Asking for help is terrifying. Do it anyway.

I’ve been looking forward to my first session with this fun, inspiring client for weeks. I’m buzzing with energy, itching to get going, excited that I get to spend the next 90 minutes doing the thing I love.

We meet in Zoom, notebooks and cuppas at the ready.

“How are you feeling?” I ask.

“Terrified”, she replies.

I smile, nod and let her know I get it. She continues…

“I’m excited to get going, but terrified of you seeing the mess I’m in.”

Tempting as it may be, I don’t say “there’s nothing to be scared of”. A simple “ok” is enough. My client’s feelings of terror are valid. They’re welcome along for the journey.

I know this is how people feel when they ask for help. I know how much shame and embarrassment people feel around their productivity and I understand where that comes from.

But can I tell you the truth?

The mess you perceive yourself to be in? It’s rarely as bad as you think. It feels like it from where you’re sitting, because you’re bogged down in it. Weighed down by it. How can you possibly see things clearly when you’re stuck so deeply in the weeds?

That’s why it’s helpful to speak to someone with a bird’s eye view. Someone who can see where you are, and has a clear view of where you’re going.

I consider it a privilege when a client allows me behind the curtain of their business, sharing their goals and the truth of how things are right now.

It takes vulnerability, and it takes courage.

So I never come at it with raised eyebrows or ‘how have you let this happen?’

Instead, I come at it with excited eyebrows and ‘how can we move things forward?’

Helping a client see what might be possible when we get crystal clear on their priorities gives me all the feels. And, more importantly, it gets them motivated and ready to crack on too! After our first session, my terrified client told me she was feeling inspired and excited.

You don’t get to experience any of that (or to see what excited eyebrows look like) if you stay stuck in the terror and embarrassment.

I completely understand how uncomfortable – even painful – it can be to face up to our reality and realise we can no longer go it alone. But my goodness it’s empowering too, not to mention a relief!

That’s certainly true of my own experience. I’ve joined a new Mastermind this year because I have blind spots in my business that I simply can’t navigate alone (believe me, I’ve tried). The support, know-how and accountability is already making a massive difference, and we’re only one month in!

How about you? Have you ever been fearful of asking for help, when you know deep down it would make all the difference? If you’re feeling that fear right now, are you ready to do it anyway?

Wherever you go for support, letting someone in could be just what you need to soar!

(Head here if you’d like to know more about my 1:1 offering, where I provide monthly motivation, focus and direction so you can move forward with your goals.)