Yes

Shonda Rhimes issued a challenge in her book, The Year of Yes. Say "yes" for a year. She chronicles how saying "yes" changed her life. My immediate thought was that there is no way you can say "yes" for a year. There has to be some balance. Rhimes explains that she had to learn when to say "yes" and when to say "no," and often times she was saying "no" to the very things she should be saying "yes" to. It's a hard balance. Many of us don't learn this lesson until our bodies physically tell us "no!" We should evaluate every opportunity through the capacity lens. What is the capacity lens? The capacity lens asks the question,"just because you are capable, do you have the capacity? What will this "yes" take from me and is it worth it? Am I operating on a full tank or a quarter tank? Am I giving out of my abundance or my need?" There's nothing wrong with saying "no," but make sure that you are saying "yes" for the right reasons. 

Obstacles

I love obstacle courses. In fact, I attempted the ninja course at Slingshot Entertainment this past summer. I use the word attempt very lightly. The very first challenge required me to overcome my fear. There were a few other challenges where I overestimated my physical ability and hurt myself.  I realized quickly that this obstacle course was designed to present both physical and mental challenges. Obstacles in our lives cause us to re-evaluate our capabilities. Some obstacles present mental challenges, while others present financial or physical challenges. Identify the obstacles in your life. Are they physical? Are they financial? Are they mental? Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Create a time sensitive plan with a deadline. Execute the plan.

"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”― Confucius