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Writer's pictureAlison Nissen

It's Nice to Be Asked; But Asking Is Hard

4 Strategies for Asking Questions When You Feel Like a Fool

Asking Questions is Hard

Asking for help often gives me anxiety, you know, sweaty palms, heart palpitations, dry mouth. But when someone asks me for help, I am flattered. I thank them for asking.


Yes. I thank the asker because it’s an honor to have someone ask.


Instead of thinking only about my discomfort when asking for help, I need to remind myself that it is an honor to be asked. That fact alone makes asking for help easier.


Here are some quick tips to help you get out of your head and ask for the help you need:


You are not a burden

People like to help. If we don’t ask, we deprive them of the opportunity to help someone. Think of it as your duty to humanity.


You are not weak 

As an overburdened caregiver, I told my friends, I could handle “it.” I couldn’t. They brought me food. I ate. Win-win.


You are not stupid

We’ve all thought it, “They will think I’m stupid. They won’t like me anymore. It will be the death of me.” Okay, that’s a bit melodramatic, but if I’ve thought it, chances are you have, too.


Ask the right questions

If you ask me about the best time to plant lemon trees, I’ll shrug my shoulders and suggest “Spring?” But, if you ask me how to write a speech, I will entertain you with endless suggestions to help you on your journey because I’m super excited to help someone on their public speaking path.


So, the next time you need help. Ask. It’s good for you, it’s good for them, and it’s good for humanity. Win-win.


 

Helping Leaders Find and Tell Their Stories to Change the World


Confident leaders know a secret: Your story matters.

 

 
Alison Nissen Revel Coach Story

As the co-founder and Chief Storytelling Officer of Revel Coach, a career growth platform, Alison Nissen helps leaders perfect their business pitches and online presence through storytelling. Successful leaders use key storytelling points to engage their audience and gain market share because they know good storytelling is the best form of marketing, recruiting, and fundraising. 





The Revel Coach™ Blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not mental health, financial, business or legal advice. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, heal, cure or prevent any medical, mental or emotional condition. The information presented here is not a guarantee that you will obtain any results or earn any money using our content.


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