Maybe you had one of these experiences as a kid.

So you were there with a bunch of other kids and there was some adult authority figure present. Maybe a teacher, a coach, a public figure, whoever they were, but they were talking about something, and you asked a question. And there laughter or snickers at your question.

Now maybe you remember the question as being stupid, but the crucial point is that you didn’t know the answer, so you asked the question.

Now you have to ask: why did those other kids laugh?

Easy. They didn’t know the answer either but they were too afraid to ask. And because they could peg you for being the dummy who didn’t know.

Fast forward to the future: what’s your takeaway from that probably ouch-worthy childhood moment?

Again, easy. Be that child again. Ask the question that you imagine everyone else knows the answer to.

Because they don’t know the answer. And they’re afraid to ask.

So be the one who asks. Ask questions. Ask for favors. Ask for exceptions. Asking is almost always without any negative consequence whatsoever. Ask and you just might receive.

And the upside is tremendous. What will you ask for today?