How to Start Saying 'Yes' to Yourself and Your Dreams

Binita Srivastava

India's Leading Transformation Coach
An Accidental Entrepreneur | TEDx Speaker | Author | Former Beauty Queen | Keynote Speaker | Philanthropist

For so many women, saying “yes” to everyone else has become second nature. We prioritize family, work, friends, and even strangers, often putting our own dreams and desires on the back burner. But what if we made a conscious choice to start saying “yes” to ourselves? Imagine the transformative power of embracing our dreams and living life on our own terms. Saying “yes” to yourself isn't about being selfish—it’s about acknowledging your worth, valuing your dreams, and making room for the things that genuinely fulfill you.

In this blog, we’ll explore the steps to start saying “yes” to yourself and your dreams, and how doing so can help you create a life that feels purpose-driven and empowered. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Embrace Self-Reflection and Clarity

The first step to saying “yes” to yourself is getting crystal clear about what you truly want. Many of us have dreams and aspirations, but they often remain hazy in the background, overshadowed by daily responsibilities and doubts. To move forward, take time to reflect deeply on your desires. Ask yourself questions like:

  • What do I genuinely want to experience in life?
  • Which activities make me feel alive and fulfilled?
  • What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail?

Write down your responses. Be honest with yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable or unrealistic at first. This is your starting point. Self-reflection not only brings clarity to your dreams but also solidifies your commitment to pursuing them.

Step 2: Set Boundaries That Prioritize You

Saying “yes” to yourself often means learning to say “no” to others. Boundaries are essential to creating the time and space needed to work toward your dreams. If you constantly feel stretched thin or overcommitted, it’s time to set some healthy limits.

Identify the areas in your life where you can afford to say “no” more often. Maybe it’s declining a social event that doesn’t serve you or delegating tasks at work to focus on personal growth. Setting boundaries can be challenging, but remember: every “no” to distractions and demands is a powerful “yes” to your own growth and happiness.

Step 3: Release Self-Doubt and Embrace Self-Confidence

One of the biggest obstacles to saying “yes” to yourself is self-doubt. We often wonder if we’re capable, talented, or “enough” to pursue our dreams. These thoughts hold us back, but it’s time to shift that mindset.

Start by recognizing and challenging negative beliefs. Replace them with positive affirmations and reminders of your strengths. Instead of “I’m not qualified enough,” try saying, “I am capable and willing to learn.” Affirmations like “I am deserving of success” or “I trust myself to make the right decisions” can rewire your thinking and help build the confidence you need to take action.

Step 4: Set Achievable Goals and Take Small Steps Forward

Dreams can feel overwhelming, especially if they seem far from where you are now. Instead of focusing on the big picture, break down your dream into smaller, achievable goals. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a commitment to yourself and your journey.

For instance, if your dream is to start your own business, begin with small steps like researching your field, building a network, or developing a simple business plan. These small, manageable tasks build momentum and bring you closer to saying a full, unwavering “yes” to your aspirations.

Set Achievable Goals and Take Small Steps Forward.

Step 5: Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community

Surrounding yourself with like-minded, supportive individuals can be the difference between moving forward and staying stuck. Having a community that cheers for your wins and supports you through challenges can give you the strength to keep going.

Find communities, groups, or mentors who inspire and encourage you. Engaging with other ambitious women can motivate you to continue saying “yes” to your dreams, even when the journey gets tough.

Step 6: Celebrate Every Step Forward

As you begin saying “yes” to yourself, celebrate each victory, no matter how small. Every step you take towards your dreams deserves recognition. These celebrations remind you of your progress and fuel your motivation. Remember, it’s not just about reaching the finish line; it’s about honoring every stage of your journey and valuing each moment of growth.

Step 7: Keep Saying “Yes” Even When Challenges Arise

Finally, remember that challenges and setbacks are part of the journey. When faced with obstacles, it’s easy to revert to old patterns of self-doubt. But these moments are precisely when saying “yes” to yourself matters the most. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, and trust that each one is shaping you into a stronger, wiser person.

Saying “yes” to yourself is an ongoing commitment, a promise to honor and value yourself and your dreams. With each “yes,” you’re building a life that reflects your true desires and potential.

Ready to Start Your Transformation?

If you’re ready to say “yes” to yourself and dive deeper into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, why not take the next step? Join the Diva Community and start accessing life-changing resources to support you on this path. You’ll find free training sessions in the Academy App, designed specifically to help you build confidence and reclaim your identity.

Additionally, don’t miss out on the Diva Transformation Challenge. It’s an empowering experience that’s helped countless women transform their lives, embrace their dreams, and achieve personal growth.

Join the Diva Community today: Free Access

Click below to download the Academy App and join the Diva Community today. Start saying “yes” to a future that excites you and begin your journey to transformation!

Brief About the Author:

Binita Shrivastava

Former Beauty Queen | India’s Leading Transformation Coach

From Housewife to Homemaker-turned-Beauty-Queen, Binita Shrivastava is an Accidental Entrepreneur, India’s leading Transformation Coach, Amazon Best Seller Author, TEDx Speaker. Keynote Speaker, Producer, and Philanthropist!

Her Transformational Training Model has gifted thousands of women, the opportunity to become Confident Divas. She has empowered countless women helping them find their true happiness, purpose, passion, identity and to acclaim the due respect they truly deserve.

At the helm of Visionara Global, overseeing Pageants, Education, E-Learning, Events, PR, Media and Productions, Binita has founded Visionara Academy to empower women and help them become self-reliant.

Binita has been featured in various leading media platforms on print and electronic media. She has been featured in various Podcasts with Leading Influencers. The book "Walk with a Smile", Authored by Binita Shrivastava is Amazon best seller and has received amazing reviews. She presented her book to Her Excellency Anandiben Patel, Hon'ble Governor of U.P. at Raj Bhawan Lucknow.

On a mission to help 10,00,000 women earn and achieve financial independence becoming unstoppable, successful and confident Divas – to achieve their goals and soar higher!

If you're working women, self employed, business women or a housewife and ready to take charge of your future, join Binita’s mission today and become the Confident Diva you were meant to be!


Originally published Nov 13, 2024 | © 2024 Visionara Global Private Limited. All rights reserved