Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change

By Mazala Zulu

Ask for what you need

Asking for what you need is probably the most underutilised tool for people. And yet, amazing requests have been granted to people simply because they’ve asked for it!

Whether its money, information, support, assistance, or just time, most people are afraid to ask for what they need in order to make their dreams come true.

We might be afraid of looking needy, ignorant, helpless, or even greedy. More than likely, though, it is the fear of rejection that is holding us back.

Do you ask for what you want or are you afraid of rejection? Remember rejection is just a concept. There is really no such thing as rejection! Being rejected doesn’t hold you back from anything. Only YOU hold yourself back. When you realise that there’s no merit to rejection, you’ll feel more comfortable asking for things.

There’s a specific science to asking for and getting what you want or need in life. And while I recommend you learn more by studying The Aladdin Factor, here are some quick tips that help me and might help you get started:

1.  Ask with a positive expectation. Ask as if you expect to get a “yes.”
2. Don’t start with the assumption that you can’t get it. If you are going to assume, assume you can get an upgrade. Assume you can get a table by the window. Assume that you can return it without a sales slip. Assume that you can get a scholarship, that you can get a raise, that you can get tickets at this late date. Don’t ever assume against yourself.
3.  Be clear and specific. I was at a seminar, and we were asked, “Who wants more money in their life?” most of us did, someone who raised their hand was given 10 Kwacha, asking, “Is that enough for you?” “No, the person replied? Well, how would I know how much you want? How would anybody know?”You need to ask for a specific number. Too many people are walking around wanting more of something, but not being specific enough to obtain it.
4. Ask repeatedly. One of the most important Success Principles is the commitment to not give up.

Whenever we’re asking others to participate in the fulfillment of our goals, some people are going to say “no.” They may have other priorities, commitments and reasons not to participate. It’s no reflection on you.

Just get used to the idea that there’s going to be a lot of rejection along the way to the brass ring. The key is to not give up. When someone says “No”— ask for the reason.

Because when you keep on asking, even the same person again and again…they might say “yes”…

…on a different day
…when they are in a better mood
…when you have new data to present
…after you’ve proven your commitment to them
…when circumstances have changed
…when you’ve established better rapport
…when they trust you more
…when you have paid your dues
…when the economy is better
…and so on.

Kids know this Success Principle better than anyone. They will ask the same person over and over again without any hesitation.

Getting a good perspective on rejection and learning how to ask will make a world of difference for you as you work towards your goals. Practice asking and you’ll get very good at it! You’ll even speed your progress by getting what you need, or improving yourself in order to get it later.

Remember, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE… if you dare to ask!