Why Being A Yes Man Is Important To Succeed

The word “Yes” may be one of the most commonly used terms in the English vocabulary. For most, it serves as a simple response to a command and an agreement to comply with another’s thoughts. Elite recognizes this simple word to be so much more.

The word itself defines commitment to a purpose and rejects any ideas of laziness, inability, and refusal to deal with the requisites of life. The word implies that you will execute the task at hand regardless of what measures you must take.

In a society conditioned towards instant gratification, a sense of self-entitlement, and loathe for hard work we recognize it as our duty to reinforce the importance of eliminating the word ‘No’ from your vocabulary. One can influence positive change in the world by committing to one’s goals and accepting the responsibility and hardships that comes along with them. In every person’s life, there is a time when he or she will be faced with the decision to take exceptional risks for the benefit of the self and others.

In the corporate arena, it is stressed that one should never surround oneself with individuals who constantly say, “Yes” to every idea. There is a degree of truth here, as if you surround yourself with a team who cannot offer legitimate criticisms for your ideas you’re likely surrounded by a group of simpletons. Nonetheless, teams can only be as successful as the individuals composing them—requiring a willingness to accept hardship, responsibility, and accountability for their duties.

The world’s most Elite entrepreneurs, entertainers, and artists have all been faced with the fork in the road. One option being to take the safer, more secure route. A life that would entail base salaries, pensions, 401k and that beautiful Prius you’ve always dreamed of driving. Sure, it isn’t a life of luxury, but security, family, and love are all that some need. Then there is the second, less traveled road—the rocky, arduous path filled with strenuous duties.

This option would require ambition and entail taking greater risks—forcing one to make onerous sacrifices while never truly knowing whether your efforts will yield the transcendental successes desired. We believe in choosing the second path. Taking the road less traveled will undoubtedly be the bumpier road, but you are taking your own path towards greatness.

Moguls like Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, and even hip-hop impresario Jay-Z all took the road less traveled. Surely during their early days they were called upon to execute tasks and projects they weren’t necessarily interested in completing. Nonetheless, it was their passion for their projects, an unrivaled work ethic, and a refusal to say ‘No’ to what was required of them that led to their success. Seldom few begin their careers in a position of eminence. It is oftentimes a slow ascent towards predominance that requires enterprise and initiative

It is incredibly easy and increasingly becoming commonplace to become exasperated and give up—taking the simpler route due to our complacency and feelings of self-entitlement. This detrimental mindset is pervasive in our society. Occupy protestors blame the 1% for their shortcomings, the inability to find employment, and an overall decline in the economy without taking necessary actions beyond the facile route complaining.

Immigrants are blamed for taking all the jobs that we would typically feel too “good” to do the labor for ourselves. What many fail to realize is that, in many cases, there is absolutely no one but ourselves to blame for an inability to separate yourself from poverty, unemployment, and other shortcomings in life . In a country filled with opportunity, it is amazing that the displacement of blame can spread around so easily.

Everyone wants to live the dream, have access to the money, social mobility, and material consumption that billionaires have access to–but who really wants to work for it? Eliminate the word ‘No’ in the face of hardship and have a better life.

Elite.