What Happens After “Go”? - Grasshopper

I watched a lot of the swimming competition during the Olympics this summer and heard the phrase, “Take your marks,” and then an electronic sound to signal the swimmers to start their race. When I was a kid, it was more basic. We would say, “Ready, Set, Go!”

It got me to wondering. What happens after “Go?”

It’ll have a lot to do with your success or failure in any endeavor.

Of course, this question applies to life in addition to any sporting competition.

What you do after “Go” depends on whether you say, “Yes” or “No.”

I make every effort live my life by the axiom, “Do what you say you’re going to do.” And even though I miss the mark from time to time, my track record is pretty good in getting to the finish line.

This is more than a humble brag; it’s an observation about people in general. My experience is a large percentage of people don’t follow through in what they say they’re going to do.

They say, “Yes” and if they follow through or not is anyone’s guess. If you regularly keep people guessing, they’ll begin to ignore your “yessing” and look for someone else to do their bidding.

I’m wide open to the concept of saying “Yes” to life. It creates more options. I’m more likely to say “No” to people’s requests if I’m not committed to do what’s necessary after they say, “Go.”

Side note: It’s easier to come back from a “No” than it is from a “Yes.” If you say, “No” to someone and then change your mind, it’s a welcome relief. If you say, “Yes” and have a change of heart, it’s as welcome as an elevator fart.

Final thought: Take a pause after entertaining someone’s request and carefully consider if you’ll say ‘Yes” or “No.” It just may save you from getting the “Heave-Ho.”

All the best,