Two years ago, after my so-called elopement—where rumor has it, I was abducted and held for ransom—I couldn’t help but think that one day, this wild story would make its way into a film. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’re here to talk about the power of saying yes.
Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed with some incredible opportunities. But here’s the thing—those opportunities didn’t just land in my lap. I had to go out there and seize them.
Of course, in the process, there were countless missed opportunities. As I reflect on those moments, I sometimes wonder how different things might have been if I had simply said yes. Now, I’m not one to dwell on the past, but this brings me to a pivotal moment two years ago when I made a promise to myself: for the next 365 days, I would say yes to things I would normally say no to—reasonable things, that is. I also committed to attending at least one social event every month. These two simple goals transformed my life.
The power of saying yes has opened doors to incredible opportunities, introduced me to amazing people, and allowed me to build new connections.
You might be thinking, “Well, good for you, but what’s your point, Brandon?” My point is this: I’m a firm believer that whatever we desire is out there, waiting for us. But we can only reach it if we stop second-guessing ourselves and start saying yes. Yes comes with its share of risks—the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly—but if we don’t take that leap, we’ll always be left wondering, “What if?”
With that said, here are some practices I’ve embraced over the years and a few new ones I’m currently learning to apply:
Practices I’ve Embraced
- Embrace the Unknown
Saying yes often means stepping into the unknown. I’ve learned that uncertainty is not something to fear but an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, taking on a challenging project, or meeting new people, I’ve found that embracing the unknown has expanded my horizons in ways I never imagined. - Trust Your Instincts
While saying yes is powerful, it’s equally important to trust your instincts. Not every opportunity is the right one, and learning to distinguish between a healthy challenge and a potential misstep is crucial. I’ve learned to listen to that inner voice, the one that guides you toward the right decisions. - Be Open to New Connections
Over the past two years, I’ve made it a point to say yes to meeting new people, even when I felt like staying within my comfort zone. This has led to friendships, collaborations, and networks that have enriched my personal and professional life. Every connection holds the potential for something great, but you have to be open to it. - Prioritize Self-Care
While saying yes can be life-changing, it’s also important to know your limits. I’ve learned to balance my eagerness to say yes with the need for self-care. It’s okay to say no when you need time to recharge or focus on your well-being. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup, “I learned this the hard way”
New Lessons I’m Learning
- Letting Go of Perfection
One of the biggest challenges I’m currently facing is letting go of the need for perfection. Saying yes often means taking on tasks or roles that I’m not entirely comfortable with, and that’s okay. I’m learning that it’s better to start and learn along the way than to wait for the perfect moment that may never come. - Embracing Failure as a Teacher
Not every yes leads to success, and that’s something I’m gradually coming to terms with. Failure is not the enemy; it’s a teacher. I’m learning to see setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as reasons to retreat. - Cultivating Patience
Another lesson I’m working on is patience. Sometimes, the results of saying yes aren’t immediate. I’m learning to trust the process and understand that good things take time. Patience is key to staying committed to the path you’ve chosen.
Hope this helps,
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