In a recent post, I wrote about how quick we are to give up on riddles. You can check it out here. Let’s take another look at this, maybe from a different angle.
Think of someone who has what you want. It can be a talent, skill, wealth, knowledge, travel, charisma etc. Let’s presume you approach this person and ask them for their entire blueprint to success by saying, “Hey – I want what you have and I’m here for the taking. I want it all!” What type of response would you get? You might get a handshake, or you might get a smack in the face. What you WON’T get is 100% of the knowledge (at least not right away). In fact, it doesn’t matter how you approach them – there is no shortcut to experience.
Thankfully, most people are willing to share at least a little SOMETHING. Which brings me to today’s point. Find Waldo.
Just like riddles, Waldo can be a royal pain in the butt. You have to scan the page deliberately. No being lazy. No shortcuts. As a child what did you do? What do most children do?
ANSWER: “Mom, Dad…I can’t find Waldo. Can you give me a hint?”
For kids, this works for everything. They understand you won’t tell them what Santa Clause is bringing (not without a fight anyway). So, they just ask for a hint.
They know you won’t solve their homework problem, so they ask for a hint.
You won’t tell them the surprise movie you have in store, so they ask for a hint.
If they can’t “solve the riddle” with a big hint, they’ll ask for a smaller one. If that information is too obscure, they’ll ask for another hint, and another, and another.
THE CHALLENGE: Be a kid again. Ask for a hint. Don’t be annoying, but don’t give up on something that came so naturally to you as a youngster. Maybe you’d like to remember someone’s name, do a little work for it, ask them for a hint.
Perhaps you want a raise, maybe you can ask something like, “I would like to put myself in a position to get a raise next quarter. Can you give me a hint as to how I can achieve this?”
Maybe you’re mad at God or simply impatient, instead of asking for the crystal ball try asking for a hint.
Asking for hints is a great nonconfrontational approach to reach others and will give you great leverage when used properly. Now go find YOUR Waldo!
Thank you for your service Shipmate! 2/4
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