🌴 What Opportunities Are You Saying No To?

A Lesson From Fiji

My 13-year-old daughter is currently off in Fiji with her school—snorkeling, building houses, helping the community, and basically living her best teenage life.

As I scrolled through the photos the teachers were sending, it hit me: she’s out there saying yes to everything.

And meanwhile, I had to get honest with myself… I’ve been quietly saying no to some opportunities in my own life. Not because I don’t want them, but because of that little voice in my head that whispers, “what if it doesn’t work out?”

If you’re nodding right now, you’re not alone.

Why We Default to “No”

Your brain is wired to keep you safe, not successful. That means it’s constantly scanning for what could go wrong, not what could go right.

Psychologists call this loss aversion—your brain gives more weight to potential failure than it does to possible wins. And that’s why saying no feels safer, even when saying yes could change everything.

The Fiji Principle

Here’s the mindset shift I want you to try: The Fiji Principle.

Every yes you give creates space for more opportunities to find you.

• Say yes to the networking event—you never know who you’ll meet.

• Say yes to the course or training—it could unlock doors you don’t even know exist yet.

• Say yes to the creative project or the business idea—it might just be what the world needs (and what you need too).

You don’t have to be ready. You just have to be willing.

Ask Better Questions

Instead of asking:
👉 “What if it doesn’t work out?”

Flip it to:
👉 “But what if it does?”
👉 “What if this is exactly what I need right now?”

Your brain will always go hunting for answers, so make sure you’re asking the right questions.

One Small Step Today

Here’s your challenge:

1. Think of one opportunity you’ve been saying no to.

2. Write down three reasons why you should say yes.

3. Take one tiny action today to move toward it—send the email, make the call, fill in the form.

Because life isn’t a dress rehearsal, beautiful humans. Your future self is counting on the decisions you make today.

Keep the Momentum Going

This episode of The StacyM Show goes deeper into fear, risk, and the opportunities we reject before we even give them a chance.

🎧 Click here to listen to What Opportunities Are You Saying No To? 

And if you’re facing one of the biggest decisions of all—navigating separation or starting over—you don’t have to do it alone. Book a consultation with me here!