Keep Calm and Ask for Help

One of the greatest lessons I ever learned was from a man for whom I worked for many years.  He was extremely successful and wealthy but came from humble beginnings.  Through the years, watching him lift others up, in particular kids of color who would not have had the opportunities he offered them but for his generosity, I often heard him say one phrase that is as relevant for me today as it was the first time I heard him say it.  That saying is, “No one succeeds alone.”

Even the most wealthy, the most successful, the most independent, are aware of one gift we can all share with each other and that is the gift of helping each other.  Pride and fear can sometimes create an avoidance of appearing weak by asking of others, yet the most beautiful aspect of human connection is when we help each other.  Think about the last time someone asked a favor of you – you most likely were happy to help, happy they chose and trusted you to be there for them in a time of need.

Asking for help in any circumstance is a sign of strength and intelligence; a sure indication that the knowledge or situation at hand would be best resolved with the input of another human being.  Learn to ask for help.  We are all in this together.