The Power of Asking

A friend once told me "you get 9 out of 10 things you ask for". Maybe that's not statistically accurate 100% of the time (my kids would confirm this)...And it is a great belief to hold onto.

Asking keeps us focused on what we want. It can be easy to get stuck dwelling on all the things we don't want and what isn't working. Recognize when this happens, and ask with a focus on what you want. Ask for the business, ask for the referral, ask for a commitment, ask for the opportunity, ask for the introduction.

Asking is action and creation. It is natural for our brains to revert to "yeah but" when we are considering something we want or that we want to create. "Yeah but they will say no", "yeah but I don't want to open that can of worms", "yeah but why would they help me". Leaders take responsibility and respond with action that creates. You can let things happen to you or you can take responsibility and ask to help create what you want. You really only have something to gain by asking.

Asking keeps us open. Asking questions and asking for help is vulnerable. One of my favorite definitions of vulnerable is "open to damage". We fear asking for help because we worry we may be seen as week, inexperienced, or unqualified. Ask for help, ask for feedback, ask for direction. This does not come naturally for me. Recently I reached out to someone that expertise in tax accounting. It was amazing how much clarity and peace came from getting help from someone I trust.

Leaders ASK!

Today's the day.

You got this!

Matt