Say Yes
Say Yes: How Embracing Opportunity Can Change Your Life
A few years ago, I picked up Shonda Rhimes' book Year of Yes, and it completely shifted my mindset. Here was a powerhouse woman—already incredibly successful—admitting that fear and routine had quietly closed her off from parts of life she wanted to experience. Her decision to start saying “yes” to new opportunities transformed not just her career, but her sense of joy, connection, and personal growth.
And that’s what this post is about: the power of saying yes.
Saying yes isn’t about being reckless or impulsive. It’s about intentionally opening yourself up to people, places, and passions that might just unlock a version of yourself you’ve only dreamed of becoming.
The Fear Behind “No”
We’ve all been there. You’re presented with a new opportunity: a job offer, an invitation to speak, a chance to start a creative project, or even go on an impromptu trip. And then, the voice of doubt creeps in:
“What if I fail?”
“What if I embarrass myself?”
“I’m not ready.”
Saying no can feel safe. It gives us a sense of control. But too many no’s—especially when rooted in fear—can quietly build a life of missed chances, unfulfilled potential, and nagging what-ifs.
Why Saying Yes Matters
Saying yes opens doors—sometimes metaphorical ones, sometimes literal ones. You meet people you never would have crossed paths with. You discover places that inspire you. And you stumble into passions you didn’t know you had.
Consider these emotional and practical benefits:
Increased confidence — Each “yes” gives you proof that you’re capable of more than you thought.
Deeper connections — Saying yes often leads to community, whether that’s joining a new group or traveling with a friend.
Creative breakthroughs — Many artists, writers, and entrepreneurs trace their success to a moment they said yes to something unexpected.
Resilience — Even when the outcome isn’t perfect, the experience of trying builds mental and emotional strength.
Real Stories of Saying Yes
Let’s look at a few examples of people who stepped outside their comfort zone—and reaped life-changing rewards.
1. Viola Davis: From Silence to Spotlight
Viola Davis, one of the most respected actresses of our time, grew up in poverty and was painfully shy. She’s spoken openly about how saying yes to uncomfortable auditions, tough roles, and public speaking helped her not only build her career but reclaim her voice. “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity,” she said in an Emmy speech—and she created hers by saying yes over and over, even when fear was present.
2. Elizabeth Gilbert: Saying Yes to Travel and Transformation
In her bestselling memoir Eat Pray Love, Gilbert chronicles how saying yes to a year-long journey of healing—across Italy, India, and Bali—helped her reconnect with herself after a painful divorce. She didn’t know exactly what she was searching for, but she trusted that stepping into the unknown was better than staying stuck in what was no longer working.
3. Ava DuVernay: A Late Start Doesn’t Mean a Lost Cause
Ava DuVernay didn’t pick up a film camera until she was in her 30s. She had no formal training and worked in public relations. But she said yes to her passion—and taught herself the craft. Today, she’s an award-winning director of films like Selma and series like When They See Us.
These women are inspiring not because they were fearless—but because they said yes despite fear.
When Saying Yes Changes Your Life
Sometimes a single yes creates a domino effect of transformation.
Maybe it’s the decision to go to therapy.
Maybe it’s joining a local book club.
Maybe it’s saying yes to applying for a job you think is a reach.
Whatever it is, the act of choosing possibility over fear can open doors to connection, clarity, and confidence.
Think about this: what if the opportunity you’re hesitating on is the very thing that could change your life? What if saying yes today puts you on the path to the joy, growth, and purpose you’ve been craving?
Taking a Calculated Risk on Yourself
Now, let’s be clear. Saying yes doesn’t mean abandoning common sense or ignoring your gut. It’s not about saying yes to everything. It’s about:
Listening to your intuition
Evaluating the potential risk versus the reward
Trusting that even if things don’t go perfectly, you’re resilient enough to handle it
Saying yes is often a calculated risk on yourself. It’s betting on your ability to adapt, grow, and learn. It’s having the faith that you have what it takes—even if you don’t have it all figured out.
You don’t have to be ready. You just have to be willing.
How to Start Saying Yes to Life
Ready to try it for yourself? Here are a few ways to begin:
1. Identify the Yes That Scares You (In a Good Way)
What opportunity or idea keeps tugging at your heart—but you keep pushing away? That’s usually the one you need to explore.
2. Start Small
You don’t need to move across the world or switch careers tomorrow. Start with small yeses: sign up for a class, reach out to a mentor, speak up in a meeting.
3. Reframe the Fear
Instead of asking “What if I fail?” ask “What if this works out better than I imagined?”
4. Track the Wins
Keep a journal of moments where saying yes led to something good. It builds trust in your own decision-making.
5. Say Yes to Yourself First
Before you can embrace external opportunities, you have to affirm your internal worth. Say yes to rest, to boundaries, to self-belief.
Final Thoughts: What Are You Waiting For?
You don’t need to be fearless. You don’t need to have a five-year plan. You just need the courage to say yes—once, then again.
Saying yes is a practice. It’s a way of moving through life with openness, curiosity, and hope. And when you say yes to what aligns with your growth, you also say yes to becoming the person you’re meant to be.
So… what’s one thing you’ve been afraid to say yes to?
Say yes—and see what happens.
