4/18/25 Newsletter
Stop Waiting, Start Asking: 3 Reasons Clear Requests Lead to Faster Success
My 18-month-old daughter is learning to talk and gaining independence. As she explores, she inevitably encounters obstacles she can’t overcome alone—like opening her giant coloring book, removing the lid from a Tupperware container holding her crayons, or fixing a straw that’s not working in her cup. When frustration builds to tears, she comes to me crying. In those moments, I ask, “What’s up, baby? What do you need?”
She then makes a choice that determines how quickly her frustration is resolved. She either leads me to the problem, points, and says, “Help, please,” or collapses on the floor in a fit, leaving me to guess. Which do you think gets her what she wants faster? That’s right—when she clearly asks for help.
Now, you might be thinking, “Stef, what does this have to do with me?”
Well, how often do you act like my toddler in your own life?
You’re frustrated with your partner for not doing something, but instead of asking, you give them the cold shoulder.
You’re unhappy with your career progress, but when your boss asks how they can help, you offer no clear objectives.
A client is overstepping boundaries, but instead of addressing it, you stay silent.
A friend is being inconsistent, but rather than talking to her, you vent to someone else.
We’ve all been guilty of this. Why? Because we’re afraid—of rejection, misunderstanding, seeming selfish, or hearing “no.”
But let me let you in on a big secret — asking for what you want is the fastest path to getting it.
In today’s article I break down the 3 Reasons Clear Requests Lead to Faster Success.
World’s Best Blueberry Pie with Whip
My dad will tell you this blueberry pie is partly the reason he and my mom are married. She made it for him the summer they met and he not only fell in love with her but her incredible cooking as well. Something she, to this day, keeps her reputation for. This is her recipe from that summer. Enjoy! Since his birthday is this weekend, and it also happens to be Easter, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to share something delicious, special, and easy -to-make, in the event you’re on dessert duty with your family this weekend.
