Ask For Help

A lifetime of experiences crowded us this past year due to the pandemic.   How we process, learn, recover, and grow from this season of adversity will set the tone for our next decade or more.    But wise people are learning recovery need not be a lonely adventure. We should all be seeking out others, asking for their help.   There are very few things in life where we can achieve success by going it alone. The process is made easier when we have guides.   Having the right guide, at the right time, accelerates our learning and supports us in identifying meaningful lessons and making better choices from our experiences and journey.   Without guides we can find ourselves either really busy and not moving forward or wandering aimlessly on a path that doesn’t lead us towards the destinations we seek.  As we grow in our ability in knowing ourselves, we also learn to lead in business, at home, nearby communities, and the world in general.   All great leaders had moments of crisis and failure in their lives. From these setbacks came the fortitude to move forward and bring others with them.   Remember, motion doesn’t always equal progress.  Guidance from trusted advisors can ensure your efforts lead to results, while also bringing us clarity and direction.   Yes, it can be difficult asking for help.  But no one knows everything and bringing in an expert can be like using a Sherpa to guide you to the top of the mountain.   Also, you can create your own board of advisors with knowledge in different areas where you may need expertise or a sounding board.  As your needs change and your advisors’ ability to contribute change, they can be swapped out.   Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.  It might take courage on your part.  But the person(s) you are asking will be flattered that you are requesting their expertise and input on how to move your business forward.   There are at least two types of guides: paid and unpaid.  They both are invaluable.  To find the help you need ask for recommendations from others you trust and check if there is ‘fit’ for you and your needs.   While you test for the latter, consider leveraging the advisor’s skills on a small project.  If you discover a good ‘fit’ then the project can be expanded.  If not, seek out another advisor you can work better with to guide you.   Finally, the clearer you can be on what you want to achieve, how you will be measuring success and the input you are seeking from your guide(s), the more likely you will get the desired results.