Many of us would rather assemble Ikea furniture without the instructions than admit that we need a bit of help from time to time, right? We think that our problems are our own, and the worst thing we could possibly do is “burden’ someone else with them, but you know what? We all need a little help from time to time, and admitting that to others is actually one of the bravest, not weakest, things we can do. Here’s why:
The Myth of the Lone Wolf (Spoiler: Wolves Have Packs)
For a long time now, we have romanticized independence with figures like the lone wolf of the independent woman, and of course, having your independence and being confident enough to do things on your own terms is great, but it is not always the answer, and sometimes we all need some help, right? I mean, even wolves travel in packs, and a lone wolf is an unusual thing to find!
Humans are like wolves in that respect, and we thrive on human contact, connection and mutual support. So if you’ve ever fantasized about being a stoic island, maybe it’s time to build a bridge instead.
Asking for Help Means You’re Thinking Long-Term
Short-term “strength”? Pretending everything is fine until you burn out, blow up, break down, or accidentally cry at the grocery store over the wrong brand of cereal being sold out.
Long-term strength? Saying:
- “Can you talk?”
- “I’m struggling.”
- “I need advice.”
- “Could you walk me through this?”
- “Do you know someone who can help me move this giant sofa before I lose my mind?”
Asking for help isn’t failure. It’s strategy. The most successful people in life – CEOs, athletes, parents…Beyoncé – have teams. They delegate. They take wisdom from others. They don’t confuse independence with isolation.
Vulnerability = Confidence
This one feels backward, but stay with me.
Weakness hides.
Strength steps forward and speaks up.
When you ask for help, you’re saying:
- “I’m secure enough to not pretend.”
- “My growth matters more than my ego.”
- “I deserve support.”
That’s confidence to the core. You’re not collapsing, you’re leveling up.
Help Looks Different for Everyone
Help isn’t always big dramatic interventions (though sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed). It can be:
- Asking a friend to listen, not fix
- Meeting with a therapist to untangle emotions and habits
- Hiring a coach or mentor
- Joining a study group instead of doom-scrolling alone
- Reaching out to specialized services when life gets heavy
For example, people facing emotional trauma or substance struggles can find targeted support, like addiction treatment for veterans, or mental health support for depression, but the takeaway is universal: whatever your background, there is support designed for you.
Whether you’re dealing with heartbreak, burnout, parenting chaos, anxiety, or trying to launch a business without spontaneously combusting, you don’t have to muscle through alone.
You Deserve Support. Full Stop.
If no one told you this yet today:
You don’t need permission to ask for help.
You don’t need to “earn it.”
You don’t need to wait until everything is on fire.
Asking for help doesn’t say you’re weak.
It says you’re human.
It says you care enough about your life to invest in yourself.
It says you’re choosing courage over pride, and that’s the real power move.
So next time you’re tempted to tough it out alone, remember: superheroes don’t fly solo. They call in backup.
