So there I found myself, live in front of my peers feeling super vulnerable. The coach was taking us through a planning exercise and I was feeling super stuck, so I private messaged her my frustration thinking she’d simply reply in kind (privately).
It all ended up good for this introvert even though I felt like crying at the time. In front of the group we talked through my frustration and what was getting me stuck to the point where I could move forward. It was more than super uncomfortable, and, at that moment, ever so deflating for me.
I have a hard time asking for help when it comes to me and my business. As a business owner, I know you’re probably dealing with that, too. My superpower is listening and feeling what others’ feel (that’s why a friend dubbed me ‘the empathetic web designer’, so you better believe when I’m feeling something I’m truly feeling it.
But ya know what happened after my ‘vulnerability episode’? One by one others raised their hands to get help.
Sharing opened the way for others
I felt fully exposed (a moment I’d like to avoid ever having again, thank you very much) but it was what others needed in order to get over their own frustrations and move forward with the exercise.
It was also what I needed to get the help I needed so I didn’t stay trapped and could move forward, even if I wished it had happened another way.
Go ahead, ask for help
Believe me, it’s not to take credit or pump myself up (vulnerability is not something I like to ‘own’.) It’s not to put out there that I was comparing how I felt to how others felt in that moment.
It’s to reassure you that if you’re feeling frustrated, stumped, or like you’ve hit a brick wall, that it’s ok to ask for help.
When you reach out in a group setting it might be just what’s needed to help others. It could be the same question they need answered or could give them the confidence to raise their hands too. (And this applies to those zoom meetings, in person meetings and in response to social posts.)
When you reach out to a coach or mentor, it might feel awkward and like you’re really exposing yourself, but it will help you keep moving forward.
Be vulnerable so you can help others
When you’re wanting to make an impact in this world, to truly use what you have to help, then NOT moving forward, NOT being vulnerable enough to ask the question stops affecting just you…it has a ripple effect and could very well stop you from helping those you are meant to help.
Do you wish you could have more clarity on how to show up online so you can attract and help those you’re equipped to serve?
Let’s have a quick conversation to see if The Focus would be right for you. (You can read more about The Focus here.)
