I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of “yes” lately. It’s been just over a month since I said farewell to my last job, and instead of jumping straight into what’s next, I’ve intentionally made space — and within that space, I’ve said “yes” to things I wouldn’t have before.
- Yes to spontaneous lunch or zoom calls with new people.
- Yes to volunteering for a nonprofit’s AI fundraising project (completely unfamiliar territory!).
- Yes to showing up at events just to see who I might meet or what I might learn.
And honestly? The results have surprised me. I’ve made more meaningful connections and sparked more ideas in these five weeks than I usually do in half a year. It’s reminded me of something important: you don’t have to leave your job or make a big life change to open yourself to growth. You can start saying “yes” right where you are.
Saying “Yes” Isn’t About Doing More. It’s About Growing Smarter.
Let’s be clear — I’m not suggesting you pile more onto your already overloaded plate. Saying yes is about being intentional. It’s about choosing opportunities that stretch you, expose you to new people or skills, and give you a different lens on your work or your industry.
Here are some of the small “yeses” that can lead to big impact:
- Grabbing lunch or coffee with someone outside your usual circle
- Volunteering for a project led by senior leadership
- Joining a cross-functional initiative that feels a bit out of your depth
- Saying yes to a speaking opportunity or panel (even if it makes you nervous)
- Attending an industry event you’d normally skip
These don’t have to be giant leaps. They just have to take you somewhere new.
The Real Benefits of Saying Yes
You’ll always learn something.
Whether things go great or sideways, you walk away smarter. Every experience — good or bad — adds something to your professional toolkit. Even learning what not to do can be a game-changer.
You’ll meet people you weren’t expecting to.
Saying yes opens doors to new relationships. That person you meet at an event might become a mentor. That executive-led project might put your name in front of decision-makers. Visibility matters, and saying yes gets you seen.
You might surprise yourself.
We all have hidden strengths waiting to be uncovered. Maybe you say yes to a project that feels intimidating — and it turns out to be your zone of genius. Or maybe you realize you love something you’d never considered. That only happens if you’re willing to step in without having it all figured out.
You’ll get braver.
Saying yes to new things builds your risk-taking muscle. Over time, you become more comfortable navigating ambiguity and more confident trusting your instincts. That kind of growth pays dividends in every part of your career.
You’ll get noticed — in the right way.
You don’t need to shout your achievements from the rooftops. But when you say yes to meaningful, visible work — especially the kind that crosses teams or levels — people take note. It’s not about ego. It’s about showing up and being seen as someone who steps up.
Wait, Didn’t You Say It’s Important to Say No?
Yes — and I stand by that. Saying no is a powerful skill, especially when it protects your energy, boundaries, and focus.
But this kind of “yes” is different.
It’s not about saying yes to more of the same. It’s about saying yes to something new. It’s about growth, not overload. Discernment is key — you can’t say yes to everything. But when something aligns with your curiosity, your values, or your desire to stretch a little, it’s worth considering.
Making “Yes” Work for You
If you’re going to say yes to a major commitment, do it with intention. Here’s how to make sure it sets you up for success:
- Clarify expectations before you commit — know what you’re signing up for.
- Play to your strengths — what can you bring to the table, even in unfamiliar territory?
- Be a learner — if there’s a gap in your skills, close it with curiosity and humility.
- Keep the lines of communication open — check in, ask questions, and be honest when you need support.
Bottom Line
Saying yes doesn’t mean being a people pleaser or burning yourself out. It means stepping into opportunities that challenge and excite you — the ones that have the potential to shift your path, even in small ways.
So next time an unexpected invitation or new challenge shows up, pause before you say no. Ask yourself:
- Could this help me grow?
- Could this introduce me to someone new?
- Could this lead somewhere I haven’t even imagined yet?
That little “yes” might just open the door to your next big thing.
I look forward to hearing about your new experiences.
Lei