At some point everyone reaches a point where they need help. None of us know everything there is to know or have every perspective to know what options may be available to us.
The most common reason why people struggle with asking for help is fear. Fear of rejection or someone saying no. Perhaps they are worried about being perceived by others as weak for asking for help. For example, in a professional setting a person may shy away from asking for help because they are worried about their team seeing them as a fraud or unqualified for their position.
While asking for help is being vulnerable, it is also a strength. One, if you know you need help you have self-awareness, which many people don’t have. Two, it also takes courage to put yourself out there, where someone may say no. And if they do, that’s okay. That just tells you not to continue to ask that particular person and focus your attention on asking others who may be able to say yes.
If you are like me, you struggle with asking others for help. For me, I feel like I am imposing on others or asking for too much. And when help is offered to me, it is hard for me to take it because I feel like I am inconveniencing the person.
But the truth is, never asking for help is a lonely place. You don’t have to bear everything in life alone. Even if it’s just reaching out to someone who can sit beside you when you are feeling down or are going through something difficult, it can help.
Do you struggle with asking for help when you need it? If so, when others ask you for help, how quickly are you willing to give it? I’m willing to wager that you are quick to help someone if you can. Don’t you deserve the same kindness, too?