Ask for what you need

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Cancer Care has 5 suggestions or tips to help you to ask for what you need.

5 tips to ask for what you need

Oftentimes, the people who could use the most help are those who tend to think

they can do it all. But everyone needs a helping hand now and then-and who among

us isn't grateful to feel needed? So the next time you start to get

stuck-instead of getting more overwhelmed, practice asking for help with these

simple tips. The more you go for it, the easier it will get.

Ask someone you trust. It's usually more comfortable reaching out to a close

friend or family member that you know you can count on. Think of the people in

your life who make you feel safe. Perhaps they are responsible, kind, caring,

conscientious or all of the above. These are the people to get you through.

Don't worry about appearing vulnerable. Needing help is not a sign of weakness

or failure. True strength comes from using all the resources that are available

to you. Most times, you'll find that people actually want to help. If you're a

little nervous, start your request by saying, " I'm not really comfortable asking

for help, but I was wondering if you might be able to do something for me. "

Be specific. The person you are asking will be more likely to respond favorably

if they know exactly what is required of them. Instead of just telling your boss

you need more time on a project, for example, ask if you can extend the deadline

three days to really get it right. If you're asking a spouse for more help

around the house, give them specific chores that need tending to.

Break it down. If the help you need seems overwhelming and requires multiple

hands (such as caring for an aging family member), try to break the help down

into smaller, more manageable tasks. Give each person a little to do, and

together you will feel more empowered in accomplishing your goal.

Give back

Remember, you can always return the favor. This can even help build your

relationship and strengthen your connection with that person.

FYI,

Lottie