Do people know how to help you?

I find it hard to ask for help. But I also know that people love helping.

I get a buzz when I'm able to help other people so surely it's selfish to want to deprive others of that buzz by being so self sufficient (I wish) that I never needed any help?

What areas of your life do you find it easy to ask for help? (Delegating at work? Asking friends, family and neighbours for a favour?)

What areas do you find it hard to admit you even contemplate needing help in? (With your kids? A new job? Being back at work after sick leave?)

If you find it really challenging to ask for help, at least be more conscious about the areas you could use more support in.

Contemplate going slow. You don't have to openly ask for help, just let people know what you're thinking about.

For example, if you've been made redundant, rather than telling people you're looking for work, think about the kind of work you'd really enjoy.

Get used to telling people you're looking for a job and would love something involving theatre / with animals / with something to do with travelling.

It's only an extra few words, you're not actually asking anyone for help but you're putting it out there a little more. Who knows, someone you talk to may know of something you'd be perfect for.

However hard you find asking other people, by being as clear as possible about what you'd like (in any given situation, even just with yourself), it will be easier to let some of that support in.