Life can feel overwhelming at times. You may experience challenges in your career or personal life that leave you feeling stuck, lost, or unmotivated. However, you can choose to shift your experience.
No matter what, you have choice. You can choose your emotional response to a situation and what actions you will take. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when you have too much responsibility. And, overwhelm is a choice you’re making when you don’t ask for support.
Self-advocacy is the ability to understand and communicate when you need support, and it’s the key to overcoming overwhelm. Requesting support also allows you to expand productivity and avoid burnout.
It can be challenging to accept that you need help, yet acknowledging that you can’t do everything on your own is the first step. You can significantly improve the quality of your life by identifying when and why you need help, reaching out for assistance, and following up on the support you receive.
Identify When And Why You Need Support
It’s vital to understand that asking for support doesn’t mean you’re weak; to the contrary, it’s a sign of strength. Here are some ways to identify when and why you need support.
Acknowledge Your Limitations
No one is perfect. There may be times that you lack the necessary knowledge, skills, or vitality to achieve your goal. It’s essential to recognize and accept your limitations to identify areas where you need support and ensure your physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Recognize Signs Of Burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwhelm. It can lead to reduced productivity, lack of motivation, and feeling detached. Recognizing the signs of burnout, such as fatigue, forgetfulness, and irritability, enables you to ask for support before it’s too late.
Adjust Your Expectations
Setting realistic expectations for yourself is critical. Having unreasonable expectations can lead to stress, overwhelm, and burnout. Adjusting your expectations and requesting support can help you achieve your goals without feeling overwhelmed.
Reach Out For Assistance
It can be challenging to ask for help, so here are some ways to make it easier.
Identify The Right Person
Choosing the right person to ask for help can make all the difference. Whether it’s a mentor, friend, family member, or coworker, selecting someone you trust and respect is vital. Consider their experience, expertise, and availability before reaching out.
Articulate Your Needs
Being clear about your needs is essential. Communicate what you need, as well as why and when you need it. Supplying specifics and context about your situation is crucial in receiving the appropriate support.
Be Open To Feedback And Guidance
Being open to feedback and guidance may be challenging, but it’s important. Listen, ask questions, and consider your helpers’ suggestions. When you remain open to new perspectives, you can experience unexpected opportunities for overcoming challenges and reaching your goals.
Follow Up On Support Received
Follow-up Is Important
Following up when you receive support shows that you value the person’s help and appreciate their efforts. It’s how you say thank you and let them know that their support made a difference. It’s also an opportunity to check in and update them on your progress, which can lead to continued support and guidance.
Show Gratitude
Expressing your gratitude is vital to maintaining positive relationships. It can be as simple as sending a thank you note or taking them out for coffee. Letting them know that their support made a difference can go a long way.
Ensure Continued Support
Reciprocating for assistance you received helps you build stronger relationships and ensure continued support. Offer reciprocity through your expertise, sharing resources, or simply being present for someone when they need extra support. A mutually beneficial relationship leads to long-term success without sacrificing your well-being.
Requesting support is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is also the key to overcome overwhelm and experience a higher quality of life. When you self-advocate and ask for the help you need, you are one step closer to creating your reality.
