Shonda Rhimes’ “Year of Yes” offers a transformative roadmap for anyone feeling stuck in their comfort zone. In this refreshingly candid memoir, the creative force behind television hits like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton shares how six simple words from her sister—”You never say yes to anything”—sparked a life-altering challenge. Despite her phenomenal professional success, Shonda found herself unhappy, disconnected, and saying no to opportunities out of fear. Her solution? Commit to saying “yes” to everything that scared her for one entire year.
What makes this book so impactful is Shonda’s willingness to be vulnerable. She admits to experiencing crippling anxiety before television appearances, even completely blacking out during her first interview with Oprah. Her first “yes” challenge—appearing on Jimmy Kimmel—reveals just how profound her fear was, but also demonstrates how facing our fears rarely results in the catastrophes we imagine. This honest portrayal of anxiety resonates deeply with readers who struggle with similar fears in their own lives.
Perhaps the most touching aspect of Shonda’s journey is her realization about motherhood and balance. Despite her demanding career, she makes the conscious decision to say “yes” whenever her daughters ask her to play. This commitment to being present represents a powerful shift in priorities—not abandoning career ambitions, but refusing to let them overshadow meaningful moments with her children. Her acknowledgment that different aspects of life take precedence at different times offers a refreshing perspective on the elusive concept of “having it all.”
The book challenges common societal expectations placed on women. Shonda boldly addresses topics like marriage, openly sharing how she almost said “yes” to a proposal despite knowing marriage wasn’t what she truly wanted. Her eventual “no” to marriage becomes one of her most authentic “yeses” to herself. Similarly, her candid discussion about having household help—nannies, housekeepers—breaks through the harmful silence that makes many working parents feel inadequate or guilty.
One of the most profound sections examines Shonda’s difficulty accepting compliments and recognition, particularly when receiving the Hollywood Reporter Sherry Lansing Award. Her reflection on breaking glass ceilings acknowledges the women who came before her, noting: “Making it through the glass ceiling to the other side was simply a matter of running on a path created by every other woman’s footprints.” This beautiful sentiment serves as both gratitude for past pioneers and inspiration for future generations.
By the end of her year, Shonda discovers that saying “yes” fundamentally changed her, making it impossible to revert to her former self. The transformation showcases how small changes in behavior can lead to profound internal shifts. Her journey reminds us that growth often begins with discomfort, and that pushing beyond our comfort zones opens doors to experiences we might otherwise miss. The memoir’s lasting message is clear: happiness doesn’t come from following predetermined rules or meeting external expectations—it comes from being authentically ourselves.
