In our quest for personal and professional growth, we often find ourselves immersed in a sea of self-help books, webinars, and online courses. While these resources certainly offer valuable insights, there is one crucial ingredient that is often overlooked: help.
As humans, we thrive when we receive support, guidance, and collaboration from others. In fact, it is through the power of collective effort that true transformation and advancement are achieved. But, if this is such a simple fact, why do so many continue to fail in achieving their goals for personal development?
Asking for help is one of the hardest things for people to do. (Men, I’m looking at you!) Many shy away from doing so because they don’t want to bother others with what they perceive as a burdensome or inconvenient request. In truth, it’s the opposite: People want to make a difference in people’s lives, and they feel good when they’re able to help others reach their goals. For others, asking for help feels like an admission of weakness, a declaration that our feeling of inadequacy are legit. But the truth is the courage to ask for help inspires others.
The notion that reaching your goals and overcoming your weaknesses is solely about self-discipline and tenacity is dangerously flawed. While those factors are important, at the end of the day, the most successful efforts for improvement and achievement come from enlisting others, and not waiting until it’s desperately late to do so.
The Power of Forming a Personal Growth Council
In a society that glorifies the idea of the self-made success story, the guidance and encouragement of other people bolster our belief that we can, in fact, do better.
And while the concept of self-improvement certainly has its place in bettering one’s self, relying on ourselves entirely and preventing ourselves from going to others for help not only hinders our growth but can also impact us mentally.
According to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, the country is experiencing a public health crisis of loneliness and isolation, much of which results from a lack of personal connection. “Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight — one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives,” says Murthy.
“Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues.”
When we face setbacks or feel futile in our efforts for improvement, our first instinct shouldn’t be to pull back and bottle up our feelings. Enlisting others via a personal growth council not only helps combat the doubt and fatigue that comes with such feelings, but provides a framework for consistent and intentional development — becoming a valuable source of motivation, accountability, and inspiration.
Select 3-5 people who have earned your trust – with whom you feel safe being vulnerable and letting down your guard. Ask them to meet with you individually and as a team once or twice a quarter. Tell them the specific areas you are working to improve, and ask them to provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. You’ll be shocked at the sense of momentum, optimism, and tangible progress you feel with their voices surrounding you.
Unveiling the Value of Help
For many, the fear of asking for help can be paralyzing. It requires vulnerability and the willingness to admit that we don’t possess all the answers. However, it is vital to recognize that seeking assistance is an act of strength, not weakness.
Dr. Pavan Prasad, founder and CEO of Clarity Clinic, shares his thoughts on how asking for help should not be seen as a sign of inadequacy, but rather, a testament to our shared humanity and interconnectedness.
“When we embrace the power of help, we tap into a vast reservoir of knowledge, experience, and diverse perspectives that can propel us forward. It acts as a force multiplier, allowing us to learn from the wisdom of others, leverage their expertise, and avoid common pitfalls. It fosters a sense of collaboration and camaraderie, creating an environment that nurtures innovation and facilitates breakthroughs.”
It takes courage to acknowledge that we can’t do it all on our own — whatever “it” may be. But once that’s accomplished, we can begin embracing our vulnerabilities and humbly reaching out to others, creating opportunities for growth and opening doors to new possibilities.
Transformative Potential Through Collaborative Endeavors
Help transcends the realm of seeking guidance from mentors and coaches; it also encompasses the transformative potential of collaboration. When we work alongside others who share our goals and passions, a powerful synergy emerges, pushing everyone involved to reach new heights.
Dr. Prasad continues, “When diverse minds come together, harnessing their collective intelligence and innovative spirit, extraordinary breakthroughs become possible. By embracing collaboration, we unlock a power that propels us beyond individual limitations, setting the stage for profound growth and lasting impact.”
We often shy away from reaching out to others because we think we can accomplish our goals on our own. But asking for help doesn’t end with simply asking for advice of guidance. It opens as a gateway to foster a culture of continuous learning and problem-solving from which all parties can benefit.
The idea of asking for help doesn’t have to be an intimidating one. So many choose to resist enlisting others for help because they don’t want to admit they don’t have all the answers, or we don’t want to be a burden, or fear others will see us as “needy.” But by giving others the chance to help, we make them feel important and give them a chance to contribute. We allow others to shine by letting them shine on us. Then, this cooperation between various individuals who share a commitment to growth can offer encouragement during challenging times, and catalyzes resilience and perseverance.
Embracing Help as the Catalyst for Growth
In the pursuit of any kind of growth, help emerges as the most crucial ingredient for success. It is through collaboration, mentorship, and support that we unlock our true potential.
Breaking free from the illusion of self-made success, we realize that even the most accomplished individuals have relied on the guidance and support of others. By recognizing the value of help and overcoming our fear of asking for assistance, we position ourselves on a path of continuous improvement and achievement.
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