“Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes is a memoir about the writer, producer, and creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. The book details her journey of personal growth and self-discovery, beginning with a conversation with her sister in which she is challenged to say “yes” to everything that scares her for one year. The book outlines her experiences, lessons learned, and key takeaways from that year.
Key Learnings:
- Say yes to new experiences: Rhimes learns that by saying “yes” to things that scare her, she opens herself up to new opportunities, relationships, and growth.
- Embrace vulnerability: Rhimes realizes that being vulnerable and open about her feelings and experiences allows her to connect with others and build stronger relationships.
- Set boundaries: Rhimes learns the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of herself in order to avoid burnout and maintain her mental and emotional well-being.
- Find your own definition of success: Rhimes learns to define success on her own terms, rather than basing it on external expectations or societal norms.
- Celebrate your own journey: Rhimes encourages readers to celebrate their own journey and experiences, rather than constantly comparing themselves to others.
Key Exercises:
- Say yes: Just as Rhimes did, commit to saying “yes” to things that scare you for a set period of time, whether that’s a day, a week, or a year.
- Reflect on your own definition of success: Take some time to think about what success means to you and how you want to define it in your own life.
- Practice vulnerability: Experiment with being more open and vulnerable with others, whether that’s sharing a personal story or expressing your feelings.
- Set boundaries: Take a look at your schedule and start setting boundaries around the things that are most important to you.
- Celebrate your journey: Take time to reflect on the experiences and accomplishments you’ve had, and find ways to celebrate them.
In “Year of Yes,” Shonda Rhimes inspires readers to embrace new experiences, connect with others, and find their own definition of success. Through her own journey, she teaches the importance of saying “yes,” setting boundaries, and celebrating your own journey.
[…] at some point in our careers, especially if you’re an FOD – First. Only. Different. As Shonda Rhimes defines it in her book “Year of Yes”, FODs are those who are pioneers in their field, the only […]