Why You Should Ask For Help

Women everywhere are notorious for being headstrong, driven and hustlers. We are a passionate group of individuals who own the word “independent.”. It is amazing how women can be be so multifaceted yet we lack the ability to ask for help when we need it. More often than not, we are so used to ‘holding it down’ which limits us from being vulnerable in times of need. Asking for help is vital for personal and entrepreneurial growth.

It is not uncommon for woman to have a little voice in their head that whispers a constant reminder, ‘I got this’. From issues related to finding new investors, finding a babysitter, or attending an important event, women can hold it together all in the name of being strong. However, it may not always be the best idea to take the weight of the world alone. This is why we need a solid support system and why we need someone other than ourselves for a helping hand.

Recently, I came across a compelling article of a woman who turned an unfortunate situation in to a positive one throughout the past couple of years. Tran Will’s story began sixteen years ago when she was pregnant in highschool and living with her now husband’s family. Fast forward to this year and she is a business owner of Base Coat Nail salon, a nail salon that prides itself on using products free of most harmful known toxins and Svper Ordinary – a gallery and retail space that encourages objects of art and design.

In an interview with Fortune Magazine, her offer of advice to women trying to make it all work was:

“Always ask for help. Once I started doing that, my life got way easier.”

There is truth here and even while some of us will admit it easier than others, asking for help can sometimes be our only outlet. Yet it still isn’t the easiest thing to do. Even so, there are some valuable benefits for reaching out.

Balance

With everything, we need balance – career, family, recreation. Sometimes things can overlap and threaten to fall apart. There are simply times when you want to give up but you cannot. You have worked so hard at your dream that the threat of losing control can be overwhelming. When that feeling threatens you should seek aid. It can be seeking out a mentor to highlight some avoidable mistakes or having a conversation to talk out some frustrations.

Character Building

Fighting for a vision is a valuable part of character building. It is the time when creativity soars because you understand what is needed versus what is wanted. This is the time when you shock yourself into success because of stepping out of that comfort zone. It is okay to break out of character because you are growing. You are learning. You are changing and that’s okay. That is the beauty in enjoying your journey because it is at your pace and on your terms. It is only right that lessons are learned along the way.

It’s normal to be confused about how to ask for help. What if you ask the wrong person? What happens if you get turned down? When do you ask for help?

Not everything that glitters is gold. Sometimes we may feel inclined to ask people for help and expect a “yes”. Maybe because our missions are aligned or our similarities seemed much clearer but that’s not always the case. With everything in life, lessons are learned. Asking for help is embracing yet another lesson. This one relates to growing your circle. It can clarify a whole new world for you and offer insight to those supportive of your mission and unfortunately those who are not. Either way stay focused and encouraged. Nothing is built in a day and with every lesson learned is a level higher to your goal.

There’s humility in asking for help. It brings your vision more into perspective and help better define your business mission. This does not mean that we are shedding the independent title, only that we are surrounding ourselves with a support system that can offer some hope when things get tough.

Have you ever had to ask for help? If yes, what was your experience like? If not, what restrained you from seeking help?