Making Yes Count in 2022

Jan 20

By Anita Tandon

January is always… interesting. As if putting away holiday decorations and the lack of readily available candy canes wasn’t punishing enough, we are bombarded with the “new year, new you” messaging. The new year (and maybe this one even more so) beacons us with the beauty of a fresh start, and we feel our obligation to give it something in return. At the heart of it all is something very simple: saying yes. Whether to workouts or reading or gratitude, we are simply allowing ourselves to push aside our usual barriers and power forward. In and of itself, saying “Yes” is powerful—and for our kids, seemingly impossible (at least when it comes to broccoli). While saying yes to everything is a worthwhile experiment, what we really have to do is say yes to the right things. As you guide your kids in making their “Yes” count, here are our tips (that might help you too!):

Balance the Yes Load

The mere mention of a monthly challenge makes me want to run for cover. Committing to a drastic change for 30 days feels overwhelming (unless that drastic change is to watch more Netflix marathons). But how about just once a month? That feels doable. Remember that some—or even all—of your yeses can be bite size. Help your kids say yes by giving them the option to start small: instead of piano lessons, how about learning just one song together?

Take a bite-size adventure with Artist's Studio

Saying Yes… to More You.

We often think that resolutions have to be dramatic and concrete to be relevant. But what if saying “Yes” is just building on what you already love? If you love to read, how about just reading differently- a new genre, a new format, with new people? Empower your kids to also give some of their yeses to things they love.

Visit our Book Nook for Grupology’s curated book selections

Shades of Yes

Every day I think, ‘Today is the day. Today, I will do it. Today… I will drink 64 oz. of water!’ Cue the superhero music. Later, when I’ve barely made it through 24.75 oz. (yes, I measured), I abandon the impossible and reach for the closest version of caffeination. A new way to think of yes is simplifying to just saying yes at all. Explore all versions of building a Yes Habit. Do it each time you remember it (even if the last time was 2 weeks ago). Tie it to something else you love (like, 1 glass of water before each delicious cup of coffee). Do it spontaneously (quick plank anyone?). For kids, this can be a playful way to build a new habit. Change your perspective on building habits to help you unleash your yes.

As we build Grupology, we find a yes around every corner, and we use these tips to help us make the most of them. We challenge you to find your “Yes” as a family (use this Thinksheet for a head start). And let us know on IG: what will you say “Yes” to in ‘22? Now, excuse me while I sip this glass of water. Ok, it’s iced tea, but I’m getting there….