Do you ask for help is possibly a loaded question. Yesterday, I participated as a business mentor for The Foundation of Women Warriors. This amazing non-profit organization in Southern California.
The Foundation for Women Warriors is a unique support organization created exclusively for the women veteran community of Southern California. They provide essential programs to empower the resiliency and professional development of Women Warriors. Every step is dedicated to supporting these outstanding women to navigate obstacles and realize their maximum potential after their service career. https://foundationforwomenwarriors.org/
Asking for help came up in a group discussion during this “Connect with Community” gathering. We discovered a lack of comfort with the topic. For so many of us, it was akin to “weakness” or a lack of resilience. It prompted much discussion of our comfort with others coming to us for help, yet a resistance when we considered asking.
From a personal perspective, in hindsight, I recognize the difficulty I had with this concept. Only when I’d come to the end of my rope or felt as if I had “no choice” did I ask … until my 40’s. Now, in my 6th decade, I do “get my ask out there” more than I had and realize it is a topic that still has some “charge”. It will be an on-going topic for my growth!
For this reason, it seems to be a good time to outline all the reasons why asking for help is health and good for us! No person is an island 🙂 We are not lazy, incompetent, abdicating responsibility or admitting defeat! Let’s look at it from another perspective, what are the consequences of not asking?
- Blindspots exist – having a “second set of eyes” is invaluable. We can close gaps
- Lack of Trust – in yourself and in others hampers a chance of give and take, synergy to go beyond what you can do alone
- Limited Growth – what do they say about doing things the same way and expecting different results? Let’s grow!
- Impact to Others – give and take is natural in healthy relationships at home and work. Think of how you feel about giving … we can deny that feeling of good, if we avoid allowing others to give
- Dropping “balls” – overwhelm is real. Think of trudging along vs. “many hands make the load light”. Which do you prefer?
Life comes at us from many directions simultaneously. Taking a leap and beginning with small steps helped me see for myself the value in learning to ask. I’ve found there is:
- Strength in vulnerability
- Display desire to do a good job
- Collaboration and teamwork is part of our culture
- Expression of appreciation is positive
Ah, life is quite a journey. We may be smart, responsible and creative. When we’re open to go further than we can alone, get your “ask” out there!
If you want to pursue some proactive steps to care for your future at home and work, let’s talk. We’ll tackle those “what if” situations with diligence and some fun along the way and take the unintended consequences off the table.
When you’re ready to take this on, contact me via Email. Additional information is available upon request or on the website @ The Living Planner
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