I can’t do that!”
Now I remind myself that I can do that. I can do anything. Do I know everything? No. But I’m smart enough to know where to get my questions answered. I trust my work ethic enough to know I won’t give up. And honestly, sometimes we just need to take a leap of faith and see if things work out.
Within a few short months of saying yes and going outside my comfort zone, I was landing more sales, building a valuable network, and expanding my knowledge level. When our knowledge level increases, our confidence grows, and when our confidence grows, we actually start to enjoy our job- and life- a little more.
If you are one of those people who say no more than yes, think about why you are saying it. If you will learn something new from the experience, then try to say yes. Force yourself to say yes. Saying no isn’t hard, saying yes is.
And it does get easier.
The word “No” ends all opportunities and all potential for growth. But the word “yes” opens doors and creates new possibilities. Understanding the why behind “no” is the first step to unlocking your true abilities. So once in awhile, take a deep breath, grit your teeth, and just say YES.
Amy Gilpin, Associate Broker, Manager, ABR, SRES.
Fifteen years of helping clients. Seven years of helping agents. All for this crazy thing we call real estate.
Production Realty 517-879-4141 Jackson, MI Amy@ProductionRealty.com
