When it comes to wanting something small children have no problem asking for what they want. Not only that but they ask for it with the expectation that they are going to receive what they are asking for. If they happen to hear the word “no” they are generally undeterred and just ask again or change their strategy. Relentless is a good description for the child that wants something.
So, if children are relentless in their asking why is it that the older we become the less likely we are to ask for what we want and instead often just settle for what we are given? The answer is simple. Fear. We fear rejection. We might be told “NO”! Well, so what if you are.
If you ask someone for something, such as their business, advice, guidance, co-operation, support, knowledge, etc., the worst that can happen is they tell you “no”. If they do say “no” then what have you lost? Nothing! You’ve lost nothing because you didn’t have it in the first place. So, ask!
If you are told “no” then ask again. Perhaps, ask differently or ask somebody else, or show more value but whatever you do don’t stop asking. Don’t stop asking for what you want in life or more importantly what-you-need in order to succeed at your life’s endeavors, profession, passions, purpose. There’s that word again, “purpose”. It has to be fulfilled, it won’t just happen.
For example – Last week I made a post on Facebook asking my Facebook friends to visit my blog (The1SixProject.com) and if they were so inclined to “subscribe” to it. I feel that I have something to offer people, to share, that is of value and I am working to grow my audience. I’m building something here! So what happened? People said “yes”.
Prior to making that post I had a total of 46 subscribers. Not a lot by most any standard but 46 more than I had the day I started. The day I made the “ask”, 36 more people signed up, followed by 6 more over the next few days bringing the total to 88. Simply because I asked. That’s FaaaaBuluhs.
Here is the thing. If you believe in what you are doing, that the end goal will be worth it, then you will have a much easier time asking for what you want or need in life. The fear of rejection recedes with each step forward and success leads to more success. If you are going to succeed at anything of substance in this world you must become comfortable being uncomfortable. Asking is part of the doing process and everybody can’t say no.
Zachariah 4:10 states, “Do not despise the day of humble beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin”. Well, that’s where I am today with The1SixProject, humble beginnings. However, I believe in what I am doing and why I am doing it. Today the project is on the radar of 42 more people than it was last week and 88 more than the day it was launched.
Oprah Winfrey summed it up very well when she said, “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for”. I totally agree. So, on that note……
If you haven’t subscribed yet please do so. If you have, thank you and invite a friend!
Get in the boat. Do your part.
1:6 / Nose to Toes / #16