ASKING FOR HELP

I never liked asking for help.

I’ve always been a “figure it out” kind of girl and have found more satisfaction in finding the answers to my questions and solutions to my problems than having assistance from anyone. I’ve also felt that it was my responsibility to get everything done, and I hated the thought of ‘inconveniencing’ anyone. While there is honor in self-sufficiency, pride comes before the fall.

I know it’s tempting to want to figure things out on your own. But with the right help, you can get further, faster. Asking for help is putting our priorities first, moving forward in our lives, and attending to our self-care.

This year has been a game-changer for me. With work, school, marriage, building a home and a business, I realize I cannot do it all alone. As a new entrepreneur, I’ve learned to lean on others who have come before me and delegate specific tasks that are either mundane or do not allow me to operate in my zone of genius.

So you’ve read this far, and you’re still not convinced. Let’s reframe our thinking:

Defining your why: Why do you do what you do? Where do you find your purpose lies? What are you good at?

Asking for help outside of your why: Maybe it’s taking your own photos that you hate or something else in your business that you always push off. How can you benefit from asking for help on this task? Could it result in you having more time to do the things you are more passionate about?

Imagine what you’ll lose by not asking for help: How much time is spent on trying to figure out that camera when you take no joy in improving those skills? What opportunities may be lost if you had asked for help in that area of your business you’re having difficulty with?

Photography // Thalia Nino

So we’re at the place where we realize we need help. Now what? Sometimes, the help you need can be found in your spouse, your family members, or your close friends. They can’t read your mind, so be sure to vocalize when you need help and articulate how they could help. You’d be surprised at the alleviation of stress that can come by opening up your mouth and asking.

Now sometime, we need more help than what’s immediately around us. There is no shame in paying for something that will free up your time to make you happier and more productive.

SAVE UP TO HIRE

Decide how much help you’d like and what your budget is. Adding a photographer to my monthly budget has been well worth the money. Just like anything else I budget for, it requires saving and planning. Keep in mind; not everything has to be a hefty monthly cost. If a professional photographer is not in the budget, try giving your friend a few dollars to go out with you once or twice a month to take your photos for you. You’d be surprised what a few dollars and free lunch will get you.

LOOK ONLINE

There are so many opportunities online these days. Sharing my items on Poshmark is one of the most monotonous tasks for me, and I dread it daily. I often find freelancers on sites like Fiverr to do the work for me. Many of these options are cheaper than you think.

MENTORSHIP

I’m still on the hunt for a mentor, but I’ve invested in services with a few women who have been in the blogging/influencer world for years. Many of the things that I’ve learned from them, I’m sure I would learn on my own eventually but after years of trial and error. Though I’m not looking for quick success, I see the value in going further, faster with the help of individuals who have already walked where I walk.

IF HELP IS NOT AVAILABLE

There will be tasks that you can’t get help with due to circumstances or budget restrictions. In these cases, think of other ways that you can lighten the loan. Making templates that you can use repeatedly or creating systems to work automatically are huge time savers and can help you get work done more efficiently.

I hope this was helpful and encourages you to ask for the help you need. Your business, your happiness, and your self-care depends on it.

Xo,

Jessica