The Power of Yet

The Power of Yet: Transforming Challenges into Possibilities

Life is a series of steps, each one marked by moments where we’re not quite there—yet. The word “yet” is small but mighty, turning statements of limitation into promises of growth. It’s a word that has guided me through decades of challenges and triumphs, and it’s one I’m leaning into now as I embark on a new journey. Let me share my story—past and present—to show how “yet” can fuel your own path, especially when paired with the transformative practice of yoga.

My Journey: A Tapestry of “Yets”

When I was in college, I set my sights on medical school. Believing a job as an EMT would provide necessary experience, I pursued that course. I hadn’t completed enough of my education—yet. I needed to complete my prerequisites to get into a highly competitive market. Still, I dove in, becoming an EMT and discovering a new passion. While working alongside paramedics, I discovered I wanted to become one. That meant a year of grueling didactic training, clinical rotations, and field internships. There were countless “yets” in that process—moments when I hadn’t mastered a skill or passed a test—yet. But I persevered and became a paramedic.

Medical school didn’t happen, and that’s okay. I found a calling that lit me up: becoming a firefighter/ paramedic. That took three years to get hired, followed by six months in a fire academy and a year on probation. I hadn’t completed the academy—yet. I hadn’t gotten my first fire on a nozzle—yet. Each step was a hurdle, but “yet” kept me moving forward and provided me with invaluable experience and perspective. Over 30 years in the fire service, I climbed the ranks—Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief—each role a new “yet” to conquer.

Now, I’m on a fresh path: a yoga studio owner with my wife, and becoming a yoga teacher. In just a handful of weeks, I’ll complete my 200-hour yoga teacher training, a milestone I’m proud of. But I don’t consider myself ready to teach at a high level—yet. I’ll need to deepen my practice, refine my cues, and grow into the role at Yogacreatives, our studio in Granite Bay, CA. This journey, like those before it, is filled with “yets,” and I’m embracing them as stepping stones to becoming the teacher I aspire to be.

Looking back, I see the power of “yet” woven through every chapter of my life. If I’d ended my sentences with periods—“I haven’t finished my education.” “I haven’t gotten a first due fire.” “I haven’t gotten promoted.” “I’m not ready to teach yoga.”—my story would be vastly different. Instead, “yet” kept the door open, reminding me that the process isn’t over. It’s a mindset that has shaped my career and now fuels my yoga journey.

Embracing “Yet” in Your Journey

Your path, whatever it may be, is likely filled with its own “yets.” Maybe you’re working toward a career change, mastering a new skill, or healing from a setback. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” try adding “yet.” “I can’t run a 5K—yet.” “I haven’t landed my dream job—yet.” This simple word, as psychologist Carol Dweck highlights in her work on growth mindset, shifts your perspective from fixed limitations to endless possibilities. It’s a call to action: keep learning, keep trying, keep growing.

My fire service career taught me that every “yet” is an opportunity to push forward. In yoga teacher training, I’m learning it all over again—whether it’s holding a challenging pose like crow or crafting a sequence that flows. Each moment of struggle is just a pause, not a full stop. For you, embracing “yet” means seeing setbacks as temporary and failures as lessons. It’s about trusting that with time and effort, you’ll get there.

How Yoga Amplifies the Power of Yet

A consistent yoga practice is the perfect companion for navigating life’s “yets.” As I’ve discovered in my training, yoga isn’t just about physical poses; it’s a practice of patience, resilience, and self-compassion that mirrors the growth mindset. Here’s how it can help you embrace “yet” on your journey:

• Persistence Through Practice: Yoga, like my paramedic or firefighter training, rewards consistency. You might not nail a handstand or feel confident leading a class right away—I certainly don’t—yet. But each time you show up on the mat, you build progress. I believe a regular yoga practice can contribute to enhanced perseverance, helping you stay committed to long-term goals.
• Mindfulness in the Moment: Yoga teaches you to breathe through discomfort, whether it’s a trembling Warrior II or a life challenge. In my training, I’m learning to stay present when a pose feels impossible, trusting I’ll improve with time. This mindfulness helps you face “yets” with calm, seeing them as part of the process rather than barriers.
• Self-Compassion as Strength: Yoga encourages you to honor where you are without judgment. I feel like I’m not ready to teach at Yogacreatives’ high standards—yet—but I’m learning to be kind to myself as I grow. Yoga’s adaptability—modifying poses to suit your body—mirrors how you can approach life’s challenges with grace.
• Physical and Mental Boost: A regular practice reduces stress and sharpens focus, giving you the energy to tackle your “yets.” Over the years, I’ve been told by fellow students that a consistent yoga practice improved their emotional regulation and mental clarity. This can be true for you as well, equipping you to handle life’s ups and downs.

At Yogacreatives, where friendliness and community are at the heart of our mission, yoga becomes a space to explore your “yets” alongside others. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, a consistent practice builds the foundation for growth.

Your Turn: Step Into Your “Yet”

My journey—from EMT to firefighter/ paramedic to yoga teacher-in-training—shows that “yet” is a bridge to possibility. As I near the end of my 200-hour training, I’m excited! I also know I have more to learn before I’m comfortable leading classes at Yogacreatives. Another “yet”. That’s not a limitation; it’s a spark for growth. Wherever you are in your story, add “yet” to your challenges. Pair it with a yoga practice to build resilience, stay present, and honor your progress.

What’s one “yet” you’re embracing today? Drop it in the comments, and let’s inspire each other. Your journey isn’t over—yet. Your greatest moments are still ahead.