As a young boy I remember talking with my mom about things I was afraid to do, particularly if it involved asking someone about something or for something.
Her response was always, “All they can do is say no.” When you put it in those terms it doesn’t sound as terrible or difficult as what I had created in my mind. I thought of my mom and her response when I watched this video of Idol contestant Michael Simeon:
I’m sure what was going through this guy’s head were things like this, “Should I or shouldn’t I,” “I know she’ll say no,” “If I get through to Hollywood I’ll do it,” and other things like that.
All she can do is say, “No,” but she didn’t. She said yes! Simeon went on to make it through to the final 24 before getting the boot from AI but what a great memory and story he has to share forever because he had the courage to ask!
My mom’s voice rings loudly in my head when I need some courage to ask for something. I see her knitting an afghan and looking up at me as she says those words, “All they can do is say no.”
Over the years those words have gotten me dates, upgrades to first class, a better price on cars I’ve purchased, greater starting salary, new customers and too many more to even remember. Unfortunately, I can also recall too many times when I haven’t followed her advice because I was afraid of the answer.
Sometimes the simplest advice is the best. I know I put a lot of time into thinking about what might happen when people tell me no. I need to put more time into thinking about what could happen when people say yes!
Who are you putting off talking to because you’re afraid of the answer? What are you hoping to accomplish that a simple yes from someone might launch for you?
Do you have the courage to ask the question that might get you “YES?”
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
Looking for a speaker for an upcoming event? I’d love to be that guy. You can reach me at dave@cultivatecourage.com or 952-200-7499.
You can now buy the book “Cultivate Courage” on Amazon! https://amzn.to/2N2PBVJ
That actually brought tears to my eyes. Thanks.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Sundi Jo. Even in its simplicity it’s a powerful video if you think of the courage it must have taken to do that. We all have opportunities to be courageous in our everyday lives and you are a great example of that!