It’s much easier to say, “I don’t have what I need to do what I need to do,” than it is to say, “This is what I need so that I can get to work.”

When we say, “I’m lacking resources,” or “I’m lacking information,” then it’s not our fault. We’re at the mercy of a broken system, or of someone’s indecision, or of bad luck.

But when we specify what we need — and voice it aloud — we risk actually getting those things. And then we’re on the hook. And that can be scary … because then it’s all on us.