I've done this for years, and never asked anyone for help. Instead, I hunker down, put on my Secret Identity, and try to do everything. Well, that all ends now. Or actually yesterday.
I'm not putting on my super cape anymore. I'm not going to pretend that I'm great at everything. What I have realized is that I can actually save a TON of time by outsourcing what I'm not good at and concentrating on what I am good at. So, I sent out the Bat Signal, so to speak.
Yesterday I called for reinforcements. I sent out several e-mails to specific people asking for help. This is something I never thought I would do. I honestly don't think I have ever asked for help (voluntarily) in my entire life. And then I went to the beach for an afternoon of much-needed relaxation with my husband. Sure, I also spent some time working on another project, but I wouldn't have had the time to do that if I hadn't asked others to step in.
Do you play the Super Hero in your life? Do you struggle and try to learn how to do EVERYTHING, no matter how difficult it is or how many other people you know have better skills and could do it with ease? Maybe someone could give you a hand, or maybe they could take over a piece of your project altogether. Letting others contribute gives them a chance to let their Super Powers shine. What would it mean to you if you let someone else contribute? Can you give up a little bit of control in order to have more free time and be more productive in other areas?
It's great to learn new skills and to grow, but it's also great to know when to let go and let others help pull the load. Is there something you can ask for help with today? What can you let go of in your life?
Good for you! I am pretty much like that--except I do ask often now. I had no one to ask when I was growing up so I had the habit of doing it myself.
ReplyDeleteI raised a daughter who has no problem asking for help. I recall the first time I observed her experience a computer problem. Rather than work at it she called her dad (his business is computers). I sat there in bewilderment and marveled at the concept of asking fr help!
Just the other day she told me to go get help resolving an issue I feel I have to do on my own. Know what she told me? She said no one does it ALL by themselves.
Imagine that! What an idea. I think it will catch on--especially amongst us females.