Say "Yes"!

Look beyond the fear of failure and instead see setbacks as opportunities to redefine our paths and uncover new possibilities. Failure isn’t the end - it’s a turning point.

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Great News Day Team
February 06, 2025

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When Stephen Colbert talks about the power of “yes,” he’s offering us more than just advice for the improv stage—he’s sharing a philosophy for life. Saying “yes” doesn’t just open doors; it creates entirely new rooms to explore. It’s an act of courage, creativity, and connection that invites growth, discovery, and even a little foolishness (and that’s okay). In a world that often teaches us to play it safe, Colbert reminds us that some of the best things in life begin with one simple word: Yes.

“So, say "yes." In fact, say "yes" as often as you can. When I was starting out in Chicago, doing improvisational theatre with Second City and other places, there was really only one rule I was taught about improv. That was, "yes-and." In this case, "yes-and" is a verb. To "yes-and." I yes-and, you yes-and, he, she or it yes-ands. And yes-anding means that when you go onstage to improvise a scene with no script, you have no idea what's going to happen, maybe with someone you've never met before. To build a scene, you have to accept. To build anything onstage, you have to accept what the other improviser initiates on stage. They say you're doctors—you're doctors. And then, you add to that: We're doctors and we're trapped in an ice cave. That's the "-and." And then hopefully they "yes-and" you back. You have to keep your eyes open when you do this. You have to be aware of what the other performer is offering you, so that you can agree and add to it. And through these agreements, you can improvise a scene or a one-act play. And because, by following each other's lead, neither of you are really in control. It's more of a mutual discovery than a solo adventure. What happens in a scene is often as much a surprise to you as it is to the audience.”

“. . . Now will saying "yes" get you in trouble at times? Will saying "yes" lead you to doing some foolish things? Yes it will. But don't be afraid to be a fool . . ."

". . . Cynics always say no. But saying "yes" begins things. Saying "yes" is how things grow. Saying "yes" leads to knowledge . . .”

Source: Colbert, Stephen. Knox College. Galesburg, Illinois. 3 June 2006. Commencement Address.

⚡A Great News Day Powerful Takeaway

Saying “yes” is more than just a choice—it’s an opportunity to create, connect, and grow. Whether it’s saying “yes” to a new challenge, an unexpected invitation, or a leap into the unknown, every “yes” is a chance to build something extraordinary. While “yes” might sometimes lead to stumbles or mistakes, it also leads to the moments of discovery, growth, and joy that make life worth living. Today, challenge yourself to embrace the power of “yes”—you never know what incredible journey it might begin.

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