The Aladdin Factor: How to Ask for What You Want--and Get It

The main idea of this book is that you must learn to ASK!
But it goes much more than that. Jack Canfield's story about himself (right in the begin of this book), shows you that even asking FROM YOUR OWN WIFE, needs to be done is a proactive manner.
Anyone who has any issue with asking, whether from your employer, your employees, your peers, your family and even yourself! Should read this book today! You don't have to live your life being afraid to ask. There is another way. This book shows you how.
Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated

The main idea of this book is that you must learn to ASK!
But it goes much more than that. Jack Canfield's story about himself (right in the begin of this book), shows you that even asking FROM YOUR OWN WIFE, needs to be done is a proactive manner.
Anyone who has any issue with asking, whether from your employer, your employees, your peers, your family and even yourself! Should read this book today! You don't have to live your life being afraid to ask. There is another way. This book shows you how.
Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated

I have read books and listened to tapes by both of these co-authors. Their writing style and story telling ability is matched by few. This book is full of life stories, told by people--not about people. I generally do not like anecdotal or biographical books. This one however, was different. I loved it. If you think you never get anything from life, or you just don't know how to get what you really want--Read this book. It contains many great teachings about how to ask, as well as how to help others. It was definitely worth the time and effort to read this book.

I had high hopes for the Aladdin factor, but was very disappointed. It was the kind of thing that could have been consolidated into a short magazine article without losing any content. Also, it was not well researched.

I really liked the beginning of the book and found it very inspiring. The 2nd half is not all applicable to me but it is still inspiring.

Many years ago I read a book that changed my life. The beauty about books is they are truly timeless. Recently I revisited this book because the continued buzz about "The Secret" made me think of it.

The Aladdin Factor is a simple fast-track to getting what you want. Originally released in 1995 (around the time Chicken Soup for The Soul series was really taking off), this book changed the way I approached business and personal interactions.

I believe that one of the greatest lessons you will ever learn is included in this book. The art of asking for what you really want.

Canfield and Hansen explore five barriers to asking for what we want:

(1) The first is ignorance. Often, we simply don't know what to ask for. This occurs for many reasons including lack of exposure, not knowing the resources available and not fully understanding our personal desires and yearnings.

2) Second, limiting and inaccurate beliefs keep us stuck in what we know to be true from past experiences. This includes programming from parents, teachers, churches, peers and the media.

3) Fear is the third barrier (and one I believe we can all relate to). It is fear, usually based on past disappointments and experiences, that hold many of us back from asking for what we truly desire. The fear of rejection is particularly debilitating. Fear of looking silly, being humiliated, feeling powerless, punishment, obligation and abandonment are all key players in keeping us stuck.

4) Fourth is low self-esteem. Often we can feel unworthy of love, happiness and our true desires. This is because of inferiority complexes and false beliefs that our needs and wants are worthy of pursuit.

5) Pride is the final barrier and, according to the authors, is especially difficult for men. Although I see this trait in many of my women friends. We tend to remain guarded and not admit that we need help and support. Asking for this sometimes makes us feel inadequate.

The key to getting what you want is simple. Recognize and correct the barriers that apply to you. Become comfortable with who you are and what you really want and need (this may take some time).

Finally, ask for what you want in a way that is mutually beneficial for all involved. The key point I took away from this book (and continue to hold near and dear) is having the courage to simply ask.

Look at it this way. If you really, truly want something, the only way to get it is to take actionable steps, including asking. If you ask for something you want the worse thing that can happen is someone saying "no". Although this may seem devastating, in reality, you are left with nothing less than before you asked. And, if the answer happens to be yes, you have moved so much closer to your end goal.

So, go ahead, ask for what you want. The results may surprise you.

Have reread several times and always pick up something new....especially the reminder to ASK for what I want!

This book should be put as #1 on your reading list. It's a great book full of amazing quotes and wonderful narratives. Really love it!

First of all, I read this book eighteen years ago, so my memory is a little rusty.
At it's essence, 'The Aladdin Factor' is a book of people skills. Asking being the fundamental skill profiled in this book.
The above might sound trite, and I am wondering myself whether I have anything to say.

Most people will say: 'A book on asking! People just say NO to me.'
This book teaches you to avoid the NO and refine your asking so that you get the YES

Unfortunately (as far as I can remember, though I may be wrong) this book is for adults.

The various asking scenarios profiled in this book are fun to read.

A must buy.

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This book is so informative, yet straight forward. Ask. This book has given me the ability to ASK and the confidence necessary to move through life with a new outlook.