If You don’t go
There are many statements that sound like affirmations when they are really just good life advice. These are often so simple that humans tend to dismiss them immediately due to their clarity. This first one makes great sense in every facet of life. If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll probably never have it. It provides a great explanation for all of the lost opportunities. Of course, this one is easy to dismiss because it is easy to rationalize and make up some reason for the missed endeavor. Too bad, it might have been something really good.
If You don’t ask
Oftentimes in coaching, I use this one to help a client see how somethings are just up to chance. If you don’t ask, the answer is often no. Few times does it really hurt too much to ask but humans are full of angst about just putting the question out into the world. It doesn’t hurt either way and it is impossible to know whether the answer might just turn into the one that works best. Humans are reluctant to ask for help in many situations. The possibility of drowning might bring out the acceptably loud request but does getting into a life-or-death situation really have to occur to let someone know that assistance is required. Humans also love to help when asked because it makes them feel good. Perhaps we should all do a little better with this one and practice asking just to get into the habit.
If You don’t take a step
This one is used for encouragement when motivation has gone on vacation. Asking a human to take a step in any and every situation is more than advice. It is the actual path to grow. If you don’t take a step forward, you will remain in the same spot forever. It sounds ominous. Truthfully, humans do this without realizing it even though it includes some foot dragging. No one is exactly the same as they were ten years ago. If you took a poll, most humans would admit that they have changed for the better. It is rare to hear someone boast about wanting to have a horrible next year. With resolutions, humans demonstrate that they still have dreams and hopes. The past is done. The future has a little promise yet.
Actions Speak
Humans state that actions speak louder than words. It goes without saying that going after what you want, asking for what you want and taking a step forward are all part of that truth. It is often easier to talk a good game. When it is time to actually do something, it gets wrapped up in past experiences that didn’t work quite right or not feeling the power to speak up. The best tactic is to forget about the past and bet that the future might have a different outcome. After all, if we have grown, we deserve a little better luck.
How comfortable are you asking for help? Is there something that you want to go after, but haven’t spoken about? How have you changed in the last ten years?
