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My Year of Yes!

Writer's picture: LaurenLauren

Updated: Jan 13





At the start of 2024, I made a promise to myself: I would embrace the word “yes.”

Not just for the easy stuff, but for the things that made me pause, made my stomach flip, or sent my anxiety into overdrive. It was a year to step outside my comfort zone and see what could happen.

Looking back now, it’s amazing to see how that one little word transformed my mindset, my business, and my life.

When I committed to saying yes, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I’ve always been someone who prefers staying behind the scenes, quietly doing the work, rather than standing in the spotlight. But I realised that the comfort zone I’d built for myself wasn’t helping me grow. It was time to stretch.

Some of the first opportunities that came my way were the kind I would have normally avoided like the plague. Speaking in front of large crowds? Absolutely not. Networking events with hundreds of strangers? Pass. But in the spirit of my “year of yes,” I took a deep breath and went for it.

And you know what? It wasn’t as scary as I thought.


The first time I stepped up to a microphone to talk about business and bookkeeping, I was terrified.

My hands were shaking, and I’m pretty sure my voice cracked once or twice. But as

I kept speaking, I found my rhythm. People

were engaged, nodding along, and even asking questions afterward. It was a rush I hadn’t expected. More importantly, it made me realise I had something valuable to share.


Networking was another big hurdle. I’m naturally more introverted, so the idea of walking into a room full of strangers felt daunting. But as I started to say yes to more events, I began to notice a shift. I wasn’t just meeting people; I was building genuine connections. Those connections turned into collaborations, referrals, and friendships that I’ll treasure for years to come.


One of the highlights of this journey was writing a book chapter in the Purpose and Passion collaboration book.

In my chapter, I shared how I’ve built a relationship-based business as an authentic introvert. It was an opportunity to reflect on my journey and offer insights into how networking doesn’t have to mean pretending to be someone you’re not. Instead, it’s about showing up as yourself and creating meaningful connections.

I also said yes to sponsoring events and awards that aligned with my values, further embedding myself in my community and industry. I hosted a webinar about how to prepare your bookkeeping for the end of the financial year, which allowed me to share practical insights and connect with a broader audience. These experiences solidified my belief in the power of visibility and authenticity.


This year marked a decade in business, a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. Reflecting on the past ten years, I realised how far I’ve come, not just as a business owner but as a leader. A big part of my growth in 2024 was learning to delegate more and trust my team. Letting go of control wasn’t easy, but it was one of the best decisions I made. My team stepped up in incredible ways, allowing us to deliver exceptional service without burning out.


By the end of the year, something amazing had happened. Saying yes no longer felt like an act of bravery; it had become second nature. My mindset shifted. I stopped overthinking every decision and started seeing challenges as opportunities. The things that once felt impossible started to feel easier—even exciting.


And the impact on my business? Incredible.

Saying yes opened doors I didn’t even know were there. I connected with clients who aligned perfectly with my values, collaborated with industry peers, and grew my business to new heights. It wasn’t just about the growth in numbers; it was about the growth in confidence and clarity.


As 2024 came to a close, I took some time to reflect on the journey. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, and there were plenty of moments where I wanted to retreat back into my comfort zone. But every time I pushed through, I came out stronger on the other side.


“Yes” became more than just a word for me; it became a way of life. It taught me that growth comes from the uncomfortable, the uncertain, and the unexpected. And for that, I’m forever grateful.


So, here’s to the power of saying Yes. Who knows where it might take you?


Lauren 😁

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