141: "Yes, and…" Your Approach to Aging

A season four episode (Episode Seven) of a favorite streaming series, Apple TV's Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis), introduced me to a fresh way of thinking about life, and certainly about the aging journey.

Coach Alice (Tanya Reynolds) for the FC Richmond Lady Greyhounds was attempting to reframe her coaching attitude to a more positive approach by saying "Yes" to every team member's request in the locker room or on the pitch (that's the international term for the football/soccer field of play in case you were curious).

Coach Lasso encouraged her to take her positive approach up a notch by adding "and" to her repetitive use of "Yes," as in, "Yes, and..."

Philosophically the approach makes sense. "Yes" creates an opportunity for agreement — "and" adds the growth element.

What if you approached your current age and relative approach to aging with a "Yes, and..."?

Would being more agreeable open your mind to new possibilities? And...could you see yourself improving some area of your personal growth and longevity as a result of your more expanded and positive action?

I'm committed to saying "Yes, and..." more often in my life. Because too many "No's" or a mere "Yes," shuts the door or hinders new potential or meaningful progress for myself and others.

Releasing the power of "Yes, and..." in your life will increase your potential for opportunity and growth instead of settling for what aging delivers.

Take your "Yes" up a notch with a "Yes, and..." mindset.

See the greater potential in what you're saying "Yes, and..." to

"Yes, and..." implies that you see something more on the other side of a mere "Yes." A simple "Yes" creates the spark. Adding "and" to the mix ignites the potential for more in you or someone else.

• Add more depth to your conversations by saying, "Yes, and..."
• Encourage yourself or someone to try harder by saying, "Yes, and..."
• Give yourself or someone renewed hope through a "Yes, and..." response.

Be aware of the opportunities that exist on the other side of your "Yes, and..."

Opportunity has layers. Saying "Yes" provides one layer of opportunity but a "Yes, and..." enables you to pursue more with less excuses to hesitate or delay action.

• What more could you do physically if you approached movement with a "Yes, and..."?
• How would your mindset about your age related challenges or setbacks change if you said "Yes, and..." more often?
• What new interests or legacy projects could you start if you began them with a "Yes, and..."?

Consider your options and follow your "Yes, and..."

Saying "Yes" gives you permission to pursue whatever it is you have in mind or in front of you. A "Yes, and..." reply provides you more than one option for accomplishment.

• There's more than one way to approach a situation, circumstance, or goal. "Yes, and..." gives you options.
• Everything is figure-out-able. "Yes, and..." keeps you solution focused.

Wherever you are in your aging journey, saying "Yes, and..." increases your potential, your opportunities, and your options more than a simple, "Yes."

Press on...and...

Eddie