What do you really want?

 Do we really know what we want in life?

My children always ask for what they want. They know that when they ask, the probability of them receiving it, increases by 50%. When I say no, and they are aware that it is within my capability if providing it (not a helicopter for a school event of course), then they persist. More often than not. I give it to them.

Why do I do this? It is because I know that what they are asking for is important to them and it will actually be useful for them in that moment or in the near future. And also, it is because I am able to give it to them. I also enjoy watching them learn the power of persistence.

There is a difference between whining and persistence. When they whine, I address the whining as a parent. When they request and persist, I will address that and when able, give it to them. I am proud that they are growing up not to be fearful of what they want.

I am proud that they are aware of what they want and able to explain to me why it is important that they have it. I am glad that their father and I are able to discuss it together.

Many of us, as adults, do not know what we want. It may be because growing up, whenever we asked, we were not given. It may be because we grew up with limited resources and when we asked our parents, we were reminded that money does not grow on trees.

Unfortunately, this may also affect the way we negotiate contracts at work. We feel unworthy of asking for a salary raise. We feel unworthy of negotiating better working conditions. We accept the bare minimum and because of that, we are treated with minimal respect even when we do our best and outperform others.

Ask for what you want. Do not whine. Just ask. Persist. Request politely. Negotiate. Speak maturely. Address your concerns with facts.

According to the Daily Mail, Before they won a $2.76 million lottery jackpot in 2005, Lara and Roger Griffiths, of England, reportedly never argued. After winning it, they lived lavishly before their house caught fire. Lara also suspected her husband of cheating on her and that ended their 14-year marriage.

The lottery win is not to blame for this. When you ask for what you want, be prepared for what will happen when you get it.

In another story, William "Bud" Post won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania lottery in 1988, but he was $1 million in debt within a year. His former girlfriend successfully sued him and his brother allegedly put a hit out on him. Before his death, Bud said he was happier when he was broke.

The lottery win is not to blame. When you ask for something, be prepared for it. When you get what you ask for, do you really know how to handle it?

Keep on asking for what you want and more importantly, be prepared to know what to do with it, once it arrives.

Bless!

Beverley N N