#Ask February 19

by Coach4aday · Published February 19, 2022 · Updated February 18, 2022

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Many years ago, a friend named Phil Hindson turned me on to a book written by Jose Mourinho. Inside the cover of that book there was a life lesson about the word ASK.

That book was titled Jose Mourinho: Special Leadership: Creating and Managing Successful Teams.

What interested me is in this book was a story about Giacomo Girolamo Casanova. He was an Italian adventurer and author from the Republic of Venice who died in the late 1700’s. He has become so famous for his often complicated and elaborate affairs with women that his name is now synonymous with “womanizer”.

Casanova’s Life Lesson

Casanova was apparently on his deathbed when someone knocked on his door, repeatedly asking to speak with him. His family and doctor would not let this insistent stranger into his home. When Giacomo heard the knocking, he inquired who was here? His doctor informed him about the stranger and Casanova gave orders to let such a demanding and persistent character in. He believed such a person would have something important to tell him before he died.

When the man finally came to his bedside he asked: “Mr Casanova, you have made love to over twelve-hundred of the most beautiful Italian women…” Casanova interrupted him. “Fifteen-hundred.” “Okay, okay. Fifteen hundred of the most beautiful women of our country. But how did you do it? You must tell me your secret.” Casanova signalled at him to come closer, winked conspiratorial, and whispered in his ear: “I ASKED them.”

The lessons learned are 1. That getting what you want in life even if it a goal with questionable moral implications STARTS by ASKING. 2. That we can learn from anyone and at any stage of life.