19 Sep“Help” shouldn’t be a 4-letter word

This may come as a shock to some of you, but I don’t know everything.

Stop snickering. Seriously. I can hear you from here.

As a matter of fact, the list of what I truly and thoroughly know is itty-bitty compared to what I don’t. I’m better than ok with that most of the time. For me, it’s like walking into the library (ok, Powell’s…I have a hard time remembering to give the books back) and becoming a bit emotional at the thought that I will NEVER read all there is to read. Bring it on!

But when it comes to my work, my personal life, my dog, my finances, basically anything with a possessive case in front of it, I feel this need to be able to handle things ON MY OWN, dagnabit! If I don’t know it, I’ll figure it out eventually, right? I have the internets…and Powell’s. Ah, research! If it takes me all night, month, year… Perseverance! Fortitude!

Sometimes that process of research is a great learning tool and has been well worth the effort. And sometimes I’m a dork. In those instances, not asking for help and doing it myself has actually cost me more than paying an expert for their advice—in cash or in wine. Not good.

Most of what I don’t know and need to know, someone I know, or someone they know, knows and knows well. Get that? Knows really well. Expert-level well. And here’s the truly amazing thing — most of them want to share that knowledge out of a desire to help another person, and to share something they’re passionate about. Free or not. No kidding.

So, go ahead. Ask!

Where do you go when you look for help? How do you react when someone approaches you for a little advice?