Asking for What You Want
Why It's Important to Know What You Want
Norman Vincent Peale said, “The great secret of getting what you want from life is to know what you want and believe you can have it.”
This sounds simple and yet having true clarity about what you really want is more rare than you might think. We can be so busy earning a living and nurturing the important relationships in our life that we do not take the time to ask ourselves simple questions. What do I want? What do I need to live a meaningful life?
How to Ask for What You Want
You would be surprised how many people do not ask for what they want because they are afraid of rejection. The worse that can happen is that you get a no. Just because one person says no does not mean everyone will. A person simply needs to keep asking.
If the question you ask continues to receive a no, ask a new question. I learned this lesson from my friend, Jack Canfield, co-author of the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. After they wrote the first book in the series, they tried to sell it to publishing houses.
When the publishing houses said no, they asked a new question. What else can we do to get this book out into the world? And so, Jack Canfield and Mark Hansen started a publishing house of their own and went on to put out many books that are well loved throughout the world.
What Matters to You?
Asking is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal. When we ask for what we want, we're putting ourselves in a position to receive it.
And the more we ask, the more likely it is that we'll get what we want. This is because when we ask, we're telling the universe that this is something that matters to us. So, start asking for what you want today, and watch as your life begins to change for the better.
The Benefits of Asking for What You Want
If at first you don’t get what you want, ask for help. People are often more willing to help than you think. Whether you want a raise at work, help with a project, or a simple favour, reach out.
If nothing else, it can be great way to build relationships. When you ask someone for help, they feel appreciated and valued, and will be more likely to want to help you in the future. Asking also shows that you trust the person and are willing to be vulnerable with them.
Another benefit of asking for help is that doing that helps you overcome fear. Every time you ask directly for what you want, you build courage and confidence.
If you're not used to asking for what you want, it can be difficult to start. But over time you will become more assertive. When you get in the habit of asking for what you want, you'll find it easier to speak up for yourself in other areas of your life.
Handling Setbacks
When you begin to boldly ask for what you want, many things will go well. But sometimes people will say No. That’s why it’s important for you to learn how to handle setbacks.
Take a moment to focus on yourself and be grateful for what you already have. Open yourself to alternatives and consider whether a different question might take you closer to your dream. Spend time with the people you are close to and welcome their ideas.
Then, ask again.
“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always No. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Nora Roberts (novelist)
Call to Action
- List three things in your life that you want right now.
- Who can you ask for help?
Your Friends,
The UpCloseTeam
