Maybe Means No

“Commitment is an act, not a word.”

Jean-Paul Sartre

French philosopher, playwright, novelist, screenwriter, political activist, biographer, and literary critic.

1905 – 1980)

When someone says “I might be there” or replies to an invitation with a “Maybe”, please know this is likely a “No”.

And, better yet, please smile and say something like “Thanks for letting me know your thoughts on the event.  I am going to put you down as a no”.

Even though people may be surprised by your response, and even defend themselves, as someone planning an event, accept only commitments…to coming or not attending…not indecisive people for whom you cannot accurately plan time, food and more.  Also, this will keep you from additional follow-up, which can seem like begging, for a final count for your event.

Similarly, instead of saying “I might be there” or “Maybe”, please know you, too, are likely a “No”, so simply offer a “No, thank you”, and keep the host from wondering about you as well!

New Year, Same You

"Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new."

- Og Mandino 

American author. He wrote the bestselling book The Greatest Salesman in the World. His books have sold over 50 million copies and have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. (1926 - 1996) 

In just the first three days of the 2014, I counted nearly 20 promotions or ads for "New Year, New You", and at first, I connected to the notion, and then it dawned on me that the concept meant that somehow the way we were last year was somehow not good, or not good enough for the New Year, and then I decided "no, thanks" to "New Year, New You".

And, you may want to do the same...

Instead of abandoning all things in the past by saying it's time for change, perhaps first we can take stock of all the accomplishments we had in 2013, all the friends and family we supported or connected with last year, all the lives we impacted, and all the work we got done. And, after reflecting on the good from the 12 previous months, we can, in a healthy state of mind, think of how well things went followed by ways to improve.

So, as you move ahead in this new calendar of life, keep your interests in the New Year, yes, and also remember, you did some great things in the past, too. It's time for "New Year, Same You"...you need not be "new" each time the holiday season ends. Sure, maybe you are you now with a tweak or two, an added interest or so, and absolutely in this New Year, you are ready for what lies ahead!