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It's okay to ask for help

How do you feel about asking for help?

Life gets pretty hectic sometimes. In fact, it can be downright overwhelming if you let it. Coupled with that, we often feel like we need to have it together...all the time. But, thanks be to God, I have learned to ask for help.

It's okay to ask for help, and accept the support of others. I need you and you need me. We are all blessed with unique gifts, talents and abilities. Consequently, we can reach out and help each other. This giving and receiving create great relationships. It takes courage to ask for help. Asking for help can be as simple as asking a co-worker for a ride home or as in-depth as asking for help to prepare a business plan. However, for one reason or another, many of us don't like to ask for help. It can often make us feel vulnerable or we may have been taught that it is a sign of weakness. Perhaps, we are afraid to hear no. Back in the day, a lot of fear would descend on me when I required help. The biggest fear - What if I receive a “no” to my request? Who wants to hear "no" when they're in a spot? However, I had to learn to get pass those “crazy” emotions. Keep focus. Be of the mindset that whenever you make a request, an individual may say no…sometimes without giving an explanation. Don’t take it personally. This person may have a lot going on and cannot help. There is hope. I have learned that there are people who genuinely want to help. No strings attached. They simply want to help you get ahead. So ask for help, not just any help, specific help, to take you to your next level of unprecedented opportunities and success. Here's how to ask for help: 1. Decide what you need help with. 2. Select a person/group that you believe would have the knowledge or ability to help

you with this task. 3. Make contact with this person/group – make an appointment, where necessary. 4. Be prepared to share what you need help with. Record your thoughts about the

matter for clarity and brevity. 5. Be clear on the results that you desire to achieve. 6. Listen and ask relevant questions. 7. Thank this person/group for their support. 8. Assess the advice and determine whether or not you need to proceed with it or you

need a second opinion. Final thoughts I have discovered a beautiful thing about asking for help - it is truly liberating. So, congratulate yourself on having the courage to ask for help. In addition, let us not only ask for help but also be willing to offer help. I would love to hear your thoughts.