No one enjoys an inconvenience. When something goes wrong, it is easy to complain about it.
But just because something is easy does not mean it is helpful.
Pete Holmes, a comedian and actor, shared a simple mental trick for moments when he is tempted to complain about what is happening to him. Instead of reacting negatively, he simply says three words to himself:
“Yes, thank you.”
Those three words force your brain to search for what good might exist in the inconvenience.
Flight delayed? Yes, thank you for giving me extra time to work while I am not in the office, so I can stay focused.
The waitress takes a while to come to the table? Yes, thank you for giving me more time to ask the person I am sitting with a question about their life.'
Rainy day ruin your tee time? Yes, thank you for providing rain so the grass is green the next time I play.
When you say “Yes, thank you,” you interrupt the natural instinct to complain and replace it with curiosity and gratitude.
So the question for you today is simple.
The next time something inconvenient happens, could you pause for a moment and quietly say to yourself, “Yes, thank you,” and see what your mind begins to notice instead?
“Yes, thank you.” Forces your brain to search for what good might exists in the inconvenience.
P.S. The Optimistic Outlook is a Podcast! Leaving a rating or review wherever you listen to podcasts would mean a lot.
Use Your Gifts,
John Eades
Creator, The Leadership Lens & The Optimistic Outlook