“For me, intelligence starts with this expression, “I don’t know, I need help.””
-The Daily Coach
As an educator, heck, even as an adult one of the most difficult things for us to do is ask for someone else’s help. The million dollar question is why? Is is due to the fact we don’t want to be wrong? Quite possibly. Being wrong means that we may not have an answer to something which could make us feel less than adequate and in turn causes us to think others will feel the same way about us. Or…is it because we are afraid to show our vulnerability? We all have this sort of aura that we must never show signs of weaknesses but to me that is where our true inner strength lives. Many of us try to live a perfectionist type of life which in full transparency is more of a facade than anything else because it doesn’t exist. It is a false reality and something that is unattainable. It drains instead of replenishes one’s mind, body and soul. Talk about placing unwanted and unnecessary pressure on ourselves. To quote that lady from that viral video from a few years ago, “Ain’t nobody got time for that!”
Both examples (I’m quite sure there are others), are no fault of anyone else but that of our own. We self sabotage by worrying about what others will think or say about us and concoct this self doubt within our own psyche. When we allow ourselves to be more vulnerable, we encourage our children to be vulnerable; to take that risk and realize that no matter the outcome we will love them unconditionally for just putting themselves out there. We must avoid our tendencies to avoid taking these risks and for fear of rejection and embarrassment. Remember, ego is the enemy and that enemy lies in between our ears.
Today’s quote reminds us that there are six words that are okay to say no matter what you may think: I don’t know, I need help. More often than not, in admitting this, it allows us to seek the answers and rely on others. We cannot do it all on our own. The worst thing you can do is make a decision when you are more unsure of things and what is right. If you make your decision based solely on that fear of being judged by others in not knowing something you face losing so much more in the long run. You may have lose your credibility, reliability and trustworthiness which are the foundation of any strong and healthy relationship.
We must remember that there is no harm in not knowing. If we are honest with them and ourselves, things will have a way of working themselves out. You will find the answers you seek and in deciding to tell them that you do not know, and that you are seeking to get help to find out, this allows your vulnerability to shine through. We must become the change in all aspects in our lives. This includes making the decision to tell someone or somebody honestly that we do not know something or how to do something. Take a leap of faith and know that this risk will be worth it in the long run.
What does this quote mean to you and how can you apply today’s message towards developing your responsible decision making skills?
Becoming The Change 