In a powerful presentation that is resonating across Nigeria and beyond, business leader Bella Disu delivered a transformative TEDx talk at TEDx Ikoyi that challenges one of the most common barriers to personal and professional growth: the perpetual wait for perfect readiness.
The Universal Struggle with Hesitation
During her talk titled "Say Yes Now: Why Readiness is a Myth," Disu addressed the quiet epidemic of hesitation that affects people from all walks of life. She identified the core issue that prevents many Nigerians from pursuing their dreams and ambitions - the belief that they need one more qualification, one more milestone, or the perfect conditions before taking that crucial first step.
"We hesitate at the very moment we need to move," Disu observed, capturing the universal experience of people who find themselves stuck in patterns of delay and postponement. Her message particularly resonates in the Nigerian context, where economic challenges and social pressures often amplify the fear of taking risks.
Confronting Destination Addiction
The business executive introduced the psychological concept of destination addiction - the harmful belief that happiness and success exist at some future point when we finally feel "ready." This mindset, she explained, keeps people trapped in a cycle of perpetual preparation without ever taking action.
Disu shared her personal turning point that occurred at age 38, when she made the courageous decision to stop "walking within the same walls" and finally embraced her multifaceted identity. She discovered her whole self - the creative, the changemaker, and the lifelong learner - not through perfect preparation but through a simple act of courage.
The Ripple Effect of Saying Yes
One of the most impactful moments in the talk came when Disu highlighted the broader implications of our individual choices. "Saying yes never ends with you... each yes becomes a light for someone else," she stated, emphasizing how our courage can inspire and empower others in our communities.
Her liberating message contains two crucial insights for anyone feeling stuck in their personal or professional life. First, readiness is not found in advance - it is formed in motion. Second, growth begins not when we feel prepared, but when we choose to begin.
The talk offers practical wisdom for Nigerians navigating career transitions, entrepreneurial ventures, or personal transformations. Disu encourages embracing imperfection and starting with just one yes - even when circumstances feel inconvenient or less than ideal.
Her presentation, delivered on 22 November 2025 at TEDx Ikoyi, continues to generate discussion across social media platforms and professional networks in Nigeria. The widespread resonance of her message suggests it addresses a fundamental challenge facing many ambitious Nigerians today.
Viewers can watch the full inspiring presentation titled "Say Yes Now: Why Readiness is a Myth" on the official TEDx platforms to experience Disu's compelling argument for why the perfect time to start is always now.
