Wait a minute, Warren, all you did was ask?
That's the reaction I got from a friend after I told him how I was able to create such an incredible autograph collection. He asked me this shortly after I posted photos of my autographs from several successful people including, Donald Trump, Lord Alan Sugar, Kevin O'Leary, Barbara Cocoran, and even the world's richest man, Bill Gates, to my Facebook profile.
Just a few days ago I got a similar reaction after I explained to someone how I was able to have a 15-minute phone conversation with Ivanka Trump, who was kind enough to take time out of her busy day to allow a 14-year-old to pick her brain for a few minutes.
What's my secret? I simply asked. I contacted the offices of these people and asked if I could get an autograph from the person in charge or even speak to them directly. It's no different whenever you want something in life: You need to ask for what you want. Simply having the courage to ask people for what you want can change your life, but it's unfortunate that so many of us fail to be courageous.
My courageous nature has allowed me to share my story at numerous events, have a list of multi-millionaire mentors, including David Chilton, and have a large autograph collection from some of the world's richest men. I got all of this from asking. Below are a few tips to help you become more courageous so that you too can open opportunities for yourself.
• Everything you want is on the other side of fear. I wholeheartedly agree with Jack Canfield when he said this. This powerful statement should be a reminder to us that when we sense fear, we should ask ourselves the question, "What can I possibly gain from challenging my nerves and being courageous in this situation?"
• Just ask. Yes, I know that it's easier said than done. Asking an influential person for their time, asking someone if they would support your small business, or even applying to go to an Ivy League university maybe be extremely nerve-wracking, but remember that everything you want is on the other side of fear. Think of it this way: How can you get what you want without having the courage to ask for it? You won't get it, because the other party doesn't know what you want. I would never have the multi-millionaire mentors that I have today if I never asked.
• Don't be afraid of rejection. Rejection can also be scary, but it's a part of life. I have had numerous business proposals rejected, but it definitely hasn't stopped me from asking people to do business with me. Why? Simply because rejection is a part of life and I know it will happen. If we never take a chance because of the fear of being rejected, we're sure to miss out on a lot of opportunities. It all goes back to my first point; everything you want is on the other side of fear.
The virtue of courage is what separates those who reach heights that most cannot. Therefore, we must try to develop this characteristic. Being courageous is not at all easy and can even be nerve-wracking, but overall it can be very rewarding, and without being courageous we end up missing a lot of opportunities that are waiting for us to just ask for them. Be courageous, because nothing else pays.