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Feeling overwhelmed? Surprisingly, saying “yes, and” can help.
One of my areas of focus is on how a “yes, and” mindset can help individuals and organizations reduce overwhelm and turnover.
The most common objection is this:
“But Avish! I already have too much to do! If I say ‘yes, and’ to more things I will drown in all of it!”
This is true, IF you use “yes, and” in the wrong way. However…
When used correctly it can actually lower overwhelm and stress while improving engagement, motivation, and productivity.
What?! How is that possible??
Glad you asked. 
On the surface, “yes, and” seems like you’re simply agreeing to everything. Which yes, would admittedly lead to more overwhelm and burnout.
However, “yes, and” is not about agreeing to everything.
You don’t literally say “yes, and” to everything that comes your way.
You don’t take on every new task, jump into every new activity, or add on every new responsibility.
It’s a mindset. One you apply as your default response to anything new, different, or extra.
Most people default to a “yes, but” mindset, which seems to make sense. In a constantly changing world where you feel overwhelmed, “yes, but” seems like the best way to protect yourself.
But here’s the thing:
Overwhelm is not just a function of how much we have to do, but how we feel about what we have to do (paraphrased from one of my favorite YouTubers, Elizabeth Filips).
Here are five ways “Yes, And” can help you reduce overwhelm and stress:
1) Saying “yes, and” to the right things boosts our positive emotions and makes us feel less overwhelmed, even when we have more to do. “Yes, but” is negative, and makes us feel worse even as we try to limit our responsibilities.
2) Once you say “yes, and” to the right things you can more easily say “yes, but” to the wrong ones. Rather than a reflexive “yes, but” to everything, starting from a default “yes, and” lets you pick and choose and set the best boundaries for you!
3) A “yes, but” mindset limits innovation, and sometimes the best way to lower overwhelm and stress and improve productivity is to use our creativity to find different ways of doing things than the way we have always done them. “Yes, and” opens the door to all of that.
4) “Yes, and” fosters collaboration. And while it can seem burdensome in the moment to take the time and energy to help others, once you build a “yes, and” culture you have a community of collaboration and support. Silos lead to overwhelm. Community lightens the load.
5) Perhaps most importantly, saying “yes, and” to yourself promotes self-compassion. When your internal dialogue is filled with “yes, buts,” this creates a downward spiral of negativity. Using “yes, and” language when speaking to yourself is compassionate and builds confidence, self-esteem, and positivity - all things that help lower the sense of overwhelm and stress!
If you are struggling with overwhelm, try switching to “yes, and” for a while.
And if your team, agency, or organization is struggling with overwhelm, burnout, or turnover, please reach out so we can talk about how “Yes, And” can help!