Route 66 Installment #20: Needy or In Need? What’s the Diff?

I’ve been told at various times in my life that I’m “needy.”

Some people (including myself) would generally disagree.

My last post dealt with the whole generic notion of HELP. When do we need it? What specifically do we need? Who is the most qualified person to give it to us? How do we ask for it? When we don’t ask for help, what’s holding us back?

Over the past six months…

I found myself in situations that forced me to step out of my “I can handle this myself” zone and ask others for assistance.

During that time, some major things happened.

1. I broke my ankle — badly.
2. My mother passed away at 95. Although it was expected, losing my only surviving parent was tough. In addition to dealing with the emotional aftermath, I had to handle a variety of financial and operational tasks.
3. I contracted COVID and spent five days in lockdown last week.
4. My big client engagement wound down and I’m looking for new writing work (and perhaps even a part-time remote job).
5. I’m on the verge of building a new personal brand series and, even though I run a marketing company, I am willing to look to others who are way smarter than I am in order to create new sources of passive revenue.

I could either moan and whine incessantly that I’m overwhelmed and confused (which would probably fall under the category of NEEDY).

Or, I could take a look at each challenge and figure out exactly what I need to solve problems and who or what might be capable of providing help.

The right friends and colleagues will often anticipate others’ needs and offer assistance with minimal prompting.

But you can’t expect everyone around you to read minds.

And, as we age, asking for help can often become even more difficult. We don’t want those around us to think we’re incapable of doing certain things or learning new skills.

But I’ve also come to realize over time that I can’t possibly know or do everything and I need a wide range of help in life and work. And that asking for help is not a sign of weakness…it can be one of strength.

• So, figure out what you need every day, week, and month.
• Surround yourself with people who truly want to help.
• Learn to ask — politely and specificially.
• Don’t whine and moan.
• And, when you get advice or assistance, listen and be grateful.

xo

Not-so-needy Nancy (although I would really appreciate your liking or commenting on this post and subscribing to my blog!)

Need (or want) more?

	How to ask for help (according to Harvard)
	Here’s how to tell if you’re needy in relationships
	You can’t always get what you want. How to deal with being ignored.
	What 37 things do people need? (Beyond the Maslow basics)