However much it pains me to admit it, sometimes “effort” just isn’t quite enough.
“I’ll crack this or I’ll die trying” is a powerful sentiment and can give you a short burst of momentum but it’s hard to sustain. Crucially, it may also signal that emotion has perhaps overtaken reasoning – associated with self assembly wardrobes from IKEA for many.
Take sport, how often is “passion beaten by a better plan?”.  Sadly, more often than not in the case of England football. Passion gives you the go forward and the zest but it’s no good in isolation – you need a plan. And one with a little more detail than “let’s go out and win boys”. For one thing, you need to know what you are trying to achieve to determine the way forward.
So, you’ve got the passion, 12 pages of instructions and an allen key. You’re away, aren’t you?
Yet, sometimes, no matter how hard you try, how much energy you expend, you can’t always do it on your own. In the case of a flatpack wardrobe sometimes you need the extra hands but more often than not a change in perspective from someone else is sufficient. Someone who can stop you, when you can’t stop yourself and prompt you to reflect; to re-read the instructions perhaps?
Looking at the same problem through a different lens can work wonders on a myriad of issues; from the trivial to the most business critical. You do however, need to take the initiative and ask for someone’s help.
It’s not alway easy, as admitting, you’re out of ideas, bogged down or simply tired of trying can seem so negative; raising lots of emotions.
Asking for help, might even seem like weakness, especially if your a successful, confident, go getting business owner. However, accepting your own vulnerability (we only know what we know), lowering the armour slightly and admitting that you don’t have the answer is often hugely positive.
Asking for help is a courageous step. It’s the first step to learning and a step in the journey to personal and business growth. No allen key required!
