choosing to Say Yes

Imagine spending an entire year saying “yes,” agreeing to not just trivial things, but also to the things that frighten you. Award-winning creator, producer, and writer Shonda Rhimes did precisely that, a decision she credits with changing her life.

While you might not be ready to dedicate an entire year to saying yes or to adopting a new nickname, saying yes is one of the best decisions you can make for your career. Here are five reasons why:

1. Saying yes opens you up to new challenges and opportunities.

If you wait until you feel ready to pursue an opportunity, chances are it’ll pass you by. Saying yes means that you’re open to moving past your comfort zone and embracing a new challenge. By saying yes, you naturally adopt a growth mindset, leading with your curiosity. As Branson says: “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity, but you are not sure you can do it, say yes—then learn how to do it later!”

2. Saying yes invites collaboration.

There’s a reason improvisation is rooted in the phrase, “Yes, and...” Unlike no, which shuts down conversations and progress, saying yes opens up positive possibilities and invites others to build together, fostering collaboration, partnership, and further discussion.

3. Saying yes empowers and affirms others.

As a leader, choosing to say yes acts as an affirmation to others and their ideas: I hear what you just said. You’re paying attention, and they matter. And giving the green light signals trust, which empowers others.

4. Saying yes creates an environment where it’s safe to try, fail, learn, and innovate.

When you freely say yes, you create an environment that’s risk-tolerant. You encourage innovation by trying new things and using the successes and failures as learning opportunities.

5. Saying yes makes life more fun.

Consider how saying yes can bring you new sources of joy. According to Branson, “Life is a lot more fun when you say yes! It’s amazing how that one little word can lead you on an incredible adventure.”