Year of Yes
Shonda Rhimes
18 min
7 Key Points
5 RateWhat's inside?
Explore a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as you learn to say 'yes' to life's opportunities, embrace your potential, and step into the spotlight with confidence.
You'll learn
1. Say "yes" more!2. Beat fear and doubt!3. Look after yourself, set limits!4. Juggle work and play!5. Embrace change, grow!6. Speak up, stand out!Key points
01Be real, don't fake it
"Be real. Don't fake it." That's the heart of Shonda Rhimes' message. It's a shout-out to all of us to live our lives as our true selves, not as some cookie-cutter version that society expects us to be. So, what does it mean to be real? Well, it's about embracing who you are, warts and all. It's about owning your strengths, your weaknesses, your passions, and even your weirdness. It's about not pretending to be someone else just to fit in or to make someone else happy. Shonda, for example, had to come to terms with the fact that she's an introvert who loves to write, even though the world was telling her to be more outgoing and to chase after a more 'sensible' career. On the flip side, faking it means living a lie. It's about denying who you are and what you want. It could be pretending to love a job you can't stand, sticking with a relationship that's making you miserable, or hiding your true thoughts and feelings to avoid rocking the boat. Shonda admits she used to say 'yes' to things she didn't want to do, just to avoid letting people down or being seen as difficult. But here's the thing: living a lie isn't just dishonest, it's harmful. It can leave you feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, and even depressed. You're constantly suppressing your true self and living in a state of conflict. Shonda knows this all too well. Despite her success, she felt unhappy and unfulfilled until she started saying 'yes' to her true self. So, how do you stay real and avoid living a lie? Shonda has a few tips. Say 'yes' to things that scare you. It's a way to face your fears and step out of your comfort zone. Say 'no' to things that don't serve you. It's about setting boundaries and putting your needs first. And say 'yes' to who you are. It's about embracing and celebrating your unique identity. In a nutshell, "be real. Don't fake it" is a call to authenticity and self-acceptance. It's about owning who you are, setting boundaries to protect your wellbeing, and living your life in a way that's true to you, not what others expect of you. Sure, it's a tough journey, as Shonda's own story shows, but it's also a rewarding one. It leads to greater happiness, fulfillment, and personal growth.
02Find your crew who gets you and helps you say 'Yes'
In Shonda Rhimes' world, the word "tribe" takes on a whole new meaning. It's not about ancient cultures or anthropology. Nope. It's about your personal cheer squad, your support network, your people. They're the ones who get you, who have your back, who help you navigate this crazy thing called life. They could be your family, your friends, your work buddies, or anyone else who you feel a deep connection with. Because let's face it, life's a team sport, and we all need our teammates. Shonda gets it. She knows that life can be a juggling act. We're all trying to keep a million balls in the air, playing multiple roles, and often stretching ourselves way too thin. It's like we're running on a treadmill that's going too fast, and we're just trying not to fall off. That's where your tribe comes in. They're your safety net, your backup, your relief pitchers. They're there to help you manage the chaos. Take a working parent, for example. Between work, kids, and everything else, it can feel like you're being pulled in a million different directions. But what if you could lean on your tribe for help? Maybe you hire a nanny, or ask a family member to pitch in. Or if you're running a business, maybe you delegate some tasks to your team, or bring on some extra help. The point is, it's okay to ask for help. It doesn't make you weak or incapable. It makes you smart. It shows that you know your limits and that you're willing to prioritize your own well-being. But Shonda doesn't stop there. She also encourages us to say Yes to ourselves. To acknowledge our needs, our wants, our boundaries. To not be afraid to express them. To recognize that we all need a break sometimes, and that it's okay to take one. To drive this point home, Shonda shares a little personal tidbit. Every Christmas Eve, she has deep-dish pizza flown in from Chicago, her hometown, all the way to her home in Los Angeles. Sure, it might seem a bit over the top, but it's her way of treating herself and staying connected to her roots. It's a small but powerful example of how saying Yes to what you want and need can make your life that much better. So, in a nutshell, finding your tribe and getting comfortable with saying Yes is all about recognizing your needs, seeking support, and putting your well-being first. It's about accepting that you can't do everything on your own, and that's perfectly okay.
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03Be honest about what's holding you back and grow from it
04Don't undersell yourself, own your awesomeness
05Be happy by accepting all kinds of people, including yourself
06Show yourself the same love and acceptance you give others. You're unique and beautiful too
07Conclusion
About Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes is an acclaimed American television producer and writer, best known for creating hit TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," and "How to Get Away with Murder." She is also the founder of Shondaland, a television production company. Her book "Year of Yes" is a New York Times bestseller.
