Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!" encapsulates a profound message about clarity of intention, readiness for opportunity, and the power of belief in achieving one's desires.
Firstly, the act of asking implies a clear articulation of one's desires or goals. It suggests a willingness to vocalize what you truly want or need, which is often the first crucial step towards achieving it. This clarity not only communicates your intentions to others but also to yourself, reinforcing a sense of purpose and direction.
However, asking alone is not enough. The quote emphasizes being prepared to receive what you ask for. This readiness involves several facets: mental preparedness, emotional openness, and practical readiness to handle the consequences or responsibilities that may come with obtaining your desire. It encourages you to envision success realistically and to cultivate a mindset that aligns with achieving your goals.
Furthermore, the quote hints at the belief in the possibility of fulfillment. By asking and preparing to receive, you implicitly acknowledge that your desires are attainable. This belief in the feasibility of your aspirations is crucial as it fuels determination, resilience, and perseverance in the face of challenges or setbacks.
Moreover, the quote suggests an active engagement with life and its opportunities. It advocates for a proactive approach rather than a passive one. By asking, you initiate a process of manifestation and create opportunities for action, collaboration, and serendipity that can propel you closer to what you seek.
On a deeper level, the quote speaks to the relationship between intention and manifestation. It implies that articulating your desires clearly and being mentally and emotionally aligned with them can influence your reality. This aligns with principles from various philosophical and psychological perspectives that suggest our thoughts and intentions can shape our experiences and outcomes.
In essence, "Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!" encourages courage in expressing your desires, readiness to seize opportunities, belief in your ability to achieve what you seek, and proactive engagement with the process of manifesting your dreams. It underscores the importance of clarity, readiness, belief, and action in realizing your aspirations and shaping your own destiny.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!" is often attributed to Maya Angelou (Bio / Quotes). Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, and civil rights activist who is best known for her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One compelling historical example that illustrates the quote "Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!" is the case of President John F. Kennedy's famous Moon speech on May 25, 1961. In this speech, Kennedy boldly announced the ambitious goal of sending an American astronaut to the Moon before the end of the decade.
At the time, the United States was in the midst of the Cold War, and the space race with the Soviet Union was a significant geopolitical concern. Kennedy’s request for such an ambitious goal was not merely a statement of hope but a clear and direct challenge to the nation and its space program. He asked for a massive national effort to achieve this goal, and he was prepared for the consequences of that request.
Kennedy's declaration was a gamble. The technology required to land a man on the Moon was still in its infancy, and the costs were enormous. However, by articulating such a clear and specific goal, he galvanized the American people and mobilized government and industry resources in a way that led to unprecedented advancements in space technology. The Apollo program, driven by this ambitious request, ultimately succeeded in landing astronauts on the Moon in 1969.
Kennedy’s example demonstrates the power of making bold requests and being prepared for the potential outcomes. By setting a clear objective and being willing to tackle the associated challenges, he not only inspired a nation but also achieved a monumental accomplishment that reshaped history.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In a real-life scenario, the quote "Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!" can be applied in various contexts, such as in personal career development or negotiating for a promotion. Imagine someone named Alex who has been working diligently at their job and believes they are ready for a significant promotion. Instead of passively waiting for the opportunity to come, Alex decides to actively ask for the promotion.
Alex schedules a meeting with their supervisor and clearly outlines their accomplishments, the value they have brought to the company, and their readiness to take on new responsibilities. They make a strong case for why they deserve the promotion and the benefits it would bring to both themselves and the company.
Once Alex makes this request, they must be prepared for the response, whether it is positive or requires additional negotiation. If the promotion is granted, Alex will need to step into the new role with the skills and commitment necessary to meet and exceed expectations. If the request is not immediately granted, Alex will need to be prepared for potential feedback and work on addressing any areas of concern to position themselves favorably for future opportunities.
By asking for what they want and preparing for the potential outcomes—whether that means stepping into a higher role or addressing feedback—Alex demonstrates a proactive approach to career advancement. This proactive mindset can lead to significant personal and professional growth, showing that clear, direct requests, coupled with readiness to handle the results, can create powerful opportunities for success.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
