Episode Details

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In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Jessica Rector about the transformative power of saying yes, burnout prevention, and reconnecting to personal joy as an adult. Jessica is based in Texas. Listeners will learn how small, intentional acts of saying yes to novelty can shift mental health, improve family connections, and expand what’s possible in everyday life.

Jessica Rector is a personal development strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of the Say Yes Experience, a movement helping people step out of their comfort zones and into possibility.

After experiencing burnout firsthand, Jessica rebuilt her life and work around a simple but powerful idea—start saying yes--to what lights you up, scares you or things you've always wanted to do. That mindset now fuels her work with individuals and organizations, focusing on growth, mental wellness, resilience, and burnout prevention through curiosity, courage, and connection.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Burnout, mental health, and the myth that entrepreneurship solves all overwhelm.
2. The importance of novelty and small “say yes” moments to rekindle joy and presence.
3. How kids—and those close to us—can be honest mirrors helping us see when we’re not fully present.
4. The role of intentional fun and how scheduling joy impacts anticipation, well-being, and fulfillment.
5. Practical examples: ice cream outings, scavenger walks, and the real challenges of trying new things (like renting bikes or scooters with your child).
6. The expansion from saying yes to others, to saying yes for yourself—and the gradual process of reconnecting with your own wishes and desires.
7. Building your “courage muscle” through 100 Days of Say Yes, tackling discomfort, and reframing fear.
8. How cultivating curiosity, courage, and connection strengthens both relationships and self-discovery.

Quote from the Episode:

“Our brain is so hardwired to say no, and we don't even know why we say no most of the time. So I just encourage those listening that those moments don't wait. There's opportunities every single day to say yes. Just start saying yes and see what happens. Just try it.” — Jessica Rector

Timestamps:

00:06 Welcome to The Art of Imperfect Adulting; Jessica calls Texas home

01:17 The origin of the “Say Yes” journey—sparked by her 9-year-old son

03:40 Burnout as an entrepreneur; loving the work but losing balance

05:42 Why working for yourself doesn’t guarantee ease or “boundaries”; myth-busting burnout

07:05 Honest parenting reflections; son as a mirror and catalyst

13:12 First “say yes” moments: ice cream, laughter, novelty, and brain science

16:13 Trying new things—bike rentals, European travels, and learning to pause

21:34 The gift of imperfect, messy experiences; why novelty (even when hard) creates memories

26:13 What changed over time—adventures, travel, and small moments at home

29:59 Saying yes to yourself (not only others); reconnecting with your wishes

32:49 Jessica’s process re-learning what she loves, bucket lists, an