How do we overcome the reluctance to ask for a helping hand from a Career Coach?

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Rachna Mathur, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.

Sometimes, our most significant hurdles aren’t tangible. They differ from the skills we need or the opportunities we don’t have. No, our most essential barriers are often invisible and intangible, dwelling deep within us—our fear, reluctance, and, most destructively, our undermined sense of self-worth.

So, how can we dissolve this internal resistance and ask for help, especially when planning career advancement?

Let’s venture into the realm of personal development to answer this, and let’s dare to invest in ourselves.

INVEST IN SELF: Why it’s Not Just a Fancy Phrase?

Imagine your career as a business venture. Would you think twice before investing in a promising opportunity? Not likely. So, why hesitate to invest in the most valuable asset you have – you?

Investing in self is about more than spending money aimlessly. It’s about strategically allotting resources (time, money, and energy) to improve your knowledge, skills, and emotional health. It’s about recognizing your worth and the importance of your development as a fundamental precursor to career advancement.

WHY WE HESITATE TO ASK FOR HELP

“Can I do it myself?”

“Will it look like I’m incapable if I ask for help?”

“Is it even okay to ask for help?”

Do these questions sound familiar?

Many hesitate to reach out because they fear judgment, rejection, or undermining our abilities. We often need to remember that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Remember, not asking for help when needed is like trying to fill a leaky bucket – you may get somewhere, but it will take longer and be much more challenging.

Let’s break this taboo and acknowledge that it’s not a weakness but a strength to ask for help. It signifies courage, wisdom, and a willingness to learn. In the professional realm, asking for help is essential for career advancement.

THE POWER OF A CAREER COACH

A career coach is an invaluable resource to enhance your career. They are like a lighthouse guiding your ship – your career – in the right direction, especially when the waters are choppy, or the path is unclear.

Career coaches provide insights, advice, and strategies to propel your career forward. They offer an objective perspective, identify blind spots, and unlock potentials that you may be unaware of. Above all, a Career coach helps you boost your self-worth, empowering you to ask for what you deserve confidently.

LEADING WITH SELF- WORTH

Your self-worth is the foundation upon which your career is built. It affects your confidence, aspirations, performance, and interactions with others.

When you undervalue yourself, you may settle for less than you deserve. You may not strive for better opportunities or ask for help even when needed.

But when you realize your worth, you begin to assert yourself. You start seeking the right opportunities and connections. You become comfortable seeking a Career coach or mentor’s guidance. You understand that asking for help is not a sign of inadequacy but an investment in your future.

TAPPING INTO LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

There’s a saying: “Great leaders don’t set out to be leaders. They set out to make a difference.” Being a leader is not about power but the ability to effect positive change.

The essence of leadership is personal development. As you grow, so does your capacity to lead. The higher your self-worth, the more confident you are in leading yourself and others.

Personal development can unlock your leadership potential, and a Career coach can guide you. As you discover your worth and develop your leadership skills, you will likely seek help and guidance without hesitation.

CHECKLIST FOR OVERCOMING RELUCTANCE

So, how can you overcome your reluctance to ask for help, especially from a career coach? Here’s a checklist:

1. Recognize your worth: Understand that you deserve support, growth, and success.

2. Invest in self: Allocate resources to develop your skills, knowledge, and emotional well-being.

3. Understand the value of help: Realize that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. It accelerates your path to success.

4. Consider a Career coach: Explore the idea of getting a Career coach. Understand the benefits they offer.

5. Embrace leadership: Develop your leadership skills and see how it impacts your career and personal development.

6. Keep learning: Adopt a growth mindset. Accept that you won’t know everything, and that’s okay. It’s the willingness to learn that matters.

In conclusion, it’s essential to recognize your worth and understand that asking for help is a strength. A Career coach can be a valuable ally in your career advancement, personal growth, and leadership journey. Embrace the idea of investing in yourself, and let go of your reluctance.

After all, your career, your growth, and your happiness are worth it!