We were packing the car and my daughter had her arms full with no possibility of opening the door. I walked out at the right time to hear her say, “I need help.”
I’m not sure if it was her smile, her eye contact, her voice, or all three that made me eager to oblige. Her plea for help was so natural, it inspired me to write this post.
Something in our nature doesn’t always like the word “help”. We don’t want to ask. We don’t think to offer. We’re not good at remembering to thank those who do.
Here are three phrases that help create successful people:
1) I Need Help.
Kids can easily holler for help. Parents, teachers, and others are expected to help. While it may become more difficult as we grow older, seeking help is still important. There is a fine line of asking for too much help, but in my experience, most adults are not good at asking for help. We assume people will say no. We don’t know how they can help. We figure no one will want to help. We feel like we should be able to do it on our own. In fact, we celebrate and highlight doing things without help.
Learning to ask for help helps a person succeed. You need to invite others to join you in learning more about life. Maybe you can make things happen on your own, but the result will often be much better if you let people know you need help. Asking for help signals to your mind that you’re in learning mode. It gives you a dose of humility. It opens doors to deeper connection and relationship. The very act of asking for help makes you more approachable.
At times, pride or stubbornness keeps a person from asking for help. In our fast paced information world, everyone needs help. These days, even Doctors confer with one another. If you want to stay stuck, do it alone. If you want to go farther faster, ask someone to help you.
2) Can I Help?
Helping others usually doesn’t top the day’s agenda in our busy world. If you want to make an impact in the lives of those around you, you must offer to help. Plan at least a little flexible time in the day to offer help to someone at work or home. If you want to have a great evening at home with family, ask any variation of “Can I help?”
Offering to help, even if a person doesn’t take you up on it, becomes a powerful character trait. It shapes us. It builds friends and makes connections. It opens doors and opportunities.
3) Thanks For Your Help!
Behind every successful person are lots of people who have been a part of the process. Too often, leaders forget to say thanks. Your acknowledgement of someone’s help firms up a couple things:
- Those around you feel valued, appreciated, and part of the success.
- You remind yourself it’s not all about you.
These ideas are not rocket science, but we forget too often. Try to use each of these three phrases today!