If You Want Something, Ask. People Aren’t Mind Readers.

Over the years, I’ve worked with many people of various personality types who I’ve gained wisdom from working with. Once, I had a supervisor who would constantly say, “if you want a cookie you have to ask for the cookie.” He said it during meetings, team building activities, and casual conversation. As simple as the advice sounds, it’s right. If you want something, you need to ask for it. That way, you clearly communicate your expectation of what you want. That doesn’t mean that they have to give it to you, you still may have to work for it, but it is very clear to others that this is specifically what you want.

If you don’t say something, people won’t know what you want. People cannot read your mind. You can’t just assume that people know your needs and your wants. This applies if you’re at home or at work. At home, you can just assume people know what you want for dinner. At work, you can’t just assume that your supervisor knows that you want the promotion that they haven’t interviewed you for. If you keep your motives to yourself, you will be ignored.

I know that sometimes it’s hard to ask for help, but sometimes it’s necessary to make it known what you need. You are a person who has physical, mental, and emotional needs each day. Those needs should be met, or at least worked on, especially right now during this pandemic. You deserve to get your needs met.

When you're vocal about what you want, or your goals, you put it out into the world. People know what you want, and the people who love you will support you.  By making your goals known, you make yourself accountable. This is why clear communication is important in both the workplace and in life.

Roderick Conwi writes about personal and professional development at Nourishment Notes. He is also the author of The Procrastinator's Quick Guide To Getting It Done. To get powerful insights to enhance your day, join his FREE newsletter.