How to overcome the fear of asking

During our group coaching call in CourageLab, one of the leaders shared something that gave me an "A-ha" moment. 

I asked:

"How comfortable are you asking individuals for a $10,000 gift?" 

And they responded:

"I have a hard time asking for ANYTHING, so I'm not super comfortable asking for $10k." 

So, this made me think:

I wonder if the same people who struggle to ask for money from donors 1:1 also struggle to ask for ANYTHING in life in general. 

Is this true for you? 

Do you struggle to renegotiate deadlines when you're running behind and need more time? Or do you RUSH and break your back to make it work?

Do you struggle to ask for a simple favor from a spouse, partner, roommate or friend? Like “hey, do you mind doing the dishes this time while I take a nap?”

Do you struggle to reach out for help, period? Like “hey friend, will you tell me what you love about me? I'm doubting myself and could use encouragement.”

If that's you, and you also have a hard time asking people for a large donation, then here's what I want you to do:

ASK FOR SOMETHING from someone you know and love. 

It's gotta be personal.

Think of something you need right now. Think of someone you love and who loves you.

Text them and ask for it. 

That's it. That's the work I want you to do to become a more whole human being and a better fundraiser.

Make no mistake, they are connected.

It's personal. 

If you are a human being who denies what you need, then you struggle to receive from others. 

If you are also a leader, then you are bringing that culture of giving and not being able to receive into your organization. 

This is part of the ROOT of your fundraising struggles. 

Did you catch that? 

The good news is you have control over this and can change it.

Do you believe that you deserve to receive more funding?

Do you believe that your organization is doing GOOD work that is worth investing millions into? 

If not, address your feelings of unworthiness. Address that your organization's quality of work needs to be improved.

Your results you get in your work, or lack of results, are personal. Anyone who tells you that strategy alone is what you need to raise more is wrong. I said it. 

No one has ever changed the world without first changing themselves.

You got this. Don't try to do it alone! Ask for help.