I’ve decided to record my “yessing around” here on this little blog of mine. I figure that will keep me accountable, and force me to be mindful of what I’m saying “yes” to in my life, how often and (most importantly) why.

My aim is to say “yes” at least 1,000 times in the next 12 months and note my observations here. That means saying “yes” more than 20 time a week, which equals almost three “yesses” a day.

Even as I’m writing the words, I realize it’s important to set some ground rules right form the beginning. Otherwise, saying “yes” could lead to a whole lot of trouble I really don’t need.

So with that in mind, here are the 5 Golden Rules of Yes:

1. Saying “yes” must not conflict with my personal values system. I will not compromise myself or my beliefs in the process of saying “yes”.

2. Saying “yes” must not expose me or others to any real danger, whether physical, mental or otherwise. Short version: safety first!

3. Saying “yes” must be an actual option; for instance, saying “yes” to feeding my children every day doesn’t count.

4. Saying “yes” must not in any way compromise me (or anyone else) financially. Otherwise, I’d say “yes” to a trip to Fiji right this very minute!

5. Saying “yes” to both simple and difficult decisions is permissible; this will allow me to practice the Yes is More Theory on a daily basis.

6. The answer “yes” can be in reply to an question question posed by another human being OR a question posed by myself. It may also be interpreted as an opportunity that presents itself.

So those are the guidelines I’ll be starting out with. Please note, I do reserve the right to add to or amend any and/or all of the above. Legal discourse complete!

How long it will take me to say 1,000 times I’m really not sure. If it takes me a year to do this project, then I project I must say “yes” at least 20 times a week. This should be interesting…

YES #1 – Yes, I will start a blog about saying yes and record my observations here.

YES #2 – Yes, I will pay $10 extra for privacy protection for said blog since my blog host apparently wields the power to reveal my private information to any and all online users at whim.