From “Yes, But” to “Yes, And”: Turning Change Into Possibility

I’m Jodi Hope Grinwald, host of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. In this episode, special guest co-host Fred Wasiak, Principal Owner of Humanics Consulting, and we sit down with motivational keynote speaker, author and improv comedian Avish Parashar for a powerful and refreshingly honest conversation about navigating change, moving beyond apathy and replacing “yes, but” with “yes, and.”

Avish reminds us that life isn’t scripted—it is the ultimate improvisation. We are constantly facing unexpected changes, challenging conversations and circumstances we cannot control. The question is: Will we resist what is happening, or will we adapt and explore what could be possible?

One of my favorite insights from Avish’s book, Say “Yes, And!” to Change, is:

“Yes, but” is a brake.
“Yes, and” is an accelerator.

When someone presents an idea and the response is, “Yes, but that won’t work,” the idea can be shut down in seconds. But responding with, “Yes, and what if we also…” can open the door to creativity, collaboration and entirely new possibilities.

Avish explains how changing our default response from “yes, but” to “yes, and” can help us:

• Adapt more effectively to change
• Strengthen communication and teamwork
• Move beyond resistance and complacency
• Unlock creativity and innovation
• Become more comfortable with uncertainty
• Say “yes, and” to ourselves and the possibilities we may be dismissing

Our conversation also takes an unexpectedly honest turn when Avish shares his unusual personal theme: to become more “bored, awkward and rejected.”

Why would anyone choose that?

Because boredom creates space for imagination. Awkwardness can mean we are stretching beyond what feels comfortable. Rejection means we had the courage to try. Avish explains that when we stop immediately escaping discomfort through distraction, we give ourselves the space to create, grow and achieve better results.

We also explore approval-seeking and how easy it is to focus on the one person who did not like what we did—even when 100 others did. Avish openly discusses his own desire for approval, the vulnerability behind performing and why being honest about what we are experiencing allows others the opportunity to support us.

Avish also challenges the belief that every goal must feel achievable. While SMART goals have value, he believes we also need an “impossible goal”—one that makes us think, “I have no idea how I’m going to accomplish that.”

An impossible goal requires us to experiment, learn, collaborate and use our creativity. When individuals or teams pursue an ambitious goal they genuinely care about, that renewed engagement can begin to replace apathy.

Most importantly, Avish reminds us that bringing “yes, and” into our workplaces, relationships and communities must begin with saying “yes, and” to ourselves. How many times have you thought, “I want to do that,” only to immediately answer yourself with, “Yes, but I don’t have the time,” “Yes, but I might fail” or “Yes, but I’m not ready”?

This episode invites us to change that response.

If you are navigating change, leading a team, pursuing a goal that feels beyond your reach or struggling to move past your own “yes, but,” this conversation is for you.

Listen to From “Yes, But” to “Yes, And”: Turning Change Into Possibility with Avish Parashar.

CONNECT WITH AVISH PARASHAR

Learn more about Avish:
https://www.avishparashar.com

Learn more about Say “Yes, And!” to Change:
https://www.sayyesandtochange.com

CONNECT WITH TODAY IS THE DAY

Subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel and join a global community committed to creating meaningful change.

Learn more about me and the work of Today is the Day:
https://www.todayisthedayliveit.com

#leadership  #changemanagement  #yesand  #TodayIsTheDayChangemakers #AvishParashar #leadershipdevelopment  #adaptability  #personalgrowth  #teamengagement  #creativity  #innovation  #growthmindset  #workplaceculture  #communicationskills  #podcast