My spring allergies caused a cough that interrupted my sleep for weeks. All night long, I had this deep hacking as my sinuses dripped down my throat. I was tired and just did not feel well. I tried over-the-counter meds and went through two bottles of cough syrup before I finally went to the doctor. Within 24 hours of my visit, my energy returned and the coughing stopped, thanks to the serious meds I should have gotten a week earlier.
Why did I wait so long before asking for help?
We do this all the time. Staying after hours to work on a project alone, when our colleagues could have assisted during the day. Taking on responsibilities to plan the entire gathering instead of sharing the load. Struggling to assemble furniture or move it instead of relying on a buddy to assist. Spending time vexing over a problem instead of engaging others to help solve it. Going through trial and error instead of asking someone who knows how to do it.
In many cases, most people are happy to help and rarely are they annoyed by being asked. The problem is in our own heads, equating “asking” as a sign of weakness or lack of self-determination. Rid yourself of that myth and reach out the next time you would benefit from assistance. Don’t say “I’ve got this” when you don’t.
