“Say yes. You’ll figure it out afterward.”
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— Tina Fey
This powerful piece of advice comes from comedian, writer, and producer Tina Fey. It’s a motto that cuts through the noise of self-doubt and analysis paralysis. The quote encourages a bias for action over hesitation. Furthermore, it champions the idea that growth happens when we step into the unknown. It suggests we trust our future selves to handle the challenges that arise. This mindset is not about recklessness. Instead, it is about having confidence in your ability to adapt, learn, and solve problems on the fly.
Many of us wait for the perfect moment. We wait until we feel 100% ready. However, that moment rarely arrives. Opportunities pass by while we are busy planning and worrying. Fey’s advice challenges this tendency. It pushes us to seize opportunities, even when we feel unprepared. The core message is simple: jump first, and then build your parachute on the way down.
The Mindset of Improvisation
Tina Fey’s career began in improvisational theater. This background deeply influences her philosophy. A core rule of improv comedy is “Yes, and…”. This principle requires performers to accept what their partner offers (the “yes”) and then build upon it (the “and”). Consequently, this creates a collaborative and forward-moving scene. It prevents actors from shutting down ideas. It forces them to create something new in the moment.
This “Say yes” quote is the real-world application of that improv rule. It’s about accepting the offers life presents to you. When you say yes to a new project or a new experience, you create momentum. You open a door that was previously closed. Afterward, you engage your creativity and resourcefulness to navigate the new situation. This process builds resilience and expands your capabilities far more than staying in your comfort zone ever could.
Overcoming the Fear of Failure
Fear often holds us back. We worry about not being good enough. We fear making mistakes or looking foolish. This feeling, often called imposter syndrome, is incredibly common. In fact, research shows that a vast majority of people experience these feelings of inadequacy at some point in their lives . Saying yes is a direct confrontation with this fear. It is an act of courage. Source
When you commit to figuring things out later, you accept that the path may not be smooth. You give yourself permission to be a beginner. Moreover, you allow yourself to learn through trial and error. This shift in perspective is liberating. It transforms potential failures into valuable learning experiences. Each challenge you overcome after saying yes builds a stronger foundation of self-trust.
Putting the “Yes” Philosophy into Practice
Adopting this mindset doesn’t require a massive, life-altering decision overnight. You can start small. For example, say yes to a coffee invitation from a new colleague. Or you could agree to take the lead on a small part of a team project. These minor acts build the “yes” muscle. They prove that you can handle small uncertainties, preparing you for bigger ones.
In a professional setting, this could mean volunteering for a challenging assignment. It might be one that stretches your current skills. Perhaps you feel only 60% qualified. Saying yes anyway forces you to learn quickly and demonstrate your potential. Similarly, in your personal life, it could mean signing up for a class you know nothing about. You might also book a trip to a place you’ve never been. The initial discomfort almost always gives way to growth and fulfillment.
Knowing When to Say No
However, it is crucial to understand the nuance in Fey’s advice. This philosophy is not a license for burnout. It does not mean saying yes to every single request or opportunity that comes your way. Saying yes indiscriminately can lead to overcommitment, stress, and a lack of focus. True wisdom lies in knowing which opportunities to say yes to. A great opportunity should align with your long-term goals, values, or curiosities.
Before you say yes, take a moment to assess the offer. Does it excite you? Does it scare you in a good way? Will it move you closer to where you want to be? Learning to differentiate between a growth opportunity and a simple distraction is a skill in itself. Therefore, the art of saying yes is balanced by the power of saying a strategic no. Protect your time and energy for the opportunities that truly matter. In essence, say yes to the things that push you forward, and say no to the things that hold you back.