Are You a 'Yes' Person?

We've seen this happen many, many times.

So, what do you do if you're really honest with yourself and see yourself as a "No Person, but desire to be a "Yes Person"? Here are some thoughts, but let me tell you, it's hard stuff:

1. Perhaps you're in the wrong profession. I've witnessed many individuals whom I would label "No Persons" turn into "Yes Persons" the minute they found what truly brought them joy. Maybe that is what you need to do.
2. Get into counseling. Richard and I are advocates for personal counseling. Why? Because you get completely honest feedback from a skilled professional and you can finally allow yourself to "go deep." I won't lie to you; it can be incredibly painful. I know from first-hand experience, but if you can work with the process, it can also be incredibly rewarding.
3. Have a friend you trust speak truth into your life. I have a small number of friends who I am fortunate to have in my life. They know how to be honest with me and tell me when they sense something is wrong and can name it. If you have someone like that in your life, ask what kind of person he or she believes you to be. It can be scary, but having the truth spoken to you can change you.
4. Personally examine your own life. It doesn't matter if you take 15-30 minutes a day to sit in quiet or go on an extended retreat. What matters is that you take the time to examine who you are, why you do what you do and where are you going. Most of us are so busy "doing" we never take the time to just "be." To some of you this might sound like some religious stuff...believe me, it's not. Spiritual, yes; religious, no. All of us have mental, emotional and spiritual sides to ourselves...we need to take care of all of them.

I want to ask you again. Are you a "Yes Person" or a "No Person"? In major-gift fundraising you will not be successful long-term if you are a "No Person." Your colleagues will not want to seek or follow your advice, and donors will ultimately not respond to you.