Mastering the Art of Saying Both Yes and No: A Summer of Intentional Living

Mel delves into the powerful concept of the 'Year of Yes and No' with guest Jim Hilber. Discover how deciding ahead of time and alternating between a period of saying yes to everything and a period of saying no brings both exploration and focus into your life. Jim shares insights on balancing personal and professional commitments, the importance of deliberate decision-making, and how saying no can be as empowering as saying yes. Whether you're looking to break free from analysis paralysis or simply live more intentionally, this episode offers valuable takeaways for a transformative summer.

00:00 Delighting in Summertime

01:37 Introducing Jim Hilber and His Philosophy

02:35 Jim's Journey with the Year of Yes and No

04:22 Balancing Yes and No in Life and Business

06:27 The Power of Deliberate Decisions

09:01 Gratitude and Growth Through Yes and No

18:21 The Importance of Balance and Intentionality

20:21 Summer Challenge

For more info on Jim https://powercore.net/members/jim-hilber

Key Takeaways

• Perfectionism isn't about achieving perfection but about avoiding painful feelings of blame, shame, and judgment
• Vulnerability requires courage to show up when we could have done it better
• Letting others be wrong about us is a powerful practice in releasing the need for external validation
• Mel's Lenten practice includes doing uncomfortable things daily, not explaining herself, embracing vulnerability, and not managing others' experiences

Quotable Moments

• "Blessed are we the ones trying, the ones failing." Kate Bowler
• "Every decision has things that are right about it and things that are wrong about it."
• "What if it was okay even if it was our fault?"
• "Business and entrepreneur are both spelled with a "U" on purpose. I want businesses to be the U-est you they can possibly be."

Resources Mentioned

• Books: "Women Living Deliciously" by Florence Given
• People: Brené Brown, Kate Bowler, Brooke Castillo

Episode Challenge

Where are you diluting yourself to make yourself more palatable? Be the "U-est You" possible, remembering that you're not for everyone in work and in play.

Caught in the "helpless hula?" - that spinning between wanting to do something and feeling powerless, this episode is for you. Mel asks which feelings we want to keep - even when they hurt. And how she's answering the ones that threaten to freeze her. She shares how she's willing to get it wrong and offers practical steps to move forward, from creating a personal DEI department to finding delight in unexpected places (like that surprise goldfish cracker in the car). From tigers on corners to beloved communities, discover how you can find your own way to show up fully in challenging times.