Yes Month — the month you say YES to courage, growth, and the kind of opportunities that stretch you into the version of yourself you’ve only dreamed about.

Two weeks into my final project at a Coding Boot Camp, I had a group lunch with some of my classmates and instructor. As we waited for our food, my instructor asked, “Would anyone like to teach a crash course tomorrow?” Suddenly, the entire table went silent.

This crash course covered Javascript programming basics, including HTML and CSS. Usually, only teaching assistants with at least two years of experience led it. I had just five months of coding experience. Still, I had a choice: shrink back or say yes.

At first, fear kicked in hard. My mind filled with doubts: What if I mess up? What if I forget what to say? What if I completely blow it? But then I remembered—it was my “YES” month. I had promised myself to say yes to new opportunities without overthinking.

So, after what felt like an eternity, I turned to my instructor and said, “YES! I’ll teach the crash course tomorrow.” Excitement and nerves hit me instantly. Thankfully, my instructor offered to prep me. That prep session helped me realize I knew a lot more than I gave myself credit for.

I Made History

On the day of the crash course, I was nervous. That good kind of nervous that comes when you’re doing something that matters. My classmates came to cheer me on. By the end of the lecture, I received a resounding ovation and tons of positive feedback.

My instructor, Justin Richards, said, “The attendees ate out of the palm of your hands. You did a fabulous job.”

I was the first female student to teach a crash course before graduation. Just five months into my coding journey—and I made history. All because I chose to say yes.

What if I let fear lead? What if I had said no? Someone else might have made that history. But because I said yes, I got to write that chapter.

Say Yes For A Change

The concept of a “YES” month came from my friend and mentor, Jokotade. A YES month is when you intentionally say yes to new experiences, friendships, and appointments. You don’t overthink whether you’re ready. You trust that growth lives on the other side of courage.

I’ve often overanalyzed myself out of good things. Fear and shame can whisper convincing lies. I’ve said no to opportunities because I was afraid to fail or look foolish. But growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone—it happens when you say yes.

Carol Dweck calls this the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. A fixed mindset avoids challenges. A growth mindset embraces them. Saying yes helps you grow, and Michael Hyatt reminds us that true growth happens in our discomfort zone.

Knowing When to Say Yes (and When to Say No)

Wisdom isn’t about saying yes to everything. It’s about discerning the right yeses and the necessary nos.

Say yes to:

• Opportunities that align with your values and purpose.
• Relationships that energize and strengthen you.
• Personal growth and responsibility.
• Starting your business after careful planning.

Say no to:

• Opportunities that distract from your calling.
• Relationships that drain or change who you are.
• Immature patterns that keep you stuck.
• Blaming others or using perfectionism as a reason to stall.

Three Things to Do After You Say Yes

1. Figure Out the How
   Marie Forleo says, “Everything is figureoutable.” Once you say yes, start problem-solving. Ask for help. Read books. Google. Invest in coaching. There’s always a way forward.
2. Make Learning the Goal
   It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. When I taught that crash course, I didn’t do it to impress anyone. I did it to stretch. To grow. Experience will always be your best teacher.
3. Celebrate Your Progress
   Don’t wait for perfect outcomes to celebrate. Celebrate your courage. Celebrate your yes. Celebrate your growth. Even if you stumble, you’re further along than if you stayed stuck in fear.

You Can Ask for the Opportunity

Sometimes, the opportunity doesn’t come to you—you have to ask for it. That reminds me of Peter, a fisherman who saw Jesus walking on water. Peter asked for a chance to join Him. He didn’t wait for permission—he asked for the opportunity.

Jesus said yes. Peter stepped out. And even when he stumbled, Jesus helped him. Peter grew that day, and he made history too.

Don’t be afraid to ask. Don’t be afraid to say yes. The same courage it takes to ask is the courage it takes to step forward.

Make This Your YES Month

Let this month be your YES month. Embrace what stretches you. Move forward even when you’re afraid. Say yes to what grows you—and watch how you make history in the process.

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