I have a challenge for you.
It’s a tiny challenge. Meaning, it won’t take very much time to complete. Maybe a few hours, at most.
But it requires big courage.
And it will lead to big shifts in your life.
Intrigued? Here’s what to do.
Instructions:
Before the end of August (around 25 days from now) I challenge you to ask for the following 10 things. (Note: you don’t necessarily have to ask in this exact order. That's up to you.)
1. Ask someone to hire you, pay you, or pay you more than before.
For instance: ask a potential client if they’d like to hire you. Ask the people on your mailing list if they’d like to enroll and do your program. Ask someone to pay an overdue invoice. Or maybe, if you’re employed, ask your boss for a raise.
2. Ask someone for help.
Example: ask a friend to brainstorm ideas with you. Or ask a colleague to be your accountability partner so you can write down goals together, check in weekly, and keep each other on track.
3. Ask someone to collaborate with you.
This might look like: asking someone if they’d like to be a guest on your podcast. Or, ask a friend if they’ll co-host a fundraiser with you. Or something else.
4. Ask someone to check out a project you’ve been working on.
For instance: send a quick email to friends and family to let them know, “I’m writing a book and it’s nearly done!” or, “I launched my new website.”
5. Ask for something that would bring you more peace and calm.
What’s something that would make your life just a little bit nicer? Do you need more privacy? More space? A different schedule at work? Ask your boss. Ask your spouse. Ask your kids. Ask your assistant. No matter how frivolous or ridiculous the request seems, just ask.
6. Ask someone, “How are you doing...really?”
And listen.
7. Ask someone, “What is your #1 goal right now?”
Talk to someone about one of their goals. Listen. How could you help them achieve this goal? Can you give some words of encouragement, make a helpful introduction, open a door, recommend a resource? Do so.
8. Ask on behalf of somebody else.
Sometimes, asking is bigger than you. Ask someone to donate to an important cause. Ask someone to register to vote. Ask someone to double-check their facts or reconsider their position. Ask on behalf of somebody else. Ask in honor of those who’ve been oppressed.
9. Ask again. A second time.
You already asked and they said no? Try again. People change. Things change. Situations change. Maybe they didn’t need to hire you six months ago, but they definitely need you now! Knock again. Ask and see.
10. Ask for the moon.
Ask for something that feels slightly outrageous. A big stretch. Maybe you will ask for a bonus. A vacation. A scholarship. A consulting package that pays $10K per month. They might say “no.” They might surprise you and say “yes!” It will probably take 20 minutes to type that email, or have the conversation. Isn’t it worth it to try?
Recap:
- Ask for 10 things before the end of August.
- If something on that list doesn’t resonate with you, then ask for something else instead. Create a substitute. Do your own thing.
- If you're on fire and want to ask for even more than 10 things, great! Do it! No limit.
- Ask with an open mind and heart. Ask with no rigid expectations. Ask with a generous spirit. Ask with kindness. Just ask. Watch what happens.
I predict wonderful things will come into your life. Positive feedback. Warmth and support from those in your community. Relationships that feel stronger. New clients. More money. Quite possibly, some surprises you didn’t expect.
Go ask.
Life expands when you ask.
Optional / Extra credit:
- Once you’ve completed this challenge, report back (hello@alexandrafranzen.com) and share what happened for you. I’d love to hear!
You can do this challenge by yourself. Go! Yes! Get 'er done. Or, if you want coaching, encouragement, and writing/communication training from me to help you complete this challenge successfully:
- I’ll keep you feeling uplifted, inspired, and hopeful through the process.
- I’ll help you find the right words, write excellent emails, and communicate beautifully.
- Because sometimes, asking feels hard. And it’s definitely easier to “do hard things” when you're not doing it alone. Let's be braver, together.
- Sign up soon (within the next 2 days) if you’d like to do this program, because we kick off soon. Thank you! See you there!
-Alex
PS. If you’re willing to do this asking challenge, click REPLY and say *CHALLENGE ACCEPTED* and share the first thing you’re going to ask for. I’m so excited for you!
PPPS. This email might contain a typo or two, because "done" is better than "perfect."