How to Get What You Want

A funny story about how to get what you want…

I’m in Los Angeles for a week of business meetings. When I arrive at the #HiltonLAX, I’m disappointed to find that my room is much smaller than I’d hoped for.

But okay, I can deal with that, I tell myself.

Then I notice that every 30 seconds, there is a tremendous roar from the sound of airplanes taking off (the hotel is less than a mile from LAX, one of the busiest airports on the planet).

Now I teach people how to get what you want – that is part of my Afformations course as well as Power Habits Academy.

So I decide to practice what I preach about how to ask for what you want…

I call the front desk and ask if I could have a room that wasn’t so close to the, uh, action.

The front desk person is very nice and says, “Of course, no problem.”

Now keep in mind that the hotel is completely sold out. But they find me a room on the opposite side of the building, away from the sounds of the airplanes.

So I go from my first room on the 13th floor down to the room on the 4th floor. I get to my new room, and notice it’s bigger than my first one.

“Nice,” I think. A marked improvement.

Except there’s something wrong…

As I’m sitting on the bed in my new room, I hear – no, I can actually FEEL – a distinct rumble. RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

It’s like the sound of an earthquake, except it doesn’t stop. Now maybe I’m overly sensitive, but I can feel he room actually shaking.

I think, “Well, maybe I can get used to it,” and close my eyes and try to relax.

Nope. It sounds and feels like a constant jackhammer.

So I call the front desk again.

“I don’t know how to say this,” I begin, and tell them the situation.

Veronica, the front desk person who answers, says, “Well, we can’t have that. Let me see what I can do.”

Remembering that most of the rooms are of the smaller variety, i politely ask her, “Do you think I could have one of the bigger rooms?”

(I also happen to mention that I’m a Hilton Honors member.)

She says, “Can I call you back in two minutes while I try to find you a more suitable room?”

Of course, I say.

45 seconds later, Veronica calls to tell me she’s found a nice corner room on the “quiet” side of the building.

So now I go back up to the 13th floor, down the hallway to what is now my THIRD room, and…

Just like Goldilocks, this one is “freaking nice.”

My new room has panoramic views, is twice as big as the first room, and there’s no rumble!

Oh, and “for my trouble” Veronica also gives me access to the Executive Towers Lounge, which has a complimentary Evening Reception every night.

So here are 3 lessons from this story about how to get what you want…

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
2. However, when you ask, be POLITE.
3. Remember that front desk people and other folks in the service industry basically get yelled at all day. (Believe me, I know from first-hand experience.)

Therefore, simply being polite, understanding how hard and thankless their jobs are, and remembering that most people really would like to help you, will go a long way to help you get what you want.

So – thank you Veronica and the staff of the Hilton LAX for your excellent hospitality, for helping me get a good night’s sleep, and for this wonderful lesson on how to get what you want.

Noah’s Note:  How to get what you want: a funny story. #GetWhatYouWant

P.S. Watch this video to discover How to Get Rid of Your Head Trash About Money

I believe in you!