Episode 7: How To Figure Out What You Want and Ask for It

Have you ever found yourself struggling to identify what you really want? Or felt dread at the prospect of asking for a raise? If so, you are not alone. There are many complicated factors that prevent us from identifying (and asking for) what we really want, all of which can be difficult to address when you lack the proper knowledge or insight. In today’s episode, we examine all of this and more by unpacking four key questions to help you identify what you truly want and how to go about asking for it. Tuning in, you’ll gain insight into why we don’t ask for what we want, why we should ask for what we want, how to figure out what we want, and finally, how to ask for what we want. We explore how self-reflection and self-knowledge can help you identify what you truly want before discussing some of the positive effects of asking for it, like improved confidence, clarity, and communication. Our conversation also covers why not getting what you want provides you with an opportunity to learn along with helpful strategies that will empower you to overcome your fears and communicate what you want. Be sure to tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of how to figure out what you want, how to ask for it, and everything in between!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why people struggle to identify and articulate what they want.
• The importance of making time to reflect on what you want.
• How misconceptions around selfishness prevent you from understanding yourself.
• Getting to the root cause of what is bothering you rather than just treating the symptoms.
• Why we need to be ready to put in the work required before we can ask for what we want.
• How focusing on current challenges can limit our ability to visualize a different future.
• Creating an environment that gives people the opportunity to learn and thrive.
• The benefits of asking for what you want.
• How asking for what you want can bolster your confidence and give you clarity.
• Why not getting what you asked for isn’t a failure: it provides you with valuable feedback.
• Asking for what you want and how it can improve communication.
• How to practice a healthy level of assertiveness.
• A breakdown of how to figure out what you want and how to ask for it.
• Why it can be helpful to determine what you don’t want and why.
• Reflecting on past successes and how they can help you build new outcomes.
• Using visualization and meditation to inspire you.
• How to ask for what you want effectively.
• Preparing for the conversation by identifying where you can be flexible.
• Defining your reasons for why you want something.
• Letting go of the ‘shoulds’ and why it’s so liberating.
• How to face your fears ahead of time.
• What to expect from our upcoming conversation with Joanne Zuk.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Joanne Zuk
Human-Centric Leadership on LinkedIn
Leadership Program
Michelle Nicole Martin
Michelle Nicole Martin on Instagram
Michelle Nicole Martin on LinkedIn