Yes or no?

As human beings we tend to complicate most things, but life is really pretty simple. Take a moment to think about the answers to the following questions:

1. We have tens of thousands of words in the English language. How many letters make up the alphabet?
2. The ‘Human Genome’ is the genetic code—the entire list of three billion letters required to create a human being. How many letters make up the DNA alphabet?
3. The most valuable companies—as measured by market capitalization, are valued in the hundreds of billions. The US federal deficit is almost in the hundreds of billions. How many digits make up the numeral system we use?
4. Streaming music is everywhere—everything from country and pop to opera and rock. How many musical notes are there?
5. If you’re painting your house, you have hundreds of colors to choose from. How many primary colors are there?
6. Out of all the decisions you have to make every day, how many real choices do you have to make?

Answers

1. 26 letters in the alphabet.
2. 4 letters in the DNA alphabet.
3. 10 digits in our numerical system.
4. 7 musical notes.
5. 3 primary colors: blue, red, yellow.
6. 2 real choices: yes, or no.

These are pretty simple answers to what could be complex subjects.

Complexity is your enemy. Any fool can make something complicated. It’s hard to keep things simple.

Look closely at question six and its answer. We all have only two real choices in life. Both of these choices are very simple—except one choice can lead you away from your dreams, vision, and goals; and the other helps you attain your goals and enhances the quality of your life.

Simply put: the decision all of us must make moment-by-moment is either yes or no.

You have to say no to a lot of good things in order to be able to say yes to a lot of great things.

No, I really don’t have control of my life or destiny. No, I really don’t have the time to have or pursue goals. No, I can’t put aside distractions in order to focus on my most important desires.

Or, yes, I’ve committed to enjoy my life by doing the best I can do. Yes, I’m pursuing my goals and dreams with all my heart.

The oldest, shortest words—yes and no—are those which require the most thought.

The key is deciding inside yourself that no matter what happens or comes your way, you’re pressing on towards your goal.

Further reading:

This weekend could be the turning point of your life

How to do a monthly personal performance review

SMART Goals – How to set them

Weekly Planning: How to Take Control of and Rock your Week!