Is It Time to Ask For Help?


By Susan Leigh

Many of us feel disinclined to ask for help. Even asking for directions can require a huge effort. We may be loathe to appear vulnerable or incompetent, telling ourselves, 'I'll be fine, we must be nearly there by now, it will all work out in the end'!

But whilst we may feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness, the reality is it can often be a sign of strength. Appreciating the value of additional support or input can positively influence our chances of success, saving us time and allowing us to maximise our resources. There's nothing weak about doing that!

Here's to recognising that it's time to ask for help.

- Feeling overwhelmed, out of our depth, not sure where to start or how to proceed is an important indicator that it's time to ask for help. Whether we're in a study, work or domestic situation it can be frustrating and futile to fritter increasing amounts of time not knowing where, what or how to begin. Overwhelm can result in anger, frustration and feeling de-motivated, especially if we're new, young or lacking in confidence. If we're unable to determine the way forward we may end up feeling stupid, useless and choose to walk away.

Asking for help from the outset means we potentially start with a clearer overview and directions or instructions from day one. We're able to make notes and continue using any of the channels of communication we've opened, so helping us become more confident about speaking up if and when required.

- There may be areas of our life which really cannot be ignored any longer. A team may be struggling to bond, a disruptive relationship may be causing havoc or staff development may not be as successful as was planned. Outside help may provide a better, more neutral perspective, see things differently and be able to work effectively to bring about positive results.

If our personal relationship is struggling, outside help can be beneficial in the form of relationship counselling. This can be a good decision even when the only option left is to split, facilitating a more respectful resolution, especially when there are children to consider.

- Stress often builds up over time, perhaps being triggered by a catalogue of day-to-day pressures, unhappy mindset or precarious physical wellbeing. Learn to recognise the signs that your stress symptoms are starting to appear. Signs may be poor concentration, accidents and mistakes, not sleeping well, losing your joy in life, each alerting you to the need to start saying 'no', develop better coping strategies and start asking for help.

Counselling and hypnotherapy can be a good way to deal with old unhelpful habits, support good decision-making and introduce effective stress management strategies. Find time for fun, things that you're good at and commit to taking regular breaks.

- What about those occasions when we're already doing too much, yet still agree to take on more, rather than say 'no'! Such behaviour can come from a fear of appearing incapable, inefficient, not coping or we don't want to disappoint or risk losing a client. We may want to do it all, be keen to be involved in every step of the process, perhaps not trust others to do as good a job or prefer to micro-manage everything.

Asking for help allows others to feel included, part of the team and so enable them to develop and even suggest better working practices. Or there may be some real value in forming alliances with other associated businesses and offering a more comprehensive menu of goods and services, a win/win for all involved.

You gain by having additional time for other, perhaps more important things, or free up some time for fun activities. It might be viable to pay for help with domestic chores, like gardening, ironing or cleaning or engage business expertise to support your accountancy, social media, admin needs; all could be money well spent.

- Perfectionism is often a barrier to asking for help. Easing our stress levels through constant checking may bring its own temporary reassurance, but it's often short-lived. Learning to move on from one piece of work when it's finished, good enough, can save a lot of time and stress. Besides that, going over something repeatedly often means we become de-sensitised and word-blind to any flaws or errors. A fresh pair of eyes can often zone in on something straight away.

- Trust other people's areas of expertise. If you know someone who's already practiced or familiar with what you're attempting to do invite them to share their experiences with you. Chances are they'll be only too happy to help and you may be able to reciprocate at another time. Alliances like this can bring advantages to all involved.

Our business skills or personal capabilities may benefit from the introduction of a coach, trainer or mentor to provide guidance, motivation and accountability. Soliciting help can move us out of our comfort zone and take our personal and professional development to the next level. When our aim is to grow and develop it's often important to ask for help.

Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.

She's author of 3 books, 'Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact', '101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday' and 'Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain', all on Amazon & with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life.

To order a copy or for more information, help and free articles visit http://www.lifestyletherapy.net

Post a Comment

Informations From: Taun17

Previous Post Next Post
  • Create the Miracle of Purpose in Life by Living a Fulfilling Life

    If you're not living a fulfilling life don't be too concerned with how you can learn a lesson so completely different from everything that you taught yourself. How would you know? Your part in living a fulfilling life is very simple.For life fulfillment you only need to recognize that everything yo... Readmore

  • Not Having to Define Peace Is What Peace Means

    What peace means is that all of your happiness lies in God's happiness for you, which is yours. But to accomplish this, you already know that you must bring all the dark lessons you taught yourself to the truth. You must face truth with your lessons of what peace means, and you surely do know what ... Readmore

  • Sometimes You Have to Let Go For Inner Energy

    Sometimes you have to let go, and then decide that the importance of learning is to accept the fact that you don't know? Often this is where your inner energy sits.Miracles show us that, Knowledge is power, its power of mind and all power is of God.Have you ever known an individual who seems to alw... Readmore

  • How to Become a God-Man?

    Once again I am back... There are a few religions that speak of becoming one with god... I am no longer a current scholar on the subject of religion... I will share that in another article... I tend to not get into the subject of religion period. It is a "no no" in Human Relations teachings.And yes... Readmore

  • How To Begin Achieving Goals and Dreams

    Why is achieving goals and dreams often so difficult? You simply cannot have a belief in what you do not want, along with a belief in what you do want. These two systems of belief and for achieving goals cannot coexist.It is really this simple: If you continually search after what you do not truly ... Readmore

  • Coping With Anxiety and Overcoming Fear by the Truth

    Coping with anxiety and overcoming fear need to be addressed together. No one wants to live with anxiety where then fear becomes its illusive friend.If you're beginning to feel even just a little bit as though coping with anxiety and overcoming fear, are becoming a roadblock for maintaining physica... Readmore

  • When Trusting God Ain't Safe

    When I encounter 'a tough decision', or 'precarious encounter', or even just a 'risky predicament', I tend to subconsciously assess things and find the easy way, or the safe way, and maybe even just the most efficient way to resolve the decision, the encounter, or the predicament. Seems possible, r... Readmore

  • Is What You Say Always Consistent With What You Believe

    There is a Native American legend that says - you will only get into Heaven leaning on the shoulders of someone you helped while you were here. So I figure if I have helped a few million people around the world as a speaker and author I will have a better shot. Well I once told this story to an aud... Readmore

  • Achieve Success: How To Achieve Success In Anything You Do

    If you are wanting financial freedom, I specialize in helping people financially in all respects and I'm glad you found my work. The same key components that are required to achieve financial freedom are the same ones you can use to achieve success in anything else! Doing these things aren't very d... Readmore

  • Feeling Stressed? Ways to Jazz Up Your Life

    Ever had a feeling of taking a break from everything and staying in isolation? The hectic work schedule and too predictable life pave the path for boredom. This boredom is accompanied by and monotony and stress. It happens when we fail to keep a track of personal and professional life. It won't be ... Readmore