Words have power. I grew up understanding that your words form your world and that what you speak you will become. I believe all of these statements to be completely true!  With that being said I also believe, with everything in me… we have not because we ask not.

Have you ever wanted something but didn’t want to ask for it?

When I was 7 years old, I lived in Montana. I was always active, playing outside and getting dirty. At this time of my life, I was pumped about BMX bikes. There was a track near our house that my family would go to and watch these kids, of all ages, fly through this amazing course.  Something that always stood out to me was at the start of the race they always played the national anthem. One day I thought to myself, and then said it out loud to my mom, “I want to do that.” My mom looked at me and smiled and said, “I know honey, that’s why we are here, let’s go get your bike out of the car.” I turned back around and said, “No mom, I want to sing the national anthem at the beginning of one of these races.” For those of you who know my mom, her response won’t surprise you too much.  She said, “Okay, let’s go ask them in the booth.” Pause for a moment and let me acknowledge exactly what you’re thinking, yeah it just got real, yes, my mom was fully committed for me to follow through to my ask and I instantly starting sweating in the moment. So, what happened next?

We went to the booth and I asked if I could sing the national anthem at an upcoming race, and to my surprise, they said, “Wow, no one has ever come and asked us to sing the national anthem, our answer is yes.” They also saw my bike and asked when my race was, I told them next week and they followed up that with requesting I sing next week before my first BMX race.  Very boldly I said, “I would love to.” Flash forward a week and the day had finally arrived.  I stood tall, well as tall as a normal 7-year-old is and sang my little heart out for the National Anthem before I immediately sprinted down the stadium stairs to get to the starting line of my first BMX race.  I would like to add, for the record, that I was the only one who had a regular bicycle in a whole starting line full of lightweight, aerodynamic BMX race bikes. Nonetheless, I gave it my all, I had fun, and believe it or not, I came in 1st place. On that day I was awarded a trophy bigger than I was at the time. A trophy which I still have to this day.

You may be thinking right about now, cool story but what’s the point? The point is that I wanted something.  Sure, this is a small feat compared to other things I could want, but regardless of the want, it all started with a question. A question that was actually followed through on and asked. I have found that most people don’t actually ask due to being paralyzed by fear or comfortability. After all, if you really think about it, the worst thing that could happen is they say no.  (Which really isn’t any different than your current position, so you wouldn’t be losing much, but potentially gaining something).

In order to do something you’ve never done, to achieve something you’ve always wanted, you have to be willing to ask something you’ve never asked.

This separates those who have and have not. The common mentality to sit back and let things happen needs to change. In order to learn, in order to build, in order to grow, in order to excel, we have to be willing to ask questions that may scare and challenge us, but also allow us to grow. After all, growth doesn’t happen all of sudden, it takes hard work and dedication to grow in the area you desire most. The ability to prompt growth starts with a question.

Questions are resolutions to problems. They open doors to possibilities and unlock potential.  The key to unlocking those doors lies in your willingness to ask. 

Today, I want to leave you with you 3 powerful things to remember before you ask.

Arrive – Show up ready and expectant, don’t let fear paralyze you anymore.
Stand Strong – Be bold, what’s the worst that could happen, nothing. (my pointy exactly)
Know – Be confident, you can do it. If you really want it, go after it.

The percentage of people that don’t have what they really want is a direct result of them being too afraid to ask for it.  It may not always work, but some of the time is better than nothing at all.

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Self-Assessment
What do you want to ask?
Who is it that you have to ask?
When can you ask them?

Remember, you only have not because you ask not.

Now go do it!
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I would love to hear from you. If this blog has impacted you in any way or stirred up any thoughts, please feel free to like, share or comment below.

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Devin Greco

Author Devin Greco

I am an Entrepreneur, Communicator and a Certified John Maxwell Leadership Speaker, Trainer and Coach. I am passionate about helping people lead a life they love. In my free time I enjoy being around the water, surfing, reading a good book, and enjoying a quality cup of coffee.

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