SAY YES! Embrace New Opportunities

Saying “yes” more may seem easy to do…but is it? It may not be simple if it puts you outside your comfort zone. It is great to take advantage of opportunities that come along during our academic and professional careers. These opportunities can benefit us in multiple ways, such as by expanding our network, gaining a new skill set, or helping us to achieve a goal. These opportunities could look like volunteering, taking on a new task at work, or even mentoring.  

It can also be easy to fall into a professional work routine where we are comfortable, making new opportunities seem extremely daunting. After all, it would get us out of our comfort zones!  

Don’t allow the novel occasions that arise in your educational and professional careers to intimidate you; here are the benefits of saying “yes” to unique opportunities and some ways to overcome the challenge of leaving your safe haven.  

EMBRACING NEW OPPORTUNITIES EARLY IN YOUR JOURNEY 

Don’t wait until you have launched into your professional career to begin saying “yes” to new challenges. Instilling an open mindset when we are younger only makes it much easier to take advantage of these unique opportunities for the rest of your career. Embracing change and new opportunities earlier in your life helps you stay out of that box you put yourself in!  

During your academic career, you usually have much more time on your hands to sign up for new opportunities. This is an ideal time in your life to meet new people and expand your network. Sign up for a club, volunteer. Or even connecting with classmates for a study group.  

SAYING “YES” IN YOUR CAREER 

Suppose your boss has proposed the idea of you attending a conference and representing the company on your own. For some, this might be an easy “yes!” For others, the thought of attending a conference for the first time or going alone might seem daunting.  

YOU WILL IMPACT OTHERS 

Being someone who says “yes” and is open to new things can rub off and have influence over others. I have a friend that says “yes” to almost every opportunity. Just by being friends with her, she has influenced me and made me want to get out there and do more. You never know who you could be affecting.   

SET A GOAL 

If it is too overwhelming for you to think of a life of saying “yes”, set yourself a time parameter and try to complete that. For example, tell yourself that for an entire month that you are going to take advantage of the opportunities that arise. Do not make an excuse for why you cannot attend or commit to opportunities that fill your cup or contribute to your growth. Setting a goal and establishing a time to complete it can help you remain accountable and push yourself to grow. Establish boundaries by agreeing only to activities that you are comfortable committing and completing.  

When you think about life as a whole, it is much more fulfilling to say “yes” to new opportunities rather than be timid and missing out on the possibilities. Saying “yes” not only opens the door for us, but it also makes us better versions of ourselves through new experiences and growth opportunities. 

AgCareers.com’s followers responded to a posted poll, “How quick are you to say “yes” to a new opportunity?” 

25% ASAP 

73% I like to think about it 

2% I seek reason to refuse 

I challenge you, the next time someone presents you with an opportunity that makes you feel nervous or a little uncomfortable, give it some thought and say “yes!” Every time you get out of that box you put yourself in, you are expanding and growing.