The Positivity Experiment: 7 Days of Saying “YES” to Everything (Within Reason!)

As a CEO, I'm well-acquainted with the demands of schedules, deadlines, and the delicate balancing act required to keep a business running smoothly. Yet, amid the structured rhythm of daily operations, I found myself longing for the adventurous spirit that ignited our company's early days.

I remember those early days of "BOOST", when saying "yes" was not just a choice but a necessity. Every opportunity, challenge, and new experience was a stepping stone to building a successful business.?

In honor of “International Positive Thinking Day”, I decided to rekindle that adventurous spirit with a personal experiment: a week of saying "yes" to everything (within reason!). which wasn’t just about embracing spontaneity; it was a deliberate effort to reconnect with the mindset that once opened doors to new possibilities.?

Day 1: Embracing Spontaneity

The week began with an unplanned invitation to participate in a cross-industry panel discussion in Abu Dhabi. Despite a packed schedule, I accepted. This spontaneous decision led to valuable conversations with industry leaders and potential clients who appreciated our innovative approach. It was a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come from embracing the unexpected.

Day 2: Trying a New Business Model

On the second day, I decided to explore a new business model we had been considering. By saying "yes" to this experimentation, we piloted a new service offering that received positive feedback from one of our biggest clients in KSA. This experience highlighted the importance of stepping out of our comfort zone and trying new things to stay competitive and relevant in the market.

Day 3: Collaborating with Unlikely Partners

Day three involved accepting a collaboration proposal from a company outside our usual industry in the UK. Although it felt risky, the partnership led to exciting new projects and introduced us to a new client base. This experience underscored the value of saying "yes" to unconventional partnerships that can lead to unexpected growth.

Day 4: Attending a New Networking Event

On day four, I stepped outside my usual networking circles and accepted my sales team’s suggestion to attend the "ATD conference in Saudi Arabia". This decision led to meaningful connections and conversations that expanded our network with ATD and opened doors to future collaborations. It was a reminder that exploring new networking opportunities can lead to significant business benefits.

Day 5: Experimenting with Innovative Technology

On the fifth day, I said "yes" to experimenting with a new technology tool that my digitalization team had been eager to try. This willingness to explore and adopt new technology not only enhanced our internal processes but also positioned us as forward-thinkers in the eyes of our clients.

Day 6: Taking on a New Challenge

Day six was dedicated to tackling a challenge that I would typically delegate. By getting directly involved, I gained fresh insights into our operations and demonstrated leadership to our team. This hands-on approach resulted in improved processes and a new client who admired our proactive attitude.

Day 7: Reflecting and Reconnecting

The final day of the experiment was spent reflecting on the week’s experiences. Saying "yes" had led to valuable new connections, innovative ideas, and a renewed sense of enthusiasm. It reminded me that stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new opportunities can lead to remarkable business growth.

In summary, this week of saying "yes" was a powerful reminder of the benefits of positivity and adventure in business. By trying new things, exploring unconventional opportunities, and stepping out of our comfort zones, we can unlock new potential and drive growth.

Here’s to the spirit of saying “yes” and the incredible possibilities it brings!