Happy Accidents: The Transformative Power of "Yes, and" at Work and in Life

by David Ahearn, Frank Ford, David Wilk

Stop saying 'no' to opportunity, and start saying 'yes' to possibility

Happy Accidents is your personal guide to transforming your life. As we take on task after task, responsibility after responsibility, we lose sight of who we are and why we're doing what we do; we rush through the day completing a to-do list, but we never really seem to accomplish the things that are most important. What goals do you have for your life? What steps have you taken toward them today? Consider this book your guide to getting back on track to your dreams and help inspire those around you. It's not about doing more or doing less, it's about making what you do worthy of the effort. From forging new relationships, stepping out of your comfort zone, and reframing your work—start valuing these as empowering choices you get to make toward a particular goal every day.

To preserve our precious time and energy, we often default to 'no,' yet this only closes the door to our growth, while a 'yes' opens up a world of possibilities. The secret is adding 'yes, and' to our lives. This seductively simple turn of phrase opens the doors to better collaboration and positive relationships, and invites self-sustaining opportunities into our world. 'Yes, and' helps you get from where you are, as an individual or organization, to where want to be.

No person or organization is an island, and none of us reaches our goals alone. This book shows you how to build on the power of open-mindedness, cultivate supportive relationships, and adopt a win-win mindset to reignite your purpose and unleash your best.

Harness the power of team collaboration, cooperation, and creativity Reframe 'mistakes' and 'bad ideas' into 'Happy Accidents' that lead to opportunities Communicate more effectively by learning how to listen actively and build on the pertinent information Relinquish some degree of control to allow for more growth and discovery

Children have a natural inclination toward curiosity. As we grow into adults, our curiosity gradually takes a back seat to obligations, responsibility, and duty—but that spark remains, and can be reignited. Don't spend your life adrift in a sea of 'could've, would've, should've'—take back your sense of purpose, positivity, joy, time, and energy with the power of Happy Accidents.

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2017

Reviews

[Eric Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been to the Four Day Weekend show a half a dozen times back in the 2003 era, so it was nice to read about where they have come since I left the DFW area back in 2004.

There are a lot of good things about the messaging within this book outside just "yes and". For one, the use of empathy not only in your personal life but your professional one as well. On top of that, to celebrate others, and not promote yourself. As I led a department for five years, those were two quick things I learned. The happier and more engaged/valued the folks I worked with felt, the easier my job was. There was no backstabbing and they all supported one another.

Personally, the most important part of the book for me was the part about going for your goals. I often make excuses for not doing something I want to do. "Oh the house was a mess and I needed to clean it;" "my daughter wanted me to help her on a project" (Ok that's a valid reason); or "maybe I'll just watch Netflix instead" are fairly common excuses I've used for years for not following through with creative ideas.

I realized from this book that I fear success. I do indeed worry that if I achieve what I want but am still not happy or feel fulfilled. Then what next? Am I in the wrong profession? I do make excuses about why I can't be content. I prefer to fly under the radar as opposed to putting myself out there.

I believe I can take what I have learned from this book and a workshop I attended from Four Day Weekend a few years ago to use "yes and" to better my life and those around me.

I strongly recommend this book especially to those in leadership positions in organizations.

[Rich Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. This book is the autobiography of a comedy institution in Fort Worth Texas called Four Day Weekend. This group has performed for multiple presidents, many Fortune 500 companies and countless ticket holders at their home theatre in Fort Worth.

Mixed in with the story of the theatre from inception to 20th anniversary are life lessons filtered through the lens of improvisation. Their story stands on it's own fascinating merits, but the lessons/exercises provided in the book can realistically help people of all walks live a better life.

As a former student of this theatre and lifelong improviser, I know these same lessons have helped me and many other I know.

You should read this book if you want to apply the 'transformative power of yes and' to your life or if you like the success stories of those who began with next to nothing only to crush it at their dreams.

[Dr. Tobias Christian Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids are more positive - surprised? I think we should think more positive about things and say: “yes, and...” - the book teaches you how to do it. Marvelous.