As a boy, Benjamin Franklin asked the governor of Pennsylvania for a book. In his autobiography, Franklin cites that moment as the beginning of his publishing career.


He also learned the importance of asking people for favors. People will then ask you for a favor in return, and thus one forms a free exchange, the foundation of all business: “one polite request at a time.”

And, one polite request at a time is excellent way to approach your day and maintain a sense of breathing space.