The idea that “when the going gets tough, the wise seek help” is a valuable counterpoint to the traditional notion that one must go alone when faced with challenges. Life’s challenges come and go, sometimes without us even noticing our resilience. Through the tears and laughter, we persevere, clinging to the hope of a better tomorrow.
In the midst of this, a lot of people do not realize that it's absolutely okay to seek help. Some may attribute their reluctance to their unwavering pride and others to the fear of rejection but you never can tell. I recall a friend who recently attended an event where she had access to a number of renowned individuals who came ready and willing to offer guidance and mentorship. Surrounded by brilliant minds and networking opportunities, her genius excuse was “I have pride, I couldn’t walk around smiling with strangers”. Did I scream out loud, certainly not but my mind screamed in utter disbelief. What did she mean by strangers? Everyone is a stranger before they become friends, I managed to say but the opportunity was already gone.
Although uncertainty can be overwhelming, I'm of the opinion that facing rejection from a potential mentor is way better than living with the regret of never having not taken the chance. And this doesn't just apply to mentorship.
Growing up, I was taught to be reserved and only speak when spoken to, especially around adults. This upbringing has lingered, making me a bit hesitant when approaching mentors that look like well, mentors, for the first time. However, since the day I realized that mentorship is crucial in my field of study, I have been proactive in seeking guidance in general.
Different mentors have unique approaches; some are tough while the others are more nurturing. Nonetheless, their expertise is invaluable and it's up to you and me of course, to tap into this knowledge.
Recognising when you need help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you are aware of your limitations and are willing to seek support whether it's from a mentor, a friend or even an acquaintance. Seeking help provides access to knowledge , skills and experiences that you may not possess. Taking myself for instance, whenever someone seeks my assistance or guidance, I bare it all out. The good, the bad and the ugly, everything. I then go ahead to give possible tips on how to navigate the challenges and I leave the mentee to take the final decision.
Not only does one gain access to knowledge from seeking help, but it can also offer fresh insight to tackle challenges from a different perspective. This was reinforced by a recent experience where I faced a daunting obstacle. When it felt like I had reached my limit, I reached out to a friend, seeking his sage counsel and that was exactly what I got. The friend helped me see the stumbling block from an entirely different perspective and that way, it was easier to tackle the challenge at hand.
I'm not implying that we should undermine our abilities. On the contrary, this post is about the value of self-enhancement. The phrase ‘no man is an island’ rings through. By being prudent and seeking help when necessary, we can breeze through certain obstacles. One thing about help is that it is always readily available, waiting to be tapped; it is merely a question of extending a hand. You’ll be surprised by the extent to which people are willing to go to ensure you overcome your own challenges.
