The famous phrase states that no man is an island. However, more often than not in life, it’s easier to try and exist as though you are. Doing things your own way can seem easier than asking for help and waiting for other people to be available to help.
If you’ve ever had to solve a problem or work something out for yourself then asking for help from others may feel like a failure, but there are several instances that asking for help is necessary. You wouldn’t face a court battle without seeking assistance from a criminal defense lawyer or to pull your own teeth out, so where is the shame in asking for help for other everyday issues?
In short, there is no shame at all.
But how do you ask for help when you need it without feeling ashamed or silly for doing so?
Here are some of the steps to go through so you can (collectively) get the stuff done.
Why are we ashamed of asking for help?
Humans don’t ever like to feel incompetent- especially at work where you have to retain a professional image. It’s the worry that if you’re seen asking for help that you’re weak, incapable, or untalented.
In the work environment, there is the fear of a damaged reputation. Insecurity and embarrassment can take over pretty quickly in worrying what others think of you. When that happens it is important to remember that we are always pretty quick to judge ourselves harshly and to become our own worst critics.
The worst thing to come out of that, however, is that the situation is going to be much less significant in reality than it is in our heads. Not asking for help only means that we miss out on a lot of potential knowledge from others to help us to develop new skills and to further ourselves in life. Doing things in your own time and in your own terms is all well and good until you reach a brick wall with no place to go.
Know That Asking for Help Is Not a Sign of Weakness
Nowadays in life, we tend to be the bearer of many different hats. That could be working professional, friend, husband, or father all at once. This means that there are many responsibilities to be had. Everybody, yes everybody is at risk of burnout for trying to be all things to all people. Asking for help can be a reminder to you to get new insights into problems or situations that you may have found yourself in.
It’s not just limited to your career, however. In the world of athletics, each athlete has access to a coach. This coach is there to help to train and guide athletes on their path towards greatness and success. Coaches highlight their strengths and guide them through areas where they need improvement. The coach is always one step ahead of them, planning towards their future.
Without having the vision of a coach to guide the athlete along. They will be badly training and not maximising their efforts.
