Say "Yes," Then Figure It Out

Have you ever hesitated to take on an unfamiliar task, or to start something new unsure whether you had the right skills? And maybe later, you realized that your worries were unnecessary, and you had been overthinking the decision all along? Perhaps you did not have the entire amount of information necessary to complete the task or someone may have put a doubt into your wings.

It's common to feel doubt, especially when faced with uncertainty, but saying "yes" can open doors to growth that you didn’t anticipate.

A few years ago, I was given the opportunity to take on a leadership role within Toastmasters. Did I have all the necessary skills? Was I ready for this role? A fellow Toastmaster’s answer came short: “Say ‘yes,’ then figure it out.”

I said yes without the slightest idea of how I was going to figure it out. Taking that leap turned out to be one of the most rewarding decisions I could have made. Over the course of that year, I enhanced my leadership abilities, but I also acquired a variety of new skills that later proved useful in my professional and my writing community life.

What truly made the journey manageable was the support I had from the team. Toastmasters who had been in that role before me, ready to help with tips and training sessions, with prompt answers to text messages and emails. Someone was always available to guide me. And that made all the difference.

The experience taught me three valuable lessons:

1. Say ‘Yes’ to the Opportunity, Not Just the Task: My friend’s advice helped me see beyond the immediate responsibilities and focus on the personal growth and career development this opportunity offered. The long-term value the experience could add to my existing skill set. She helped me focus on the overall potential to develop new competencies and expand my network.
2. Embrace a Growth Mindset: The fear of not being fully prepared can often paralyze us. Instead of worrying about what we don’t know, embracing a mindset that views every new project as a chance to learn, propels us forward. Saying “yes,’ pushes us to acquire the necessary skills—through trial and error and with guidance from others—and fosters personal and professional growth.
3. Seek Support and Resources: Most times, we are not alone on our journey. Seeking advice from peers and mentors and searching for resources can help bridge the gap. Whether it’s training, online courses, or feedback from colleagues, these tools can empower us to tackle new challenges confidently.

A recent project in my career tested this mindset once again. I was fortunate to be trusted with a project for which I thought I was not prepared. However, after setting my doubts aside, I identified the challenges and reached out to the right people. With their support, we tackled the project step by step, and not only did we meet the requirements, but I also walked away with new skills in project management. None of this would have been possible without the support of the team.

Saying “yes” to something new may feel intimidating, but it can lead to growth and new opportunities you never expected. When we embrace the uncertainty and step forward with gratitude for the support around us, we unlock our true potential. Take the leap, trust yourself to figure it out, and thank those who hold you up in the journey.

Have you ever said “yes” to a new challenge and figured it out along the way? What was your process to overcome doubt and uncertainty? Share your experience in the comments below.