When you say “Yes” to something, you are simultaneously saying “No” to something else.
Do you have a hard time making decisions?
Better yet, do you have a hard time saying “No?” You actually do not have a hard time saying “No,” because every time you say “Yes” to something, you are saying “No” to something else.
Newton’s Third Law states: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
While Newton’s law is usually only considered when discussing physics, it also applies to our decision making. If you will think about this principle when making decisions, it might just help you make better decisions.
When you say “Yes” to doing something that you really don’t want to do just because you are not comfortable saying “No,” you just said “No” to yourself and to what you want to do.
When you say “Yes” to the unhealthy, fast-food meal, you are saying “No” to a healthy diet.
When you say “Yes” to committing to an exclusive relationship with someone, you are saying “No” to other relationships.
When you say “Yes” to exercising, you are saying “No” to being out of shape.
And the converse of this is true! When you say “No” to something, you are saying “Yes” to the possibility of something else.
When I say “No” to taking on additional responsibilities at church or at work that can be done by someone else, I am saying “Yes” to more time with my family or to having more time to serve others in a different way!
My hope, in encouraging you to think of your decisions this way, is that it will free you up to make more informed decisions. “No” doesn’t just mean “No,” it also means “Yes” to something else, perhaps something better. “Yes” doesn’t just mean “Yes” to that one thing, it also means “No” to another option.
So, with a tip of the hat to Mr. Newton, for every decision, there is a simultaneous, opposite decision!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you enjoyed it, I’d be honored if you would share it with your family, friends and followers by clicking the Like, Tweet, and Share buttons below. If you are not already on my Email list to receive these posts directly, click here to subscribe to my mailing list.
Very true. We need to keep our “Yes” focused on God’s unique purpose for our lives.
Thanks, Sue. You’re right! We need to also evaluate our decisions on whether or not they are in-line with our faith and values!
Blessings!
Bruce
Thanks Bruce.
Bruce, It was good to meet you last week. I am enjoying your posts. I read a statement: “When you decide to read a book, you are making one of life’s most important decisions. You are not only deciding to read this book, you are deciding that you will not read the millions and millions of other books that have been written since the beginning of time during the same moment.”
Jerrie, likewise, it was great meeting you! I appreciate you taking the time to let me tell a bit of my story to you. I appreciate you and your many years of faithful service!
Blessings!
Bruce
Bruce, if I am considering food, i want to taste it before I decide.
Jimmy Collins
Great article Bruce.
I said yes to taking my mom to her chemo tx even though I’m scared out of my mind.
I know it is the right thing to do, but I will have to keep in the right frame of mind while there.
After seeing her go through a radiation tx, I couldn’t sleep for a week!
I’m going to say no next time and make my life easier.
I appreciate your thoughts.
Teri Smyth
Words of wisdom there Bruce! I never quite realized the impact of Newtons 3rd law. I mean I knew my decisions had consequences, but this is an entirely new level of complication. I can already tell I’ll be thinking about the ramifications of this for a couple weeks.
I really liked that!
Bruce,I always feel relief anytime I read articles from you because It always open my head of understanding even the one I know before,I see myself a beginner.
Bruce, when you say “yes”you are also saying “no” A lot of Help for me as I Have always Been a silent person. Not speaking up for myself. Neither saying yes or no. Always afraid. To be able to say no. Reading this article sure help’s me see myself more clearly. Thank you. And many Blessing’s for you.