In life, and especially in business, there are few words as quietly destructive as “yeah, but.” These two little words, when fused together, carry more weight than we give them credit for. They’re not just a hesitation. They’re a red flag, a whisper from our inner voice that things might not be what they seem on the surface. They’re also a signal that something deeper is at play – the ego, protecting its comfort zone, holding tight to what’s familiar, and pushing back against what might force it to grow.
So let’s talk about the true danger of “yeah, but” – and how we can get out of its grip, if we’re willing.
Who’s Driving When “Yeah, But” Shows Up?
If you’ve ever been presented with an opportunity – a big idea, a new direction, a powerful invitation – and found yourself saying, “Yeah, but…,” then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Maybe it sounds like this:
- “Yeah, that program looks amazing, but I’ve done all this before.”
- “Yeah, this event could be interesting, but I don’t have the time.”
- “Yeah, it’s probably worth exploring, but what if I don’t get anything out of it?”
The truth is, every “yeah, but” we utter is just the ego’s way of keeping us exactly where we are. It’s the mind’s favorite defense mechanism. A cozy little wall we build, brick by brick, every time we feel the edges of our comfort zone begin to fray.
When we say “yeah, but,” we’re really giving the ego the wheel, letting it steer us away from any experience that might force us to evolve. And that’s the thing – growth doesn’t happen when the ego is in charge. Growth happens when we say, “Why not?” or “Let’s see,” and let ourselves feel the discomfort of something new.
So, ask yourself: Who’s really driving when “yeah, but” comes up? Is it you – the true, powerful, expansive version of you – or is it that small, familiar voice that wants to keep you from the unknown?
“Great Program, But I’ve Done It All Before…”
Let’s look at one of the biggest “yeah, but” phrases I hear: “Yeah, that sounds like a great program, but I’ve done it all before.” My response? Have you?
When people say they’ve “done it all before,” I have to wonder – have you really? Or are you just telling yourself that because the idea of being stretched, challenged, and nudged into something unfamiliar feels too uncomfortable?
The truth is, you may have done similar things. You may have dipped your toes into various programs, attended workshops, or explored self-development in other formats. But if you’re already deciding that Artemis Blueprint has nothing new to offer you, without even stepping into the room, then I’d argue it’s not experience talking – it’s the ego, keeping you in cruise control.
Real growth is a journey, not a box you tick off. Every time we take on a new challenge or expose ourselves to new people, ideas, and perspectives, we have an opportunity to uncover layers we didn’t even know existed. So ask yourself honestly: Is it really that you’ve “done it all before”? Or is it that you don’t want to admit there’s more to uncover?
The Power of “Why Not” and “Let’s See”
What if, instead of “yeah, but,” we responded to opportunities with “why not” or “let’s see”?
Imagine the difference. “Why not” is an invitation. It’s an opening. It doesn’t commit to anything, but it also doesn’t shut anything down. It says, “I’m willing to explore, to be curious, to consider that maybe, just maybe, there’s something here for me.”
And “let’s see” is an even more powerful stance. It’s a willingness to go along for the ride, to suspend judgment, and to allow the experience to unfold without needing to control the outcome.
These two phrases – “why not” and “let’s see” – are antidotes to the ego’s resistance. They remind us that we don’t have to know everything in advance. We don’t have to have it all figured out. We don’t even have to be convinced. We just have to be open.
When was the last time you said “why not” to something that felt a little scary? When was the last time you said “let’s see” to an experience that was different from anything you’ve done before? That’s where the magic lives. That’s where the real breakthroughs happen.
Testing Your Boundaries: Join Us on November 6th
If you’re reading this and feeling that familiar pull of “yeah, but,” then maybe it’s time to challenge it. On November 6th, we’re hosting an information session for Artemis Blueprint – a 12-month coaching journey that is designed to break boundaries, shatter limitations, and bring together people who are ready to say “why not” to the journey of a lifetime.
This isn’t your typical coaching program. It’s not about checking boxes or following a rigid structure. It’s a deep dive into who you are, what you truly want, and what’s holding you back from the fullest expression of yourself.
But there’s a catch: You have to leave your “yeah, buts” at the door. If you come to this event, you come with an open heart and an open mind. You come ready to hear what’s possible, and to explore what might be on the other side of your comfort zone.
If you’re curious – even just a little – then this is your chance to say “let’s see.” Come join us on November 6th and get a taste of what this journey could mean for you.
Leaving “Yeah, But” Behind
The ego will always find reasons to keep us comfortable. It will tell us we don’t have time. It will insist we already know everything. It will assure us that there’s nothing left to explore. But the truth? The ego is lying. There’s always more to learn, more to uncover, more to discover about ourselves and the world around us.
“Yeah, but” is the voice that keeps us small. It’s the voice that blocks us from experiences that might just change everything. And we don’t have to listen to it.
This is an invitation to choose something different. To ask yourself, “What if?” To let go of the need to know everything in advance, and to simply take a step forward.
So, are you ready to leave “yeah, but” behind? Are you ready to let go of cruise control, to say “why not” or “let’s see,” and to explore what might be waiting for you on this journey?
We’ll see you on November 6th, but only if you’re willing to take the plunge. Because the only thing holding you back is you – and it’s time to move forward.
Ready to join the Artemis Blueprint? Show up, step up, and leave the “yeah, but” at the door.