Embrace Support: How High Achievers Can Harness Help
There's strength in collaboration. We need to stop struggling alone.
Today, during our weekly accountability check-in, my friend and I found ourselves celebrating our current life chapters as business owners, mothers, and women navigating the complexities of both worlds. Both of us acknowledged the inherent challenges that come with juggling young children and expanding businesses. Despite the whirlwind, neither of us would have it any other way. Every day brings something new—keeping me constantly on my toes—but I've learned to take it all in stride, one day at a time.
This reflection led me to a deeper realization about why life feels fulfilling despite the chaos. I wanted to share these insights with you, hoping they might resonate or offer a new perspective on balancing the demands of personal aspirations and family responsibilities.
It's a myth that being strong means struggling alone, especially among high achievers. But here's the truth: asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it’s a cornerstone of sustainable success.
Throughout my adult life, the moments I’ve reached out for help have marked some of my strongest and most successful times. Whether in business, fitness, or motherhood, the support I received has been pivotal to my mental health and success.
Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I thought I had to do everything myself, even after building a team. This lone-wolf approach wasn’t just exhausting—it was unsustainable. It took me years to realize that delegating effectively could extend our capabilities and enhance our successes far beyond my individual efforts.
Similarly, at the gym, the collective encouragement from my workout group spurred me to bench press a personal best of 40 kg. That last rep, always the most challenging, was achieved because of the cheers and support from my peers.
Parenting, too, taught me the value of asking for help. Sharing the driving to countless children’s parties with another mom didn’t just lighten my weekend load—it also built a shared support system that made our lives easier.
Three Ways to Ask for Help Without Feeling Weak
1. Normalize Help in Everyday Conversations
Start small by integrating help into your daily discussions. Whether you're asking for a second opinion on a work project or seeking advice on managing work-life balance, make asking for help a regular part of your dialogue. This will normalize the act and gradually diminish your fear.
2. Be Specific in Your Requests
When asking for help, be clear about what you need. Specificity not only makes it easier for others to provide assistance but also shows that you’ve thought through your needs and respect their time and expertise. Whether asking a colleague for input on a presentation or a friend to watch the kids for an hour, clear requests result in effective support.
3. Acknowledge and Reciprocate Support
Acknowledge the help you get and say thank you. This creates a positive atmosphere and encourages people to want to continue to support you. Also, be ready to help others when they need it. Supporting others strengthens your connections and builds a strong community of shared success and resilience.
Remember, admitting you need help doesn’t diminish your power—it multiplies it.
The true strength lies in recognizing that you don’t have to go it alone.
So, where in your life could you use some support? How have you been hindering your growth by wanting to appear invulnerable?
Share your experiences in the comments. Let’s reshape how we view help—from a sign of weakness to a strategy for success.