Say Yes
Have you ever swum with hammerhead sharks?
Neither had my client Laura Fravel--but that didn’t stop her from jumping at the chance.
A brand storyteller for entrepreneurs and an avid adventurer, Laura has crossed the Atlantic three times (once in an air carrier), traveled to 32 different countries, and even sailed the Bermuda Triangle. In the process, she’s learned a thing or two about adventures. Namely, that the biggest step is saying yes to them, and trusting that the how will get figured out along the way.
From sharks to sales
As an entrepreneur business coach, I’ve seen time and again that the willingness to say yes before figuring out the how is what pays off in the biggest adventures and best results, whether what you’re aiming for is a friendly rendevouz with sharks or the successful launch of a new product offering with off the charts sales.
Several years ago I had never hosted a retreat. But I know how important it is for entrepreneurs to step back and take the time to pause for analysis and strategic planning, so I said yes. I made the commitment--and the down payment--for my first retreat before I knew how the details would work out. Not only did I figure it out and achieve my goal, but I went on to host four super successful retreats in Florida and two in New York over the next few years.
This principle can be applied to any type of work. I used it to say yes to the opportunity to co-produce a TEDx event in New York City that put bold and unique speakers on a big stage to spark new ideas and ignite change. Laura has used it to say yes to opportunities in her previous work in documentary television to interview legends like Neil Armstrong and film an aircraft carrier returning from war. Now, she uses it to help branding clients say yes to their authentic stories. And I have coached countless clients to say yes to challenges that have expanded their world when they trusted in their ability to figure out the details.
The trap of perfectionism
If saying yes and trusting yourself to figure out the how is so effective, why don’t more entrepreneurs do it? The answer comes down to one word: perfectionism.
In her groundbreaking book The Perfection Detox, wellness expert Petra Kolber describes the inner critic we all harbor--the nagging, negative voice inside of us that sets us up for failure by creating unrealistic expectations and then berating us for not measuring up to them.
It’s no wonder then, that perfectionism and fear go hand-in-hand. Who wouldn’t be afraid to say yes and trust that we’ll figure out the how if the litmus test for success is perfection, and the punishment for not being perfect is feeling like a failure?
Expand your world
If we really want to live lives full of adventure, success, impact, and fulfillment, we have to break free of the paralysis of perfectionism. Once we let go of unrealistic expectations and realize that success can come in many forms--from increased sales to strengthened relationships and lessons learned--we are free to say yes to new ideas.
If you want to take your business to the next level, say yes to something that will challenge you and expand your world. Say yes before you’re ready. Say yes before you know how every detail will fall into place. Say yes, and then figure it out.
One of the things I love most about working with entrepreneurs is seeing the passion and incredible talent they possess. I believe in your talent, and I invite you to expand your world by believing in it too, so much that you trust it will help you figure things out when you say yes to something new.
The world needs more people who believe in what’s possible and commit to taking inspired action. As an entrepreneur, you are being called upon to share your unique talents with the world in the way that only you can. Will you say yes?
If you’re ready to SAY YES and step out of your comfort zone, expand what’s possible for you, and shine your light on the world, I invite you to learn how we can work together to move you from best-kept secret to go-to expert HERE.
