Overcoming Your Fear of Asking Questions.
Hey Everyone,
Today I am bringing you some Monday motivation focused on a crucial aspect of learning and growing in any field: overcoming the apprehension to ask questions. There's an old saying that perfectly encapsulates today's topic:
'He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.'
This highlights the temporary discomfort of admitting we don't know something versus the ongoing ignorance of failing to ask.
In this motivational talk, we'll cover:
- The Value of Questions: Emphasizing why asking questions is fundamental to personal and professional development.
- Overcoming Fear: Discussing the common fear of appearing inexperienced and how to move past this to foster growth.
- The Joy of Helping: Shedding light on the other side of the equation—how people with knowledge genuinely enjoy sharing their insights and assisting others.
- Efficiency in Learning: The importance of asking questions to avoid stagnation and accelerate your progress, particularly in building your online business.
- Community Support: Encouraging you to leverage the Wealthy Affiliate community's vast experience and willingness to help, ensuring you never feel isolated in your quest for knowledge.
No matter how basic or complex your question may seem, remember that it's a step towards understanding and mastery. The Wealthy Affiliate community is built on a foundation of mutual support, where every question asked is an opportunity for collective growth.
Have you ever hesitated to ask a question, fearing it might be too simple or obvious? Or have you found progress in seeking answers from those around you? Share your experiences, thoughts, and any questions you may have been holding back in the comments below.
Recent Comments
147
Thank you for this post Kyle! I do frequently ask the community for help or for answers to questions I have.
It's good to know you, (and the community) welcome these questions, as I've often felt that perhaps I've become TOO reliant on the community... asking questions before I've attempted any of my "old" methods of research, such as using a Google search.
Lately I've been trying to utilize AI to answer my questions when it is one I think AI could provide an accurate answer for. This is to gain practice in using effective prompt engineering and becoming more accustomed to using AI in general. Surprisingly, I find the answers are typically correct and helpful, at least using Bing, which is what I use for quick questions due to its easy access in the Edge browser or with Copilot in Windows.
Anyway, thanks for a great post, and I'll keep my questions coming! 😊
Kevin
Nothing wrong with being reliant, sure be resourceful, but if you ever hit a stumbling block and you have people that "know" the answer available to you, why not ask.
As you gain more knowledge, you will naturally become more and more resourceful as well (being able to seek and find answers on your end, as well as learn new stuff).
Continue educating yourself, and then as you advance that educate ask questions if you have them. That is the ultimate path to attaining expertise. ;)
I try to figure things out myself. Unfortunately sometimes I spend to much time trying to do it myself. After wasting way to much time, I finally ask. Then I kick myself for not asking sooner and not wasting all that time. I need to put a time limit on trying to figure it out myself.
Yeah, part of if it is habit. "I should know this."
But the reality is, you probably shouldn't know it because it is a brand new topic and subject matter. That is why we ask questions, to speed up the process of knowing.
You have a warm and welcoming pay-it-forward community here at WA Ted, so if you are ever feeling even the slightest bit stuck, just ask for help. ;)
I have a hard time asking questions. I get a good article done in the hubs but I still don't know how to make it my own. The ai version seems so much better than mine when I try to add my personal touches. It seems there is a mental block there. I also see so many huge websites in my niche and I get overwhelmed thinking I won't be able to to help others ,that these websites have all the answers and what can I tell them because it seems these websites have all the answers. So I get discouraged. But I keep trying . I don't want to give up this time. Thanks for all the training and the help. It is much appreciated.
Yeah, you don't have to edit the heck out of it. You just have to make any changes that you feel are appropriate, remove redundancies or phrases that you don't like, edit others that you feel could be more "you" or better...in other words polish it a bit. If you want any formatting of text, and if you see appropriate locations where an image would help further "clarify" the topic and add value to your article, add that.
Then publish. Don't get discouraged and of course if you ever have any questions or need any feedback, just ask!
Iam new here and don't have the knowledge in doing online business and I have this fear that I will be unable to earn
But listening to your video presentation has given me strength that I will gain knowledge in doing online business and I have family in this community where I can draw strength from
Iam looking forward to upgrading myself to premium plus next week to enjoy this online bussiness with WEATHY AFFILIATE
You are just as capable as anyone Rose, there is no bias to location or upbringing or anything else when you starting a business. We all have the same opportunity, and it is vast and you have the guidance here, the road map, and the vehicle to achieve any level of success you are willing to work for.
Ask questions as you have them Rose, you have lots of help here every step of he way! :)
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Hi Kyle:
I love the quote, "He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever." It makes a lot of sense!
It's amazing how when we get over the initial fear of asking a question and having a problem solved, we realize it wasn't so bad to ask after all. However, when we face another challenge, the fear may creep in again.
Thank you for reminding and encouraging us that we shouldn't stay stuck because of fear. We can advance and reach our destination quicker and easier with the help that's available.
I have made that mistake several times, even here at Wealthy Affiliate. Thanks to everyone for the great support we have here!
Veron
No problem Veron and I am really glad you enjoyed the quote and it gave you a little perspective. Rule of thumb, if you ever have any questions at all here within WA and as you move forward with the build out of your business, just ask!