Several days ago, my 11 year old daughter came home from school upset. She received a “bad grade” in Art class. Her average had gone from an “A” to a high “B”. I asked her what happened. She said she missed several points on one of the assignments because it was incomplete. She didn’t have enough time to complete it in class because her class period was cut short. I asked her if she had discussed the assignment with the teacher to see if he might give her extra time. She said, she hadn’t because she knew he wouldn’t give her extra time. I encouraged her to ask any way. The next day, she came home and was in better spirits. She said she had emailed her teacher and he agreed to give her more time on her assignment. Consequently, she’s giving up her lunch and recess periods to finish the assignment, but once it is completed, she will have a 100 average.

How many of us miss out on opportunities because we refuse to speak up or ask for help? Many times, we accept life as it comes because we are afraid to speak up, unsure of what to say, would rather move on to something else or we’re simply willing to settle for less than what’s available. If we would challenge ourselves to always look for the best option, we might find ourselves in a whole new ball game. My daughter never would have had the opportunity to complete her assignment if she had not asked for it. Don’t take life at “face value”. Be willing to do your best and speak up when life throws a curve ball. Sometimes, you just might get the right answer.

Have you found yourself in a situation where you refuse to speak up?

Are you afraid of what the response may be?

Have you settled for less than what you are capable of?

Resolve today, to begin speaking up and never settle!

~Coletta Jones Patterson

*Coletta is an author, business executive, life/business coach and speaker who is passionate about helping others go beyond stuck. Her latest book, “Beyond Stuck: Creating the Life You Want” is available on Amazon.com. Connect with Coletta at info@moveu4ward.com.