This segment comes from Jim Rohn's 1981 seminar Challenge to Succeed. It stresses that asking is central to getting what you want. Asking is more than idle wanting: when it combines clear, specific goals with a childlike belief that you can attain them, it produces remarkable outcomes. For anyone pursuing success, the talk offers guidance that is brief but forceful.

1. The secret to getting what you want: "Ask"

The way to get what we want is surprisingly simple. It is to ask. Rohn says this is one of the most important skills to master in life. To ask is not merely to wish for something—it is to put "What do I want?" to yourself and answer it clearly. That request is the starting point for everything that follows toward getting what you want.

"Ask." That's it. End of notes.

"If there's one art in life to learn extremely well, that's got to be one of them. The art of asking."

2. Three core principles of asking and achieving

Rohn offers three pivotal ideas about asking and receiving. Understanding them, he says, will greatly help you get what you want.

2.1 Asking is the beginning of achievement

First, asking itself is the beginning of achievement. Asking initiates a distinct mental and emotional process—like pressing a button that starts a machine. You do not need to know every detail of how it works; once you start, results appear.

"Asking is the beginning of receiving. Asking starts a unique process, mental and emotional."

Some people spend their time studying the roots of the tree; others are already picking the fruit. Where you want to stand changes how you begin with asking.

2.2 Achievement is automatic and abundant

Second, achievement is not the problem. Achievement happens automatically; like the ocean, it is abundant. Success is not scarce or limited, so there is nothing to fear. Then what is the real problem? It may be failing to ask.

"Receiving is not the problem. Receiving is automatic."

Many people work hard but never write their goals down clearly. Rohn calls that being a great worker but a poor asker—and stresses the importance of asking for your goals in a clear way.

"Failure to ask might be one of your major problems. I don't know. Check it out."

People who do not fully partake of success's abundance are like going to the ocean with only a teaspoon. Given the size of the sea, trading the teaspoon for at least a bucket would be far wiser.

"See, what you want to do in view of the size of the ocean is trade your teaspoon for at least a bucket and you'll look better down at the ocean."

3. Ask wisely—and with faith

There are two essential ways to ask when you want to get what you want.

3.1 Ask intelligently

First, ask intelligently. Do not mumble or stay vague. Be clear and specific: how wide, how high, how soon, when, what size, what color, how much. Define and describe what you want in detail. That kind of goal acts like a magnet, pulling you in that direction.

"Don't mumble. You don't get anything by mumbling. Be clear. Be specific."

"Intelligent asking means how wide, how high, how soon, when, what size, what color, how much. Define what you want and describe what you want. That's powerful."

3.2 Ask with faith—like a child

Second, ask with faith. That means a simple, childlike trust—not the skepticism adults often carry. Adults can plan like adults; but when it comes to believing the plan, think like a child.

"Ask with faith. That's the childish part of the equation. Believe you can get what you want like a child. Not an adult. Adults are too skeptical."

When you plan like an adult and believe like a child, the most incredible things can happen. Try it for just ninety days—you can always go back, but this experiment can change your life. The world respects people who act.

"So the formula really reads, make plans like an adult and believe in them like a child and the most incredible things will happen. Just try it for 90 days."

Closing

Rohn's message is that you do not get what you want through vague hope alone. You need clear goals, firm belief, and bold asking. From today, trade your teaspoon for a bucket—and take a decisive step toward what you want.