“If you don’t ask, you don’t get” and other fab motivational phrases
I love a motivational phrase to turn to in times of doubt or challenge. I have lived my life following a few but one that stands out is ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get’. Much of my life has been lived being cheeky and asking for things even when it might not have been considered ‘right’.
I asked Marks & Spencer to pay me to write my dissertation for them when I was 21. They said yes! I asked for a job in Tesco finance department (despite me having a career blip of a mistaken three months as recruitment consultant), they said yes. And I asked for redundancy at EE, and they said yes (after a few months!). I have put myself out there into uncomfortable situations and it has paid off. Life has changed and become better as a result.
I thought it would be really interesting to ask the members of my ‘Blogging Your Way To Riches’ group on Facebook which were their phrases that have guided them through life. It was such an interesting debate with so many people offering up their life mottos. I have picked out a few of my favourites and the ones that the group loved, to share with you.
“This too shall pass”
A phrase that Kate from The Refined Prose says has gotten her through some tough times. I love this comment from Kate, “I’m all for inspiring, empowering mantras, but the reality is that sometimes life is crap, and THAT’S when I need to dig deep”. There was a chorus of support for this phrase from many other bloggers.
“Everything happens for a reason”
This one came from Emma at The Money Whisperer and I must say this is another one I use a lot. Emma says, “It landed me in Australia for 7 years and I always seem to land on my feet so instead of seeing the worst in a situation, I always think there must be a reason it’s all happening even if it’s not what I would have chosen to happen”.
Yes, yes, yes, I whole heartedly agree. Tough things happen to make us stronger, you will learn a lot and will get through it. I feel that way about our house sale, which didn’t happen. There was something out there telling us it was not the right time to move.
“Comparison is the thief of joy”
This statement was suggested by Gemma of Life is Catwalk. Oh yes and oh so true particularly in this world of blogging. Never compare to anyone, each blogger has their own unique style, their own personality, their own PR strategy, their own timeline.
“You can’t please everyone all of the time”
This is a great one from Donna at Little Lily Pad who says “Just because someone doesn’t like something you are doing, doesn’t mean it is wrong. This saying makes me realise that the decision must be right for me, not everyone else!
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”
Jane from Shoestring Cottage loves this phrase. I must agree, she comments about kindness and respect going a long way. Amen. If you are a kind, grateful and giving person, it will be repaid back in spades. Be a nice person!
“you get out what you put in”
Another great one from Michelle at Time and Pence. She says, “Some things in life take extra effort but it usually pays off in the long run”. I think this phrase is so relevant in the world of blogging. It takes an incredible amount of time, perseverance and hard work to make a blog work. But once it does, the payoff is huge.
“find something you love, and keep doing it”
This was said to Donna from Bobsy’s Mum during a tough time at work and she has never forgotten it. It’s so true for working life, if you want to be happy with your job you must love doing it. I say thinking back to 16 years’ worth of accounting jobs that I really didn’t love!
“if you don’t shoot, you won’t score”
Maria from Happy Mummy says “it pushes me to take more risks and ask for things I generally might not! Sound advice, I am risk taker, so I totally agree!
“Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere”
Kara from Your Best Friends Guide to Cash says “rather than wasting your time fretting about something, take action and make it change”. Worry is such a destructive thought process, particularly worrying about things that might happen. I know I have spent a lot of time wrapped up in the worry thoughts in my head. And then I think, No, you are making stuff up, stop worrying!
“Life’s too short”
I am ending with this one from Cass at Frugal Family. Cass says, “I don’t want to have regrets, so I try to do as much as I can with the kids because you really never know where you’ll be this time next week”. Totally agree on this one, live life to the full.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this inspirational and motivational post. I love it and hope you enjoyed reading it too.
10 Responses
I love all of these! Such great phrases.
My too, nice to turn to when life feels a bit strange
What awesome phrases! Thanks for including mine! x
My pleasure. Its a good un.
They’re all great! Very inspiring x
They are arn’t they. Love a good motivational post
I like a variation to the “Life’s too short” one. It is from Steve Runner, a very well known running podcaster (Pheddipidations). His version was, Life is short, but it should be long enough! I love both versions. All we have is now, never waste now. Great post, so much wisdom in one place. Today is the birthday of my best friend who died 20 years ago in a company plane crash. Miss him.
I like that, life is too short, but it should be long enough. Sorry for your loss.
As a wedding photography studio owner, I can confirm to the power of asking. Reaching out to collaborate with other businesses has opened countless doors for my studio. As you rightly point out don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, you might be surprised by the opportunities that come your way. Thank you for this inspiring reminder