Say Yes, Then Figure It Out

Sometimes you have to say yes to the opportunity first, and then figure out how to make it a reality. Here is what a three-week crash course on 14 songs taught me about business.

The call that started it

A few months ago, my band Third Day made the exciting announcement that we’ll be hitting the road next year for a 30-year anniversary tour. That is 30 stops across the U.S. celebrating three decades of music, friendship, and incredible fans.

In the article I shared that day, I reflected on how I’m not the same person I was a decade ago. For years, I’ve written here about the lessons I learned in music and applied to the business world. But I’ve also discovered something unexpected: so many lessons from the business world that I now want to apply back to music.

I didn’t have to wait long for my first opportunity.

In late May, my good friend Peter Furler reached out to congratulate me on the reunion. Peter was the co-founder of The Newsboys and transitioned to a vibrant solo career. Some of my favorite music memories were from when Peter would spontaneously join us on the road.

During our call, I told him how excited I was about hitting the road, but how much I needed to shake off the cobwebs from a decade in a cubicle rather than on the stage. Without hesitation, Peter said, “Why not join me for a show? I’m playing at a festival in 3 weeks.”

Say yes first

Now, the old me would have hesitated. I always saw myself more as a band player than a bass player. Sure, I could play the parts I wrote, but I was part of a band where the sum was always greater than the parts, and it’s been a decade since I’ve really practiced or played in earnest. Would I be able to cut it?

But one of the lessons I’ve learned in business is this: sometimes you need to say yes to the opportunity first, and then figure out how to make it a reality. In fact, if you wait to have the entire project figured out, you’ll probably never begin!

So I said yes and committed to Peter that I would demonstrate my gratitude for the opportunity through preparation.

Three weeks, 14 songs

I had three weeks to learn 14 songs I’d never played before. Every morning before work, every afternoon after work, every weekend, I drilled those songs. By the time the gig came around, I had played through each of them no less than 30 times. Lead measure: practice. Lag measure: competency.

And something magical happened. I reached that place every musician hopes for, where you don’t have to think about the songs anymore. You can play (not work) the songs. The gig was pure joy, right down to the spontaneous jams and creative moments on stage.

Saying yes to that opportunity gave me a tremendous amount of confidence. Confidence that when Third Day hits the road next year, I’ll be ready to give my very best. Confidence that just like the challenges we might face with any new project in the business world, we can commit to the outcome first and then figure out the way to get there next.

So I have a question for you

What opportunity are you hesitating on because you do not have the whole plan figured out yet?

What could change if you said yes first and let preparation close the gap?

If you want help building the confidence to say yes to your next big opportunity, that is exactly what my keynotes, workshops, and leadership sessions are built for. Learn more at taianderson.live/keynotes.

Originally published on LinkedIn, October 1, 2025.