Asking for help isn’t always easy. Whether it’s pride, fear of rejection or the belief that we should “figure it out ourselves”, too many of us struggle in silence rather than reaching out. But here’s the truth: No one succeeds alone.
Listening to the Bread & Butter Podcast recently, a key message stood out from the hosts Emmanuel Asuquo and Tayo Oguntonade. Growth, success and progress all require support. No matter how skilled or knowledgeable you are, there will always be moments when someone else’s input, guidance or perspective makes all the difference in business.
Whether you’re asking for a favour or using your money to outsource a task, seeking help is a strategic move that allows you to focus on what truly matters while leveraging the expertise or support of others. It’s not about weakness; it’s about efficiency, growth and knowing when to delegate or collaborate for the best results.
Why Asking for Help is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Many of us have been conditioned to see asking for help as a sign of weakness, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. For a long time, I struggled with this idea myself. It took years of unlearning to finally feel comfortable reaching out when I needed support.
Research from stem4, a teenage mental health charity, reinforces this hesitation. Nearly half (46%) of respondents admitted they wouldn’t ask for help, even when struggling with feelings of anxiety, sadness, or depression.
Too often, we assume that seeking support means we’re incapable, not good enough, or falling behind. But knowing when to ask for help is a sign of self-awareness and strength, not weakness.
Think about the most successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders or creatives. They all have mentors, advisors and teams supporting them. The biggest breakthroughs don’t happen in isolation. They come from conversations, collaboration and learning from others.
In fact, the ability to ask for help isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Here’s why:
- It Speeds Up Your Growth
Struggling alone can be a slow and frustrating process. Whether you’re job hunting, starting a business, or navigating a career switch, getting insight from someone who’s already been there can save you time and energy. Instead of making avoidable mistakes, you learn from them.
- It Expands Your Perspective
We all have blind spots. Sometimes, the thing holding you back isn’t a lack of effort but a lack of perspective. Asking for help allows you to tap into different viewpoints, strategies and experiences that you might not have considered.
- It Builds Stronger Connections
People appreciate honesty and vulnerability. When you ask for help, you create opportunities for deeper relationships, whether in your professional or personal life. People remember those who trusted them enough to reach out, and more often than not, they’ll want to see you succeed.
The Flip Side: Be the Person Who Helps Too
As much as it’s important to ask for help, it’s just as important to be the person who helps others. Reciprocity is key and you never know when the advice, connection or insight you offer today will come back to you in ways you never expected.
Here’s how helping others can work in your favour:
- Helping Others Strengthens Your Network
Ever heard the phrase “your network is your net worth”? As overused as the phrase is, it’s true! The more you offer support, the more trust and goodwill you build. People remember those who helped them, and they’re far more likely to return the favour when you need it.
- It Positions You as a Valuable Resource
Sharing knowledge, making introductions, or even offering a few words of encouragement can position you as a go-to person in your field. Over time, this builds your reputation and credibility, making opportunities naturally come your way.
- The More You Give, The More You Learn
Teaching or guiding someone else reinforces your own knowledge. You start thinking critically about your own experiences, refining your skills, and strengthening your expertise in the process.
Moving Forward: Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out
The next time you hesitate to ask for help, remind yourself that the most successful people in the world do it all the time. No one expects you to have all the answers.
Whether it’s reaching out to a mentor, seeking advice from a peer, or even asking a friend for their perspective, lean into the power of community.
And while you’re at it, be intentional about offering support to others. Your willingness to help might just be the thing that changes someone else’s journey for the better.
So, what’s one thing you need help with right now? And just as importantly, who can you help today?
See you next week!
