Asking for what we want. It’s such a simple concept, yet so often we are paralyzed by the fear of reactions. We wonder what “they” might say. We wonder if the worst-case scenario will come to pass. And too often we settle for something less than the best because we don’t ask for what we want. But we don’t need to be afraid and a little bit of courage may just get you the rooftop experience it got me.
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The Power of Asking was on Display while Vacationing on Catalina Island
Forty-five minutes off the coast of southern California is a beautiful, quaint, and mostly rural island called Catalina. I arrived just as the sun rising alongside a childhood friend of mine who I hadn’t seen in almost 10 years.
The ferry took us to Avalon Bay, a picturesque harbor filled with small and luxury boats. We walked around for 10-15 minutes taking in the scenery and shops until deciding to find a breakfast spot and plan out our day on the island.
From a main street that hugged the coast, I noticed a neat and tidy restaurant with rooftop seating. It was the obvious choice for an island first-timer and seemed too cool to be true – planning island activities on a gorgeous rooftop overlooking Avalon Bay.
Life is Full of Roadblocks
When we stepped inside, we were met with a large sign blocking the stairwell: “Rooftop seating closed.”
A bit disappointed, we dropped off our backpacks on a lower-level balcony and went to order food. The idea of the rooftop seating wouldn’t leave my mind though.
I kept thinking…Is it really closed? Does it need to be closed? Would they make an exception for us? Is there anything we can do to change this situation?
Well, you probably know what happened. I had to say something. It was too big a risk to not try. Besides, what was the worst-case scenario we always want to consider? The worst thing the cashier could say was “NO!”
We Never Know Unless We Ask
I took up some courage and asked, “Is the rooftop seating really closed?”
In my mind, the reality of business is often different than what people see. Maybe the rooftop was open and no one moved the sign. Maybe the sign was just a way to make the workday easier, not having to clean or bus tables on multiple floors. Whatever the reason for the sign, it’s almost always respectful to be genuinely curious.
She nodded that the rooftop seating was indeed closed and offered the explanation that it was just her working at the moment. Clearly, having to manage multiple floors of seating while also doing the register could be problematic.
But I couldn’t leave it at that. Giving up now was too soon. I knew internally that maybe we could help ensure her workload wasn’t doubled. We could clean up after ourselves or come back down when our food was ready so she didn’t need to deliver it. There were so many reasons why we shouldn’t give up just yet.
Keep Asking Respectfully Until Satisfied with the Result or Answer
I smiled and replied, “Is there any way we could sit up there? I’m from Texas visiting my friend who I haven’t seen in nearly 10 years. It would be incredible to be able to sit on the roof.”
The gears in the cashier’s head were turning. You could almost hear her brain pondering back and forth if she should stick to the plan or acquiesce the request.
You know what happened next?
She smiled and said it was fine.
She even offered to bring us up all the food when it was ready, despite us imploring her we would be happy to wait or come down to get it.
Without ever moving the stairwell closed sign, we tromped up in excitement and were able to take in Avalon Bay from a closed-off rooftop.
It was beautiful.
It was worth it.
And all it took was the willingness to ask for what we wanted.
What do You Want?
Do you tend to ask for what you want?
Or are you typically afraid of coming off disrespectful and rude?
Do you even know what you want in your daily and weekly situations?
Whether you believe it or not, simply asking for it can open a world of opportunities and experiences you’ll never forget.
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