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There’s a simple truth that often gets overlooked in leadership, business, and life: You don’t get what you don’t ask for.
It sounds obvious, but how often do we talk ourselves out of asking for something before we ever give someone else the chance to say yes?
We wait to be noticed.
We wait for permission.
We wait and miss the moment.
But the most transformative doors are often unlocked not by talent, timing, or luck, but by courage.
Specifically, the courage to ask. (Curious what fear factor might be holding back your courage? I recommend reading Garrett Gravesen’s 10 Seconds of Insane Courage.)
For the purpose of this post, I’ll highlight some of the top reasons:
Fear of rejection.
Fear of appearing weak.
Fear of hearing “no.”
Here’s a truth most people miss:
Not asking guarantees the “no.”
And sometimes asking the wrong person guarantees a no. A principle I’ve lived by:
Don’t take no from someone who doesn’t have the power to say yes.
That manager who shut down your idea? They might not be the decision-maker.
That customer who passed on your pitch? They might not be the budget holder.
That friend who told you “you could never…”? They might not have the same vision you do.
Ask anyway. And ask higher if you have to.
We often think asking is a burden. Like it places weight on someone else. But done sincerely, asking is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of trust.
The boldness to ask often invites the boldness to support.
Whether it’s a conversation, a request, or a dream you’re ready to chase, asking moves you forward. Every major opportunity in life: a job, a connection, a breakthrough, is usually preceded by a simple, gutsy question.
Stop worrying that you aren’t ready to ask.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You don’t need to know everything.
You just need to be brave enough to raise your hand, knock on the door, or send the message.
Let me be clear: you will hear no. It’s part of the process.
But every “no” brings clarity. It helps you refine your direction. It makes you tougher. And sometimes, it pushes you to ask the right person, in the right way, at the right time.
A no from the wrong person isn’t rejection, it’s redirection.
Final Thought: Ask Boldly, Ask Humbly
The best leaders I know are bold askers.
Not entitled. Not obnoxious. Just unafraid to go first.
They ask with humility, but without apology. They don’t wait for things to happen, they start the conversation.
So, what’s your next ask?
- Is it a conversation you’ve been putting off?
- An opportunity you’ve been too scared to pursue?
- A dream you’ve told yourself is too big?
This week, have the courage to ask.Say the words. Make the call. Send the message. Ask.
