How to ask for Advice

People are often afraid to ask for advice, because asking for help" implies incompetence and dependence, and therefore is related to powerlessness." Asking for help can be surprisingly hard, even when it's only for some minor difficulty.

Doing so is an admission that you aren't perfect, which can lead to feelings of weakness or inadequacy. Yet, it's a vital life skill. Many of life's obstacles can't be tackled alone - we simply don't live long enough to learn how to do everything on our own. Whether you're looking for a little assistance with a homework assignment or seeking treatment for a serious disease, asking for help is the first step towards positive progress.

Tell yourself that you need help. While it sounds simple, it can be truly difficult to swallow your pride and accept that you can't solve this problem on your own. Figure out what exactly you need help with. Once you've convinced yourself you need help, you need to pinpoint the exact problem. Look someone for help.

Though you may be surprised by the willingness of strangers and casual acquaintances to help you, you should probably pick. Maintain a positive self-image. Swallow your pride. Pride is the cardinal sin when seeking help. Asking for help is not a reason to feel weak, inadequate, or stupid. Remember, seeking help when you need it is a sign of strength, not of weakness. It's easy to deny you have a problem. It's hard to put aside your pride in an effort to fix it. As you seek help, you might feel bashful or embarrassed.