My youngest son (Noah) has always been an "I can do it", go-it-alone kind of kid.
Although that can sometimes be a good thing, it can also get him into trouble because he doesn't know when to ask for help. [Or for that matter, how].
This became an issue over the past year. Social 11-year old's (and for that matter most adults) aren't well equipped to deal with learning from home, masking up, and rarely seeing friends over an extended time period.
Add to that the death of his grandmother and uncle last Fall and you've got a recipe for frustration, sadness and even depression. Luckily, we figured out what was going on and got him the help he needed.
And although he admits that he's happy for the help, he's still slow to ask for it. [But I'll take the progress!]
Admittedly, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. As a kid and young adult, I was convinced that I wasn't worthy unless I did everything on my own.
Until I found myself on the edge of burnout just 5 years into my legal career. And I had no choice but to ask for help.
That's when I realized that (duh!) I'd always had help. Whether from. . .
- My 11th grade literature teacher who told me she expected more.
- My grandfather who taught me how to serve others.
- A college professor who challenged my ideas.
I'd been receiving other people's help my entire life. And they were the reason for so much of my success.
And so I wondered. . . What if I asked for help intentionally - and then accepted it freely - from mentors, colleagues and experts?
[Spoiler alert: asking for help and accepting it gracefully will get you farther, faster (happier).]
Two legal mentors, three business coaches, several masterminds and more colleagues than I can count later and I can safely say that seeking out help is the BIGGEST reason why I:
- Built a highly profitable legal practice.
- Was able to leave all that behind (happily).
- Have a growing coaching/consulting business + podcast (that I adore).
That's why I'm talking about Masterminds this week on the podcast.
Don't know what a mastermind is (or have an idea, but aren't sure how they can help)? Go here to learn: - What a mastermind is (and isn’t), and their benefits.
- How joining a mastermind can help you sharpen your business and interpersonal skills.
- 5 key things to consider when joining or creating a mastermind.
Take a lesson from my 11-year old, Friend. . .
Not only is there no shame in getting help but it's the #1 way to ensure your success (in anything).
