Asking for Help

Too often we approach life as a Lone Ranger, expecting ourselves to conquer all the challenges and problems on our own. Maybe it is pride, valuing self-reliance, or simply embarrassment, but asking for help is difficult for many.

We miss out on the knowledge, wisdom, and experience of others if we only rely on ourselves. We have carved the paths of life as a collective and yet try to walk them alone. When we can ask for help, however, a light shines on the path, illuminating hidden obstacles, highlighting roads less traveled, and opening a journey that has less stress and strife.

While sometimes seen as a weakness, there is great strength in asking for help. A person committed to their goals knows a helping hand will make all the difference. Asking for help is often the difference between success and failure.

Admitting you don’t have the answers is a skill that takes courage and needs to be practiced. It requires that we are vulnerable about own our shortcomings. It also shows self-confidence, self-awareness, and an understanding of shared goals.

There is a way to ask for help. Done poorly, you become burdensome, lack personal responsibility, or take advantage of another’s goodwill. 

When asking for help, there are some things to remember.

1. Have the confidence to ask for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed, others are there to lend a helping hand.
2. Offer help. If you only ever ask for, but do not offer help, you become a taker. Offering help shows you appreciate the help you receive.
3. Learn from the help you receive. If you repeatedly ask for help on the same matter, you are taking someone else’s time and knowledge for granted and disrespecting the gift they have given you.
4. Offer gratitude. Let the person know you are thankful for the time and support they provided.
5. Ask for help in a timely manner. If you wait until a deadline, you are asking someone else to drop their priorities because you failed to manage your time and are not being considerate.
6. Assess your own ability to problem solve. While asking for help shows wisdom, there is also value in attempting to learn on your own. Find the balance.

Asking for help is a great strength when done effectively. And it feels good to help others. We all have knowledge and wisdom and when we ask for and offer help, we can pass those gifts onto the world.