Recently, in a very inspiring business meeting, I was reminded about the power of asking, which got me thinking…
The action of asking is really a powerful thing. Asking validates your wants, needs, and desires to yourself, the people around you, and the universe. Do you ever find yourself stuck saying, “Why does the universe hate me?” (I’m guilty). Well, maybe it just doesn’t know what to give you.
Asking for something shows your passion for it. But it has to be done with intention and strategy.
First of all, you have to nail down what you need to ask for, and to do that, you need to be crystal clear on what it is that you want. If you don’t know what you want, you won’t know what questions to ask. Figuring out what you want isn’t always easy, and this part of the process you have to figure out on your own. Sure you can talk to people and layout your current standstill to get their opinion, but when it all comes down to it, you need to feel what you want way down deep in your gut.
If you ask for something you kind of think you want but aren’t totally sure, you’re using up your “ask the universe” quota. Don’t decide on impulse. Decide what you want, give it some time to process and sink in, and then ask for it. Don’t be the kid in the grocery store asking mom for every single thing on the shelves. Select what you ask for wisely.
On the other hand, don’t be so afraid of asking for the wrong thing that you don’t ask at all. Sometimes, you may not know exactly what you’re asking for, but if you know in your gut it’s something you need to voice, that’s okay too.
When was the last time you asked for what you wanted? Are you looking for more clients? Maybe you’ve tried all the promotion in the world, but did you think about reaching out to your ideal clients and asking them to consider what you have to offer? Do you need help with something? Don’t expect anyone to read your mind. Directly ask someone to help you with what you need them for. Asking is such a simple action and has a ripple effect in our lives. If you asked for help with that one thing you’re struggling with, think about the energy and time you will gain that you can put into something else. Don’t make asking harder than it needs to be. The worst thing that’s going to happen is someone says no, and that’s perfectly fine. People say no to me all the time – editors for press placements, potential clients, my mom when I need a ride somewhere; and it’s okay.
Stop taking the word ‘no’ so personally. ‘No’ isn’t rejection or failure, it’s a lesson – a false opportunity you weren’t meant to engage in. Every ‘yes’ and every ‘no’ gets you closer to where you are supposed to be, one way or another. But, when we don’t ask, and we don’t get the ‘yes’ or the ‘no’, we can end up in a state of uncertainly and lose our direction. So, I’m challenging you to ask for at least 5 different things you need over the next week (big or small). I promise, the answers you receive, whether or not they are what you want to hear at the time, will help guide you in the direction that is right for you!
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