Most things in life require other people. Even if we pride ourselves on being self-sufficient, we still rely on others—farmers who grow our food, doctors who care for our health, scientists who develop the technology we use every day. Life isn’t meant to be lived alone.
Growing up, many of us were taught that strength means independence. We learned that being a capable adult meant doing things on our own. And while self-reliance is important, somewhere along the way, we picked up the idea that needing help is a sign of weakness. But that’s not true.
The reality is, we need people. And to live comfortably with that truth, we need to practice asking for help.
Asking for help doesn’t have to mean admitting failure. Sometimes, it’s simply acknowledging someone who has supported us without being asked. Sometimes, it’s asking a friend to listen while we work through a problem out loud. Other times, it’s leaning on someone when we’re overwhelmed—whether that’s a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold while navigating something difficult.
If we don’t practice asking for help, it can feel overwhelming when we need it most. If we don’t get comfortable asking for the small things, we might struggle to reach out when the bigger moments hit.
That’s why today’s challenge is simple (not easy): for the next 24 hours, practice asking for help. Acknowledge someone who has made your life more manageable, and find opportunities to ask for even a small bit of help. Notice how it feels—not just to receive support, but to allow others to show up for you.
ACTION: Ask for help at least once today. It can be big or small—assistance with a task, emotional support, or simply acknowledging someone who has helped you in the past. Pay attention to how it feels to ask, and what happens when you do.
