Say Yes to Opportunities That Scare You
Thirty-two easy ways to say yes to opportunities that scare you, because growth often feels like fear.
Fear and excitement feel alike. Say yes with a plan.
40 tips that really help
These ideas come from Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg), The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Say yes to opportunities that scare you
Many of the best opportunities feel frightening at first. Fear often signals growth, not danger. A useful test: if it scares you but is safe and aligned with your goals, consider saying yes. Katty Kay and Claire Shipman’s The Confidence Code argues that confidence grows through action and risk-taking.
List one opportunity that scares you but is safe, and decide by a date.
Ask: is it safe?
Physical, ethical.
Check.
Ask: does it align?
Goals.
Check.
Ask: what's the worst?
Realistic.
Write.
Ask: what's the best?
Realistic.
Write.
Ask: what's the likely?
Middle.
Write.
Ask: what would I advise a friend?
Perspective.
Say it.
Ask: will I regret not trying?
Future self.
Imagine.
Ask: what support exists?
Mentors.
List.
Ask: can I prepare?
Plan.
Write.
Ask: can I try small?
Pilot.
Design.
Say yes
With conditions.
Reply.
Say yes
With questions.
Ask.
Practise
Scenarios.
Rehearse.
Tell supporters
Encouragement.
Share.
Notice fear
It rises and falls.
Breathe.
Scene: a speaking invitation
Say yes to a small one.
Accept.
Scene: a new role
Apply.
Submit.
Scene: a relocation
Visit first.
Explore.
Scene: leading a project
Start small.
Volunteer.
Scene: a stretch assignment
Ask for support.
Accept.
Scene: a client meeting
Prepare.
Go.
Scene: a media request
Prepare key points.
Practise.
Scene: a mentor's offer
Accept.
Thank.
Scene: a board seat
Learn.
Consider.
Scene: starting a side project
Small.
Launch.
Scene: a competition
Enter.
Do it.
Scene: a course
Enrol.
Sign up.
Scene: a networking event
Attend.
Go.
Scene: a hard conversation
Initiate.
Plan.
Scene: saying no
Sometimes right.
Decide.
Scene: overload
Trade-offs.
Prioritise.
Scene: success
Celebrate.
Share.
Scene: failure
Learn.
Retry.
Scene: regret
Let go.
Move on.
Build courage
Small steps.
Practise.
Celebrate brave yeses
Mark.
Note.
Be patient
Courage grows.
Keep going.
Seek help
Coach.
Consider it.
Close with courage
Say, “Scared and doing it anyway.”
Write it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“Thank you, I would love to try.”
“Here is how I will prepare.”
“Could I get some support?”
“I am a bit nervous, and I am excited.”
“Thank you for believing in me.”
“I am glad I said yes.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Notice the fear
Ask what is the worst
Prepare
Ask for support
Say yes
Take the first step
Review
Further reading
- Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg)
- The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman)
- Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Confidence at Work”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Network Without Feeling FakeNext: Protect Your Energy and Balance →
- Prepare Your Three Stories
- Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" Well
- Handle the Question You Fear
- Ask Great Questions Back
- Talk About Your Strengths Without Bragging
- Recover From a Bad Answer
- Follow Up With a Winning Note
- Speak in the First Ten Minutes
- Prepare One Point Before Every Meeting
- Disagree With a Colleague Kindly
- Handle Being Interrupted
- Share Credit and Claim Yours
- Speak Up in a Big Group
- Look Confident in Video Meetings
- Ask for Feedback Regularly
- Receive Criticism Without Crumbling
- Ask for a Raise With Evidence
- Share Ideas Without Fear
- Say No to Extra Work Politely
- Report Problems Early
- Show Your Value Every Month
- Introduce Yourself in a New Team
- Make Friends at Work
- Ask for Help Without Shame
- Handle a Difficult Colleague
- Stop Being the Office Pushover
- Celebrate Others and Be Celebrated
- Build Your Reputation Quietly
- Take on a Stretch Project
- Overcome Impostor Syndrome
- Lead Without a Title
- Give Your First Presentation
- Mentor Someone Newer
- Handle a Mistake at Work
- Set a Career Goal You Believe In
- Learn One New Skill Every Quarter
- Network Without Feeling Fake
- Say Yes to Opportunities That Scare You
- Protect Your Energy and Balance
- Your Confidence at Work Plan
