If you’re looking for five powerful words that can take you to the next level, here they are: “Ask, and you shall receive.”

LeVar Burton recently took this mantra to heart with his campaign to become the next Jeopardy host—inspiring his fans to sign a Change.org petition that ultimately garnered over 254,000 signatures (and counting). And it worked! 

Burton’s stint as a guest host airs next week, and whether he gets the gig or not, he told Entertainment Weekly that he will “go to [his] grave” believing that there is no one out there better suited for the role than him.

I’ve employed this approach numerous times throughout my career as well. Back in 2006, I found out about a biography series named “Authors Teens Love” and tracked down the name of the editor at Enslow Publishing. As an avid YA fan and emerging non-fiction author, I was hopeful for the chance to be considered as an author on the project, but figured it was a long shot.

I expected to hear crickets, but within a matter of hours, I had a response from the editor that read:

Hi Jen,

I’m actually looking for someone to (possibly) tackle Judy Blume for the “Authors Teens Love” series. Would such a project be of interest to you? If so, let me know.

Regards,
David

Holy SuperFudge! I couldn’t believe it. The story had a happy ending from there, with me going on to write the Judy Blume entry in the series and even throwing a super-fun book launch party—replete with puberty monologues and a hilarious song written and performed by my future husband and his improv partner! (Give it a watch at the bottom of this post.)

And I can say with 100% certainty that none of it would have happened if I hadn’t summoned the courage to send that initial email.

All of this to say: what’s to stop you from making that big ask right now? If there’s anything we’ve learned in the last year, it’s that life is short. Whatever your version of carpe diem is — whether it’s asking for more help around the house, pitching a story to a dream publication, submitting for an art contest, or signing up for an open mic night — there’s no better time than the present to go for it.

And no matter what happens, you’re sure to feel like Levar, who said: “No matter what happens, I’m really proud of myself for daring to dream that dream, ultimately.” 

So go ahead…it can’t hurt to ask!

Your creative champion,
Jen