The "And Yes" of Optimism"

Let's explore the difference words make. There are countless examples. Begin with my favorite one,  the "Yeah, but"  versus "yes, and."  Try it. It's amazing the difference it makes. It's also effective when a team is brainstorming or problem solving. Especially if a team member is always pessimistic and negative or the team is almost at an impasse.

Here's how it works. Someone makes a suggestion that may be challenging, new, or not your liking. An all to often automatic response is, "Yeah, but..." to be completed by what you think, believe cannot be done, or are not willing to agree to.

Erase the "yeah, but" and change your words and your way of thinking. Instead respond with " And, yes..." Those two words change the attitude, approach and atmosphere. 

Example: Henry says, "Let's go to the movies. I want to see Lincoln." Marie responds, "Yeah, but, the theaters are so crowded, everyone is going. Look at the difference an "And, yes," response makes.

Marie says, "And yes, the theaters are so crowded the movie must be excellent." The "must be excellent." is an optimistic perspective that came automatically when Marie began with "And yes." Here's another "and, yes" response to the same statement. "And yes, I want to see that movie, let's go at time when it isn't quite so crowded."

Here's another example for you to wrap your positive thoughts around: Tiffany says, "I think the solution to the problem is (you fill in the blanks). Scott responds, "Yeah, but, that's a wimpy idea."  What is the result if instead Scott's response is, "And yes, that may be a wimpy idea." Only words changed were "Yeah, but" and "and yes." However, the "and yes" response allows the possibilities of the idea rather than shutting down any chances at all.

Try the "And yes" approach in your self-talk. Your "I can't do something" comments to self are turned around when you factor in the "and yes" beginning in your response. Practice it. Then move on to use it with others on a regular basis. Make it a habit. We know habits can be developed and so can optimism. 

Look for future blogs topics on random acts of optimism, tone of voice expresses your attitude, facial expressions - optimistic or pessimistic