The Power of Saying YES: Why Growth Comes from Taking Action

"Growth doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready—it comes from saying YES and taking action before you are." - Erika Dox-Martinez

Why Growth Comes from Taking Action 💫

I was hesitant when they asked me to share my story. My gut reaction was Hell No! so I knew then that I HAD to do it!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) invited me to be the Mission Speaker at their Manhattan Light the Night Celebration on January 22, 2025.

It was an incredible honor - but also a little terrifying.

I never shared my story about being diagnosed with leukemia as a mission speaker at any of the Team in Training events I participated in in the past, because back then, I wasn't committed to my growth.

I allowed fear to hold me back...

But not anymore because if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Growth doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready—it comes from taking action.

And this experience was yet another reminder of that.

Why Growth Comes from Taking Action 🌱

Standing on that stage at LLS' Light the Night Celebration was a defining moment for me.

It reminded me of something I’ve learned time and time again:

🔥 Growth happens when you say YES to the things that scare you.

🔥 Taking action—before you feel ready—is how transformation happens.

I didn’t feel “ready” to train for a half marathon when I could barely run a city block. But I did it anyway.

I didn’t feel “ready” to leave my corporate job and start my own business. But I did it anyway.

I didn’t feel “ready” to give that speech. But I did it anyway.

🔥 And you know what? It went amazing.!

I received so much positive feedback, and people told me how much my story resonated with them.

If I had let fear win, I would have missed out on that powerful experience—not just for me, but for those who needed to hear my words.

And here’s the best part—growth feels good! Proving to ourselves that we are capable feels even better.

But I know that it’s not always easy to take that first step.

What is Holding Us Back? 😱

The reason most of us hesitate to take action? Fear.

Fear of failure.

Fear of not being good enough.

Fear of stepping outside our comfort zone and not knowing what happens next.

But here’s what I’ve realized—the fear never really goes away.

Even when you’ve done the thing before, there’s always another challenge waiting that will make you feel like a beginner again.

That’s why waiting until you feel “ready” is a trap.

If I had waited until I felt ready to give that speech, I would have never spoken.

If I had waited until I felt ready to start my business, I would have never launched Blissful Vida.

The truth is, we only become ready by taking action.

How This Applies to Your Financial Growth 🌟

This lesson doesn’t just apply to public speaking or taking big risks in life.

It applies to your finances, too.

So many people wait until they “feel ready” to take control of their money.

They wait until they’re making more money… until their debt feels more manageable… until they finally feel confident enough to invest.

But the real transformation happens when you start taking action now.

Just like I stepped out of my comfort zone to speak, you can take the first step toward financial clarity—even if it feels scary.

Because action creates confidence. Not the other way around.

What’s the First Step? 🌱

So, what’s something you’ve been waiting to feel “ready” for?

✅ Starting a budget?

✅ Finally tackling that credit card debt?

✅ Setting up a High Yield Savings Account?

✅ Investing for the first time?

✅ Digging into your Money Stories?

Whatever it is—don’t wait.

If you take the first step, even before you feel ready, you’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of.

Say YES to Your Financial Future 💸

If you're ready to finally stop waiting and start building financial peace of mind, please check out the resources I've put together—both free and paid—to help guide you by clicking here.