Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

The Five Barriers to Asking for What We Want:
1. Ignorance – We don’t know what to ask for. We don’t know what is available and possible. We don’t know how to ask.
2. Limiting and Inaccurate Beliefs – We are programmed by parents, schools, media, religious training and doctors. Most common limiting beliefs – If you loved me, I wouldn’t have to ask; the world is not a responsive place; my success will deprive someone else; if I get what I want, it will make me unhappy.
3. Fear – of rejection, looking stupid, being powerless, of humiliation, of punishment, of abandonment, of endless obligation.
4. Low self-esteem.
5. Pride.

The Benefits of Asking (for anything) include better business and personal relationships.

Seven Characteristics of the Masters of the Lamp
1. They know what they want.
2. They believe they are worthy of receiving it.
3. They believe they can get it.
4. They are passionate about it.
5. They take action in the face of fear.
6. They learn from their experience.
7. They are persistent.

A key is knowing what to wish for. Clarify your vision. What do you truly desire in each of the following arenas:
1. Marriage and love relationships
2. Family and friends
3. Home
4. Furnishings and other possessions
5. Car and other forms of transportation
6. Clothes, jewelry, etc.
7. Job and career
8. Money and finances
9. Achievements
10. Health and physical fitness
11. Recreation and free time
12. Personal and spiritual growth
13. Things you would like to contribute to your community.

Overcome Fear (Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real)
Imagine the desired outcome.
Use positive self-talk. The Little Engine that Could.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment.
Focus on the other person’s needs.

Ask as if you expect to get it.
Ask someone who can give it to you.
Get the other person’s full attention.
Be very specific in all of your requests.
Ask for what you want, not for what you don’t want.
Have unbridled passion for your purpose, project or goal.
Ask with eye contact.
Give something to get something.
Explain what’s in it for them.
Ask the same people again and again. 46% of all salespeople ask for business one time. 24% ask for business two times. 14% ask for business three times. Only 4% of all salespeople ask the same person for their business five times (which represents 60% of all business sold).
A no may be a blessing in disguise.
Be gracious in accepting no and don’t burn bridges.

At home, make sure you are asking rather than telling.

At work, ask for excellence.
Explain the consequences clearly.
Ask for an appointment.
Ask for referrals.

Ask yourself "How would the person I’d like to be do the things I’m about to do?"