Shonda Rhimes, the dynamic force behind acclaimed television hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, recently shared an inspiring TED Talk about her transformative experience of saying “yes” to every opportunity for an entire year. As an influential media mogul, her talk provides a glimpse into the powerful impact of embracing opportunities with an open heart and mind.
Intriguingly, I embarked on a similar journey this past year, and I can’t help but wonder if our experiences align in more ways than one.
After starting a new job and feeling somewhat adrift, I decided to undertake what I considered a significant act of self-love: committing to a personal “Year of Yes.” This meant embracing any opportunity that I had the time and financial resources for, with the intention of figuring out the logistics as I went along.
Throughout this experiment, I said yes to a diverse array of activities that had previously intimidated or eluded me. From seizing chances to speak publicly and attend networking events to enrolling in professional development courses and even trying my hand at art, I also ventured into new hiking trails and more.
Reflecting on the year, I have no regrets. The decision to fully commit to this “Year of Yes” has been eye-opening and enriching, providing clarity and a sense of accomplishment that far exceeded my expectations. The journey has not only broadened my horizons but has also reaffirmed the profound value of saying “yes” to life’s myriad possibilities.
From Fantasy to Reality: The Impact of Action Over Aspiration
Previously, I had a knack for idealizing my future goals and career aspirations, often envisioning grand scenarios without translating these dreams into concrete actions. The issue was that many of these aspirations remained just that—dreams—because I failed to invest the necessary effort to bring them to life.
However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that even taking modest steps toward my goals had a transformative, domino-like effect on my life and career. For instance, I had long harbored the ambition of becoming a writer, but I was unsure where to start. I decided to take a practical approach by beginning with blogging and submitting my work to various online platforms.
This small but significant action not only boosted my confidence in my writing abilities but also opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. One of the unexpected benefits was securing a prestigious position on the board of an arts nonprofit I had admired.
The experience underscored a crucial lesson: while dreaming about the future can be inspiring, it’s the act of taking tangible steps that turns those dreams into reality and sets positive changes in motion.
Embracing Failure: A Step Toward Growth
One major reason I clung to dreaming rather than doing was my fear of failure—the dreaded “F word.”
Throughout my experiment, I confronted this fear head-on. I realized that avoiding action out of fear of failing was a form of failure in itself: by not trying, I was denying myself opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
I learned that failure, while daunting, is not the end but rather a stepping stone. Each setback provided invaluable lessons for future endeavors. For example, I once sought a leadership role in a project at a previous job. I invested considerable time in preparing my proposal and was confident going into the meeting with the project director.
However, during my presentation, I was caught off guard by a question about our competitor’s product. My narrow focus on our offering meant I was unprepared for this basic inquiry, and as a result, I did not secure the role. Despite this, the experience taught me a crucial lesson in thorough preparation and adaptability, which proved beneficial in subsequent opportunities.
Ultimately, embracing and learning from failure has become a vital part of my journey, helping me navigate challenges with greater resilience and insight.
Uncovering Hidden Strengths: The Power of Expanding Your Comfort Zone
Previously, my self-assessment of skills was quite limited, and I was certain about areas where I lacked talent—such as accounting, which I believed was far beyond my capabilities.
I hadn’t realized how confined my perspective was because I had only engaged in activities where I felt comfortable. Stepping out of this zone proved to be both revealing and exhilarating. I discovered a broader range of skills I possessed, and it was equally humbling to acknowledge the areas where I still struggled. Despite identifying as an introvert, I was pleasantly surprised by my ability to handle networking events and informational interviews with newfound confidence.
This realization about my extroverted capabilities gave me the courage to tackle public speaking. To my delight, I found I was quite effective at it, a skill that has since become invaluable in my professional life and helped me demonstrate my strengths to senior leadership.
Although not every new experience I embraced became a passion, many turned out to be rewarding, and I met numerous people I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. The act of saying “yes” led to essential lessons that significantly boosted my career success and overall happiness.
If you’re inspired to explore new opportunities, consider diving into online courses, reading career-enhancing books, or starting your day with quick, positive routines. Embracing new experiences can open doors to unexpected and fulfilling possibilities.
