A Japanese conundrum that relies on the personal insight of the puzzle solver and has its reward in the answer was once stated similar to: If you are a person trapped in a sealed box in a room, how would you get out?  Most people spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how they would do it on their own…when an obvious answer is to yell for help.   

We frequently operate as if we’re the only ones who can handle something.  We often do this to save face, to not be thought of as incompetent.  We rationalize our behavior to not ask for help in other ways too, like “I don’t want to bother them, their too busy,” or “it’s my assignment, I really should be the one to handle it,” etc. 

If you were going to ask for help on your next project or task, I suggest you express the added value of someone else’s input, rather than focus on how others may perceive your ineptness.  Keep in mind that often, where your attention goes, so will the attention of those around you. 

What project can you get help in, delegate parts to handle, or be a welcome recipient of assistance on?