Dr. Deb had a good entry a week ago about how to ask for help, specifically the common myths and facts about “asking for help.”

Myth: It makes us look vulnerable.

Truth: Asking for help creates an atmosphere of empowerment. It communicates to others that, while you may not have the answers, you are willing to find them and make things better. [...]

Myth: Highly successful people never ask for help.

Truth: Actually, successful individuals will tell you that the key to success is knowing your strengths and weaknesses. Learning how to delegate, asking for help and letting others show you the way are part of the plan. Successful people are driven and motivated — and when the going gets tough, the tough ask for help!

I couldn’t agree more with that last one. The most successful people I know are ones who know what they’re good at and then surround themselves with people who are good at everything else. They readily acknowledge when they don’t know something and instead of pretending they know it, they ask questions to try and educate themselves.

I think the number one reason why people don’t ask for help is simply fear. Fear that others will judge them for seeking help, fear that others will see them as weak or damaged. This fear is the same kind of fear that holds many people back in their lives.

But fear, like any emotion, can be overcome. It takes effort and work, but if you conquer this fear, you can seek out help and improve your life or situation. Every journey begins with a first step. Takes yours today.

Read the full entry: Dr. Deb: How To Ask For Help

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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Asking For Help (8/11/2008)

The power of the junior on the team « Paircoaching’s Weblog (10/9/2009)

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 11 Aug 2008
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