When facing decisions or changes in life, we’ve met with two approaches:

  1. We can ask for permission. If you want to try something new at work, you can ask, “Can I try this new approach?” “Can I attend this meeting?” “Is it ok if I work from home?” The answer to your question determines whether or not you move forward, but you don’t do anything new without permission. This is the approach most people take.
  2. We can ask for forgiveness. With this approach, you move forward and do what you want. You try something new, you attend the meeting, you work from home without asking for permission. If someone questions your decision, you give a reason for your action.

Most people are afraid of getting in trouble for not asking for permission. But in my experience, you won’t have to ask for forgiveness very often. People will recognize the approach and see the results, and you’ll be rewarded for it in the long run.

Asking for permission instead of asking for permission allows you to be proactive and get things done more quickly. You aren’t waiting for anyone else to decide your fate–you’re taking things into your own hands to make it happen.

Stop asking for permission. Take control of your life and career and ask for forgiveness instead.

I put together a video which talks about this in more detail. Please check it out below and if you want more content like this you can subscribe to my Youtube channel.

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This episode is sponsored by Workplace from Meta.

Workplace is a business communication tool from Meta. Think Facebook, but for your company.

It’s part of Meta’s vision for the future of work. A future in which we’ll all feel more present, connected and productive.

Start your journey into the future of work at workplace.com/future.

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