Every week night, my kid’s lunch boxes sit on the counter, waiting to be filled for the next day. And nine times out of ten, it’s me who fills them-a job that for some reason drives me crazier than it should.
My husband, who I will say, right up front, will do anything I ask him to do-note the operate words “ask him to do”.
When my husband comes home late from a meeting, or networking group, I make a point of doing all of the nightly chores, so he can just come home and relax. However, when I am out late and come home, I always find those darn lunch boxes right there on the counter, waiting for Mama to fill them.
But….
Have I ever asked him to make the lunches, or told him how I’ve felt about this? No, because for some reason, I think he should just “get it”. Read my mind, I guess. But for all the gifts and talents my husband has mind reading is not one of them.
I share this story, because I often see this scenario with many of my clients. There’s something they really want, or need in their business, but they don’t ask for it. They aren’t clear with others about what they want. This might be from employees, business partners, life partners, or it could be around asking for the order, or the opportunity to serve, or for a raise or promotion. Maybe it’s around getting a referral or a testimonial.
People aren’t mind readers and when you expect them to be, you are doing two things.
One, you are putting your future in the hands of mind readers (which there are very few in this world). And two, you relinquish your ability to control your own destiny.
Why don’t we ask for what we want? There’s a variety of reasons: fear of rejection, a belief that asking makes you selfish. Sometimes we don’t know how to ask, or perhaps we are indirect communicators, so it’s never clear on what we’re really asking for. And sometimes subconsciously-as in my case-we don’t think we should have to ask!
So if you are somebody who has trouble asking for what you want? Or feel you should “just be happy with what you have”, or afraid to ask because you might be seen as greedy or selfish, join me, Thursday, March 21st 1-2pm EST for my fr*ee teleclass, “How to Ask For What You Want”. Click here for more information. And be sure to leave a comment below about the topic-I’d love to hear from you!
 Mandy works with talented, high energy self employed professionals and very small businesses who struggle to market their business effectively, stretch their capacity and play a bigger game. Mandy’s client’s receive proven, specific information on what they need to do to get more clients and grow their business. As a result, those who coach with Mandy increase their business, get more clients and make more money, faster and easier than they ever would have on their own. Sign up for her free Cd “7 Productivity Secrets of Successful Entrepreneurs” right down below. |
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