Fostering the culture of accepting help

Fostering the culture of accepting help

From an early age, I have always struggled to admit when I need help and to ask for it. I grew up being told not to shy away from asking trusted people for assistance. Yet, I never ‘believed’ it was something I could do.

I was always overcome by a strong desire to be seen as independent and capable, so I often held off asking for help for as long as I could manage. The notion of being at the receiving end of support irked me. I was afraid that if I asked someone for help, I would be seen as weak, selfish and lazy. I did not realise that it is easy to put on your blinders and double down when faced with a task you cannot handle. Still, it is challenging to analyse the issue, realise you cannot handle it on your own, and determine the best course of action to ask for assistance.