Going after your dreams and what you want can be very scary. It’s a world of unknown. But, it’s also the a world of opportunity. It’s amazing what doors open up to you when you just ask. A good friend reminded me yesterday that “Closed mouths don’t get fed,” which is so true. When you don’t ask for what you want, you’ll never get it. If you don’t knock, no one will ever answer the door. We as human beings are wired to help others and it’s something we forget when it’s our turn to ask for something from someone, whether it be because we don’t want to burden them or we are scared of getting a “no” or, ironically, getting that “yes.” I prefer to know it’s a “no” than to sit around and wonder or be scared about the answer, but I, too, every once in a while, find myself in that state of worry and have to remind myself to snap out of it. At least when you ask and it’s a no, you know,–and then you can move on or ask someone else!
Back when I was at USC, I had the opportunity to eat dinner and spend every Thursday evening with Paul Orfalea, the founder of Kinkos, and 15 other students. We discussed everything from current events to dating. We covered a wide range of topics, but two things always held true, no matter what the subject matter at hand was–be confident and ask questions. So I challenge you this week to identify what you want and ask for it with confidence. It won’t be easy and it may feel uncomfortable at first, but regardless of the answer, you will amaze yourself and feel proud of yourself for taking that chance and asking. You will be faced with rejection, but all it takes is one “yes.” You may have to pivot and reassess what you want, but be persistent in your approach until you get it. Walt Disney was turned down by 302 banks before that 303rd decided to give him a loan to build Disneyland. Anything is possible if you just have the courage to ask. After all- you have nothing to lose! Now get after it!
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