230 - Say Yes to Yourself
n this episode, the focus is on one of the most pivotal mindset shifts anyone can make: saying yes to opportunity, beginning with the internal yes. It's not just about being open to change—it's about understanding how to negotiate with ourselves, assess our limits, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Sometimes, the biggest changes start with the smallest steps. Whether it's saying yes to something you're unsure about or redefining what a yes looks like, this discussion offers real, personal insights into how a thoughtful commitment can lead to lifelong passion, purpose, and transformation.
Saying Yes Starts Within
Every new opportunity begins with a decision. But the hardest person to convince is often ourselves. This episode explores how internal resistance can block growth—and how saying yes internally is a vital first step toward real change.
Understanding the Inner BATNA
Using negotiation theory, the concept of the “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement” is applied inwardly. Instead of giving a full yes or a full no, it’s possible to shape a commitment that feels right for where we are now. Examples show how to create flexible agreements with ourselves to avoid burnout while still moving forward.
The Worst-Case Scenario (WATNA)
What’s the actual cost of saying no? Sometimes it's not failure—it’s missing out. There’s a thoughtful look at how evaluating the worst realistic outcome (instead of imagined fears) can help in decision-making, particularly when opportunities feel risky or unclear.
The Five Whys and Finding the Real Motivation
Peeling back the layers with the “Five Whys” technique leads to the real motivation behind our desires. Whether it's career, health, or creative pursuits, getting to the root “why” makes it easier to say yes with conviction.
Growth Through Stretching
Growth doesn’t come from staying in a comfort zone. Saying yes often means learning something new, stumbling a bit, and adjusting along the way. These stretch moments—while uncomfortable—create the capacity for greater confidence and fulfillment.
💡 Takeaways
Saying yes to opportunity isn’t about being blindly optimistic or overcommitting. It’s about tuning into what really matters, understanding personal boundaries, and crafting a yes that’s sustainable and aligned. By negotiating internally—through clarity, compassion, and practicality—it becomes easier to face new opportunities without fear or guilt.
When that first internal yes happens, it opens the door to growth, adventure, and impact. Life expands not through perfect planning, but through the willingness to try, stretch, and keep going. This mindset creates momentum and gives permission to grow into the version of ourselves that’s been waiting.
Saying yes—especially when it’s shaped with care—is a practice that builds courage, reveals purpose, and transforms the path ahead.
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Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com