Asking for help is one of the most beneficial things we can do in our lives. Asking for help can often feel uncomfortable or like a sign of weakness, but, when done correctly, it can be incredibly empowering and lead to countless opportunities.

The most basic benefit of asking for help is simply that it can get our needs and wants met. Many of us get stuck in an unhelpful cycle of doing everything ourselves in an attempt to “prove our worth” or to “show we’re capable.” We may forget that by asking for help we can access resources and expertise that might have taken us an eternity to figure out on our own.

Not only is it more efficient to ask for help, but it can also be rewarding in allowing us to build more meaningful connections with others. Our friends and family want to help us, they want to feel needed and valuable. What’s more, by giving us their support and assistance, they are actively affirming our value and capability. Asking for help can therefore serve as a reminder of the people who love and care about us, as well as giving us the extra help to complete tasks.

Asking for help can also prove to be a confidence booster. It requires a certain level of vulnerability, and that can feel scary, especially if we're conditioned to believe that needing help is a sign of weakness. Once we push past that fear, however, things can become much easier for us. We become more comfortable with accepting help and receive positive reinforcement for it, along with a great sense of accomplishment at our resilience for asking for help.

For all these reasons, it is essential to recognize the potential benefits of asking for help. Doing so can help us to build meaningful relationships, increase our productivity, reduce our stress levels, and ultimately, lead to greater success in life.