do you ask?

“We regret to inform you we did not select your proposal.”

Eight weeks earlier, I sent a proposal to run a hands-on workshop at UX Australia, a user experience design conference held every year in Australia.

I felt hopeful over the long weeks of waiting. An opportunity to speak at this conference could lead to a connection, which could in turn lead to a job and a visa to live in Australia.

Australia was my dream. Since I was a little girl, I was fascinated with this odd island continent. I watched the Disney movie Rescuers Down Under, and from that point on, I was obsessed.

For the past year, I tried different paths to get to Australia, and nothing had worked. Speaking at this conference seemed like the best chance I had.

And then, the rejection.

No. I wanted this too much. This could not be the end. I wouldn’t allow it to be the end.

I hit reply.

“I appreciate your consideration of my proposal. I was really looking forward to the opportunity to speak at UX Australia. I’d love some feedback on my proposal, so I can improve for next time.” Sent.

The next day, a response.

“Hi Heather, we loved your proposal. We really wanted to include it in this year’s program, but we ran out workshop spots. However — we have one space remaining in the entire conference. It’s a different format to the workshop you proposed, but if you’re willing to modify your talk, you can have this final spot. We’d love to have you at UX Australia.”

Without hesitation, I replied: “I’d love to come. I’ll take it.”

Adjusting my talk wasn’t easy. My original proposal for a 4 hour workshop for no more than 20 people, was condensed down into 90 minutes for a room of up to 200 people. But no way was I going to let this opportunity go by. I would find a way.

And so I did.

I presented my improv + design workshop in 90 minutes for a hotel ballroom of nearly 100 people.

At the pre-conference social, I met Neil. Neil worked for ThoughtWorks, a global tech consultancy with offices around Australia. They sponsored people from all over the world. They could give me a work visa for Australia.

Before I even left the country, I had a phone interview.

Two months later, I accepted a job offer to be an Experience Design consultant — in the Brisbane, Australia office.

Friend, if you really want something, GO FOR IT!

Ask that question you need to ask. Connect with the person you need to speak with. Make the move that gets you one step closer.

The answer is 100% no if you don’t try at all.

Give yourself and your dreams the opportunity to live, and to thrive.

There’s always a way.

If it’s not the way you initially imagined, find a new way.

If you hear “no” at first — try again.

Yes, it can feel uncomfortable or hard or scary, and if you truly want the dream your heart desires — push through.

Don’t give up.

What do you need to ask, or try, so that you can give your dreams a chance to live?

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