The other day during a conversation I learned a little about improvisational theatre (improve) and one of its main principles: “Yes, and…” not “yes, but”, which suggests that participants should accept what another participant has stated (“yes”) and then expand on that line of thinking.

This principle made me think of a number of my clients who, during their orientation process, constantly create obstacles for themselves: “Yes I could do that, but…”, “Yes, but I need to be realistic…”, “Yes, but I am too old…”, “Yes, but what would people think of me?” ,“Yes, but isn’t it too late to restart…?”

They let their thoughts and stories be governed by this little word “BUT” far too often, especially when it comes to outlining their future and creating their visions. I hear some very positive statements and stories, then suddenly that little word “but” makes an appearance…

It is amazing how drastically this little word “BUT” can overshadow the present and the future. From one moment to other it impacts the flow, energy and self-confidence of an individual and creates a sense of doubt, fear and impossibility. Suddenly the fear of failing, the fear of moving away from one’s comfort zone and going towards unknown territory take control. 

What about you? How often do you let your present and future be impacted by the “yes, but…” principle? More often than you care to admit I should think? How about trying a little bit of improvisation once in a while?

Take the courage to enrich your stories and visions by letting them flow and expand on them by adopting the "Yes, and" principle in order to complete and achieve them sooner rather than later...