There’s something you want in your business or career right now, isn’t there?
But you’re not asking for it.
Why?
In my coaching conversations, I nudge my clients to ask for what they really want and need to achieve their goals. Usually, it goes something like this:
My client tells me what they want, an Ask. It might feel a bit big and heavy.
I prod them to admit what they actually want, which is even bigger.
They say, “I can’t ask for that!”
”I don’t wanna seem pushy or demanding!”
”I don’t want to:
”…be seen as overly ambitious.”
”…give the impression I’m greedy.”
”…look like I’m full of myself.”
”…make them mad.”
Have any of those — or similar — thoughts crossed your mind? When our mind is feeling fearful or anxious thinking about a big Ask, it can come up with all sorts of excuses and avoidance mechanisms.
But you’ve been twisting yourself into a pretzel to conform to what you think is “expected” or “accepted” for so long, it feels really uncomfortable to entertain your big Asks. No wonder you’re frustrated and stuck!
When you shape your requests to accommodate some imagined reaction or what not to be, you are on the defensive, squeezing into a small, uncomfortable position. Then your Asks come from a very unstable place and the results are less than satisfying.
When you’re honest with yourself about what you truly desire and need to accomplish your goals, you can shape Asks appropriately, unapologetically and with an acceptance that not everyone will say yes or “approve.” You suddenly feel in control and aligned with who you are. From there you start to find the courageous voice you need to make the right Asks: the powerful, brave, and true-to-you Asks that will positively impact your life.
If the idea of asking scares the living daylights out of you, I invite you to let me guide you to gain confidence to make the ask. You can discover your boldness and courage today!
#AskLikeAnAuctioneer
