The Yes Effect: How One Word Can Change Everything

I didn’t know a single person going. I had never been to California—never even set foot on the entire western half of the country. I had never flown alone. Every logical reason told me to say no. But despite the uncertainty, I made a decision that would change everything.

I said yes.

In December, an email landed in my inbox inviting me to attend the NMGZ Community trip to San Francisco and saying yes turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. That one yes opened the door to meeting an incredible group of individuals and industry leaders, where I gained insights that reshaped my perspective on my career and the future. Not to mention the culture, the conversations, and the sheer energy of being in a place so different from what I knew.

But this wasn’t the first time saying yes had changed my path. It all started back in my junior year of college when I took a leap and joined the Student Media Center on campus—a decision that sparked my passion for advertising and marketing. That single yes led to countless other opportunities, each building on the last, and inspiring me to say yes to everything I can.

The Ripple Effect of Saying Yes

One yes rarely stands alone. It creates a ripple effect, leading to new experiences and opportunities.

Saying yes has shaped not just my journey but the world we live in. Imagine if Steve Jobs had ignored his instincts and followed a traditional path—would we have the innovative technology we rely on today?

Or think about Marie Curie, whose relentless yes to curiosity and discovery revolutionized science, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements we still benefit from today.

And the power of yes isn’t just in history—it’s everywhere, even in the movies we love. What if Andy had turned down Paris in The Devil Wears Prada? What if Mia had skipped that audition in La La Land? Saying yes altered the course of their stories. And in real life, it can do the same for us.

Saying Yes—Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense to Others

Not every yes has to be life-changing. Sometimes, it's about doing something simply because you want to.

I once took a 10-hour trip to New York City from Louisiana for no reason other than the experience. A $70 round-trip ticket, a 6 AM flight, and back home by 10 PM. Some might call it impractical, but I didn’t care. I wanted to go, so I did.

There’s power in saying yes to what excites you—whether it’s a spontaneous trip, a solo dinner, or an unconventional hobby.

When to Say No

Saying yes doesn’t mean blindly accepting every opportunity that comes your way. It’s about recognizing the right opportunities—the ones that align with your growth, your passions, and your future.

But saying yes also means knowing when to say no. If an opportunity drains you, pulls you away from your purpose, or doesn’t bring value to your life, it’s okay to pass. The key is knowing which doors to walk through.

Now, imagine if all of these people and characters had said no instead:

●      If Steve Jobs had stuck with his original college path, the tech industry might look completely different.

●      If Marie Curie had ignored her passion for science, modern medicine, and physics might not exist.

●      If Andy had turned down Paris and if Mia had skipped the audition, there wouldn't be a movie.

●      And if I didn't say yes to the San Francisco trip, I wouldn't be writing this blog.

Saying no might feel safe; it might feel comfortable. But it also means shutting the door on what could be.

So, the next time you’re faced with an opportunity, ask yourself:

"What if this yes leads to something amazing?"

Because sometimes, one yes is all it takes to change everything.

What will you say yes to next?