Sep 3

HELP!

The Myth: I can do it all (by myself).

The Truth:  it’s behaviorally impossible to do everything well. 

We are required to wear many hats at home and at work – visionary, bookkeeper, marketer, salesperson, administrator, homemaker, provider, partner, parent, the list is endless.

When you realize it’s impossible to do everything well you recognize the importance of asking for help.   Leveraging other people’s talents empowers those around you and frees you up to focus on your strengths to create the life and business of your dreams.

Get help by following these simple steps:

      1.      Accept that you need help.

If it’s difficult for you to reach out to others, ask yourself, what does it cost me continue to do it all on my own?  What could I do with more time and resources if I leveraged other people’s talents? 

      2.      Be clear about your needs.

Make a list of all the tasks you enjoy and those you don’t enjoy.  Place an asterisk next to tasks you MUST do yourself.  Keep in mind even the items you enjoy may not be the best use of your time.  Just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD be the one to do it.  Outline your needs based on all the items someone else could do for you.

       3.      Make sure you’re asking the right people.

Often we accept help from people who want to help even if they are not the most qualified to meet our needs. Sometimes a quick fix or a warm body seems like the right choice but remember it always takes more time and energy to work with the wrong person.  Getting the right help is vital.

      4.      Ask.

So often we put together our needs, we get excited about the idea of leveraging others and then we don’t ask.   Ask…ask everyone you know…even if they aren’t the right person they may know someone who is a perfect fit. 

      5.      Monitor, measure and show gratitude. 

Sometimes when we ask for help we accept what is given instead of continuing to stay focused on our needs.  It’s important to monitor and measure the success of your help.  Does the help free up time for you? If it doesn’t get you to your goals faster make the necessary adjustments – sometimes it’s coaching or training and sometimes it’s not the right fit.  Either way make the necessary adjustments sooner rather than later.  If the help is working find ways to show your gratitude and say thank you (often).

Get help so you can use your natural strengths to help others.