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Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

22/01/18

Help is on the way!

In the past, especially before I was self employed, I was very much independent in my thinking and often forgot that I could ask others for help. It was never a worry of mine to ask for help as such (it’s not something I’ve ever thought of as a negative), it just wasn’t something I did a lot of – as I went through my work and education wanting to prove I knew what I was doing.

From my first job as a waitress in a restaurant, through to lecturing at the University of Manchester, showing my independence and confidence was a huge priority for me. But as time went on, I realised the benefits of asking for help.

Asking for someone else’s help doesn’t mean I’m not able to do my job. It’s a sign that I want to better myself and the content I create. Other people’s opinions, inspiration and feedback are the key to raising my standards and creating work I am proud to put out there. There’s often a sense of loneliness that can set in when you’re self-employed, working long hours in your home office and although it can seem like a hurdle to ask for help, once you leap over it you’ll never look back.

Help is most definitely on the way!

 1. 

GET OVER IT

Sometimes the first hurdle in asking for help is realising that it’s okay to ask for help. You are not weak if you need or want help, in fact it shows confidence as you strive to better yourself and your work. I think a lot of people see asking for help as a real negative, but only if you worry too much about what others may think of you. The second I stopped worrying about what other people think of me was the moment that my self confidence and also my work changed for the better. Whether it’s a member of my management team, a friend or a colleague I am brainstorming with, asking for help or advice is often the light bulb moment I am craving to feel inspired and motivated. Getting over it is the best thing you’ll do for your work!

2.

WHO CAN HELP?

One thing I’ve learned over the years is to ask the appropriate people for help. If it’s work based, a colleague or manager is the one to go to, if it’s a life stress, then a best friend or a parent and if I just need a little advice or feedback I’m lucky enough to have the blog, Twitter or Instagram to throw a question out to. Keeping things separate is actually key for me. I love to hear feedback from friends and family about my work but brainstorming anything to do with work I try to keep ‘in house’ as it were. This is a personal decision for someone who is self employed and a self confessed workaholic – otherwise the already blurred lines can become non existent.

3.

WHY ASK?

There’s the obvious answer of a problem shared is a problem halved, whether that’s work, life or any other topic in my eyes, but we sometimes don’t realise that two minds can really be better than one! When I hit a roadblock or lack motivation, asking for help is my number one boost. Someone else’s excitement can suddenly rub off onto me, an incredible idea can be sparked that inspires my next campaign or a pep talk from someone else viewing my work from a different angle can be the push I need to navigate that roadblock. We all work and are inspired in different ways but I know for certain that a little help can go a long way in my eyes.

4.

WHY NOT?

Are there any negatives to asking for help? Once you get over the pride you may feel that will stop you from that initial request, there’s really no reason not to ask for help, share ideas and generally up your game with the help of others. You may well perceive the need for help as a weakness but I assure you it’s the opposite. Someone else’s experience and expertise may be the only way you can get over the hurdle you’re facing and let’s face it, we can’t be experts at everything! Imagine never asking for help and trying to do everything yourself? From taxes, to editing, to photography, to blog posts, to newsletters, to client relations, to design – I feel stressed just thinking about not having amazing people to help me. There are so many benefits to asking for help, it would be rude not to!

I’d love to know if you ask for help when you need it or if pride sometimes gets in the way? I am so glad I realised how beneficial asking for help is and I definitely won’t look back!

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