How to Get What You Want

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Everyone has big dreams and ambitions, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed when you're unsure how to accomplish them. Though getting what you want may seem like a long process, you can easily make a plan and start taking action right now. Remember to be confident, respectful, and have faith in yourself as you work to make your dreams a reality. To get you started, here's our comprehensive guide to getting what you want!

If you're looking specifically for getting what you want from your parents, see How to Get What You Want from Your Parents .

1

Ask for what you want.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you can only get what you want from someone else, don't wait for them to read your mind. Ask for what you want with respect, confidence, and plenty of detail. Be detailed and specific, so there's no chance of miscommunication. [1]
    • It may help to plan out what you'll say beforehand. Write down your request along with a list of reasons to help your argument. Practice speaking if you tend to get nervous jitters. [2]
    • Make sure you're asking and not delivering an ultimatum. You want to make sure the other person has room to say no without feeling pressured!
    • If your request is denied, try not to complain or sulk. Handle it with grace, and remember that you'll probably have the chance to ask again at a later date.
    2. Advertisement
2

Define your goals.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Think about your life, career, relationships, and more. What do you want from them? What do you want in 5 years or 10? What smaller goals do you have to meet to get what you want? You'll only be able to create a solid plan for getting what you want once you have clear and detailed ideas. [3]
    • It's easier to tackle your goals gradually in manageable steps. For example, if your ultimate plan is to get a raise at work, start small. Get to work early or make an effort to talk to your boss every day, and build from there!
    • Write down your goals. It may seem too simple, but putting pen to paper is far more powerful—and more of a commitment—than just thinking about your goals. [4]
    • Go above and beyond when setting goals. Don't worry about staying "realistic" to avoid disappointment—challenge yourself and shoot for the stars.
3

Visualize the outcome.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Think about what your life would look like, who you'd be with, how you'd feel, and what you'd be doing. Think carefully about the details of this outcome, and take a quick moment each day to breathe and visualize the future for yourself! [5]
    2. Advertisement
4

Prove your value.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Identify a key position at work that needs to be filled and take steps to fulfill it. That could mean gaining expertise in your field, increasing your productivity, or striving to be more approachable and team-oriented. Once people understand your value and see how much you do, they'll be more inclined to give you what you want. [6]
    • It's also easier to ask for something you want when your track record speaks for itself!
5

Practice makes perfect.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Think about what skills you'll need to accomplish a goal and make plans to hone them. If you're saving for the vacation of a lifetime, practice your budgeting skills. If you want to book gigs at a performance space, pick songs to rehearse and improve your skills as a musician. Come up with a regular practice routine and stick to it for the best results.
    • On average, it takes 66 days for a person to form a habit. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you'll have an easy daily regimen that helps you work towards your ultimate goal. [7]
    2. Advertisement
6

Find a role model.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Odds are, whatever you want, someone else has wanted—and gotten—before. Study the challenges they overcame and what they did to make the same achievements you want to make. Use their path to success as a roadmap for your own.
    • Reach out and talk to this role model if you can. Ask them for advice, including questions like "What would you do differently if you could?" Be authentic and considerate when you're networking. [8]
7

Help others to help yourself.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [9] If you're trying to advance your career, consider volunteering your time to help coworkers and superiors. Your boss would be grateful for your help, which in turn would draw attention to both your expertise and reliability. In short: when you help people, they also want to help you.
    • Volunteer work can also be fulfilling if you're trying to switch careers. Use it as a chance to learn new skills and get career experience.
    • Helping other people makes you feel good about yourself. The more you do it, the happier you get.
    • Volunteering also gives you the chance to expand your professional network and meet new people. You never know when an opportunity will come along.
    2. Advertisement
8

Be unapologetic.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Saying "I'm sorry, but…" to get someone's attention has become so common that some people associate it with showing respect, but it's actually just making you look less authoritative. Be polite without backing down, and remember to stop yourself when you instinctively go to apologize. [10]
    • Remember that you don't need to apologize for "bothering" someone. Just say, "Is this a good time?" or "Could I have a quick word with you?" instead.
    • Disagree respectfully without making apologies. Rather than "I'm sorry to disagree…" try saying, "I'd like to look at this from another perspective."
9

Persist no matter what.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Achieving your dreams is absolutely within your power, but it takes time and persistence. Be creative and think of new ways to tackle your goals. If you keep working at it and refuse to give up, you'll get where you want to go.
    • Be grateful for the little successes you have along the way. Start a gratitude journal so that you'll have a record of your accomplishments to look at on rainy days. [11]
    2. Advertisement
10

Leave failure in the past.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you've experienced one too many failures in the past, it may feel difficult to keep trying. Motivate yourself and push through those fears by remembering that even when things don't go your way, there's always a new possibility to explore. [12]
    • Accept past failures without letting them control or define you.
    • Look at your failures as valuable lessons. Then, you can learn to be thankful for them, too—because those failures teach you more than the successes do.
11

Believe that you'll succeed.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-11-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-11-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Get-What-You-Want-Step-11-Version-4.jpg\/aid290095-v4-728px-Get-What-You-Want-Step-11-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's easy to get preoccupied with thoughts of not being good enough, but everyone has insecurities. The next time you're feeling insecure about your chances of success, start thinking about all the reasons you're strong, capable, and already succeeding instead! [13]
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get Rid of a Manipulative Boyfriend
      How to
      Lie
      How to
      Cheat On a Test
      How to
      Accomplish a Goal
      How to
      Manifest Someone Back into Your Life (Plus Advice about Getting Back with Your Ex)
      How To Manifest Your Desires Using the Whisper Method
      How to
      Set Goals
      What Is a Money Sigil and How Do You Make One?
      How to
      Set Goals and Achieve Them
      How to
      Manifest on Paper
      How to
      Visualize
      How to
      Create an Effective Action Plan
      How to
      Set Goals for Life
      How to
      Make a Life Plan
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a30244004/how-to-manifest-anything/
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201212/9-ways-ask-and-get-what-you-want
      3. ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a30244004/how-to-manifest-anything/
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-over-money/201307/7-steps-getting-what-you-want
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-over-money/201307/7-steps-getting-what-you-want
      6. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/tricks-for-getting-people-to-do-what-you-want-2016-11
      7. ↑ https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-form-a-habit
      8. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/job-networking-tips.htm
      9. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
      1. ↑ https://therapyinanutshell.com/saying-sorry/
      2. ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a30244004/how-to-manifest-anything/
      3. ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/07/shark-tank-barbara-corcoran-and-others-on-how-to-be-successful-and-get-everything-you-want-in-life.html
      4. ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a30244004/how-to-manifest-anything/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      In order to get what you want, decide on your goal, then break that down into smaller, more manageable steps that you can take to get there. Stay focused on your goal, and be confident that you will achieve it. For instance, if what you want is to take a vacation to Hawaii, your steps could include, “I will save $20 a week, plus my birthday money, until I can afford a ticket,” “I will spend an hour a day researching the lowest flights for the next 2 weeks,” and “Instead of going out to eat, I’ll cook at home so I can buy new clothes for the trip.” For tips on how networking can help you reach your goals, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 90,096 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Patreau Xavier

        Jan 20, 2017

        "Taking action was really what helped me the most, since what I wanted was to go on vacation abroad to visit my ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement