Have You Found Waldo Yet?

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!