Don't miss out on this simple, yet life-changing insight presented by famed television producer and author Shonda Rhimes in her book Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person. This FastReads' Summary includes key takeaways and analysis to help you quickly grasp the essence of her story and learn how to say YES today!

What will you learn from listening to this book?

• Always staying within your comfort zone can become a trap of loneliness and fear.
• Work through the discomfort and you'll find a pleasant, relaxed place.
• Stand up for yourself, but don't be unfeeling or hurtful.
• Be aware of opportunities to change for the better.
• Be brutally honest with yourself.
• Share your goals with others - they will help keep you on track.
• Get help with whatever is causing you stress - don't try to do it all alone.
• Remember to "play," laugh, have fun. Don't work at it, just let it happen.
• Food and/or drink can cover problems, but it will likely suffocate you.
• Asserting yourself in difficult situations is both powerful and exhilarating.
• Do what's best for you - your happy ending is not the same as anyone else's happy ending.

Shonda Rhimes is a mega TV star having created such hit shows as Grey's Anatomy and Scandal. But even being famous and successful doesn't make you happy.

When you avoid new experiences and withdraw from personal connections, loneliness and unhappiness are easy to fall into. In Shonda Rhimes, Year of Yes she explains how even though she was a well-known screen writer and successful television producer, had a large and stable family, as well as a happy childhood, she found herself quite miserable. Two unique situations created the opportunity to reform her entire outlook on life. After she realized she had a problem with saying "yes" to "scary things", she endeavored to change.

Even though she was often very uncomfortable, being an extreme introvert and suffered from debilitating panic attacks, the author willingly undertook the journey. She tells the listener in her own casual and quick witted style of her struggles and triumphs over various fears and inhibitions. Her story is told with candor and honesty. The listener will enjoy the stories of Hollywood, but the message of the book is clear: Say yes to things that are positive and good for you even if you cringe and squirm. The payoff of freedom from fear and overall happiness is worth the temporary discomfort.