What If You Asked the Question?

Today's What If Wednesday asks the question, “What if you asked the question?” There are only two possible answers to a yes or no question. The answer is either “yes” or “no.”

The answer could, technically, also be “maybe.” But, with a little effort, “maybe” can sometimes be turned into a “yes.” And, with a little neglect or indifference, “maybe” can slip into a “no.”

I want to share with you a story about two people in strikingly similar situations, but who experienced drastically different results. One man got a step closer to his dream and the other didn't.

In my story, both men faced a situation that could make a significant impact on their lives. If seized, their opportunity could lead to some pretty amazing things.

You see, both men lived in a city where Michael Hyatt, lauded mentor, blogger and leader, was scheduled to speak to a closed group of professionals. Hyatt's speech was to be delivered to a members-only organization.

Neither of the two men were members of that private organization, but both were eager for an opportunity to meet Michael and hear him speak.

In the end, only one of our two characters got to meet Michael in person and develop a relationship with him. The other? He sat at home and did something else.

The difference?

One asked the question and the other did not.

In life, we're often faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We look at a problem and decide it's not worth the headache. Even worse, we see the chance for something great to happen but let a closed door prevent us from getting where we need to go.

That is the case with the two men in this story. While neither were members of the organization, one of them asked for special permission to be able to attend Michael's speech. The other man never even made it that far; he let a closed door keep him from even making an effort.

One asked the question and the other did not.

One got to meet someone who has inspired them and the other did not.

So, who are the players in this story?

The first man, the one who thought outside the box and asked the question is my new friend Jared Easley. Jared hosts one of my new favorite podcasts, StarvetheDoubts, where he went on to interview Michael Hyatt and many other successful bloggers, leaders and entrepreneurs.

The second man? The one who didn't ask the question, the one who never thought to knock on the closed door standing in his way?

That was me. I let an opportunity slip away because I never thought to call the conference hosts and ask a simple question.

The are only two answers to a yes or no question. Don't be afraid to ask! What's the worst that could happen?

Image courtesy of jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Question: What is your question? Are you at a pivotal point in your life where you could have some amazing possibilities, if you just asked the question? What if you just asked?

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