I f you subscribe to my newsletter, last week I wrote about shifting modes from Office Gypsy to Congruency in a single weekend. The reorganization of my office has upped my productivity by more than fifty percent.
The project started because I finally left my ego aside and asked JB for some help. We talked over my productivity problem, he helped me get to the why, and then did most of the heavy lifting to streamline the space. Crazy that I struggled for months. It was a simple reminder to me that I am not an island. I don’t have to do everything alone.
I’m often amazed at how stubborn we people are. We find ourselves struggling with moving forward somewhere, yet refuse to ask for help. Maybe we think it will mean we are weak. Even worse, we may believe that the inability to “unstick” ourselves means we’re total failures at life.
How silly our egos can make us!
I always love when the Universe reminds me that in order to really live in the zone, sometimes we need to ask for a little help. In fact, here are eight irresistible reasons you should set your ego aside and ask for help.
1 – Asking for help is a sign of wisdom
None of us has the answer to every one of life’s challenges. Seeking assistance from someone with more knowledge or experience is always better than struggling. It means we are wise enough to recognize our personal strengths and limitations.
2 – Asking for help is a way to practice courage
Admitting that we don’t know everything can be scary, but the more we step into courage, the more courage we grow.
3 – Asking for help makes us stronger
There is a synergy formed when we work with others on a common goal, bringing an undeniable strength to a project. Even when you aren’t activity together, that group energy carries forward, making you a stronger individual.
4 – Asking for help gives us valuable perspective
Sometimes, we are so close to something that we can see only one path. Talking something over with someone can help us to see alternative paths. Often times, the person we go to for help sees a better side of us than we can see. Why limit your options? This is why it’s great to work with a coach or mentor.
5 – Asking for help means that you learn about receiving
Sometimes we block the greatest gifts in the world because of an inability to receive. But asking for help isn’t just an admission that we need support, it’s also an opportunity for someone to give it. I don’t know about you, but I love the feeling I get from giving to others.
6 – Asking for help means we have more time to do our stuff
No one is good at everything. When we get help on something we aren’t so good at, it frees us to spend time on areas where we excel. I recently hired someone to do some changes here on the website because after three hours of searching for one tiny piece of code, I only found myself more frustrated. I found someone who could complete it in less than an hour. Why was I slowly torturing myself over one line of elusive code when I could be writing or coaching?
7 – Asking for help allows us to build trust within relationships
Asking a spouse, co-worker, sibling or acquaintance for assistance grows the relationship. It builds intimacy. It strengthens connection. It allows our partners to give, to feel as if they are contributing to the relationship. It allows our partners to see us at our most honest and vulnerable. It will also help your partner see the value in asking for help from you when he/she needs it.
8 – Hiring help allows us to stimulate the economy
Whether it’s hiring someone to help with a website, clean your house or mow your lawn, hiring someone to help you with something puts money into the economy. It also puts a little something in the other person’s emotional bank. It’s a recognition that we can give to others of our resources while they give to us of their talents.
While one instance of asking for help doesn’t mean that I can’t still be stubborn at times, I am continuing to realize that I am stronger and more independent when I walk away from fear, push my ego aside, and step into courage. I end up feeling more connected to the universe instead of frustrated and disconnected, and my life becomes more joyful when I ask for help here and there.
What about you? What keeps you from asking for help? And what irresistible reasons have I missed? I’d love for you to weigh in
(Image is: Help Wanted by Gil Elgren)
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