Unlocking Opportunities Through Asking

It seems we've lost the ability to simply ask. Not just politely, but the very act of seeking something directly. In a world increasingly driven by automation and AI, where so much happens automatically, for better or worse, we often neglect to express our needs, maybe due to hesitation, fear, or complacency.

Many young people struggle with even the most basic requests — whether it’s customising an order at a counter, making a reservation, or asking for directions. Smartphones allow us to handle nearly any task without speaking to a single person, hence amplifying anxiety during real-life interactions.

For instance, I recently took Amber for a quick adjustment to her braces (a wire was poking into her gum). I asked her to speak to the dentist despite not having a booking. When she arrived, she saw a sign: "No appointment walk-ins only after 2pm." She called me, saying she would need to return later. I suggested she explain to the receptionist that it was just a minor procedure, but she refused to step in and make the request. So, I parked the car and went in myself. I politely explained the situation, and the dentist graciously agreed and resolved the issue in less than 30 seconds. All it took was a simple ask.

Even non-Christians might recognise the well-known verse in Luke's Gospel: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door shall be opened to you." Although it comes from the Bible, this message applies universally. It reminds us that seeking and asking — whether for assistance, information, or opportunities — can often yield results, but we must take the first step.

The simple art of genuinely searching, knocking, and querying has diminished — due to technology or other factors. In today’s digital world, where tasks are completed with a tap or a swipe, we've distanced ourselves from direct interaction. Perhaps it’s because making a request requires us to be humble and acknowledge our need for help. This vulnerability can be uncomfortable in our fast-paced, self-reliant culture. Yet, it’s often in these moments of asking that we unlock opportunities, solutions, or answers previously out of reach.