Growing up I always had a difficult time asking my parents for things. Which then translated to pretty much everything else in my life. I was afraid of asking for fear of anger or disappointment. The fear also applies when I have to ask for help as well. For some reason I have this weird thing about asking especially if it will expose me as incompetent. I feel really uncomfortable when people are aware of my weaknesses because it makes me feel so vulnerable. However, vulnerability is exactly what we need to make real connections. People can identify much easier with our vulnerabilities than our achievements because not everyone’s wins look the same. But the emotions people experience as they struggle are very similar.
Therefore, I wanted to remind myself why asking is so powerful and why I should continue to ask and here are 6 reasons why.
1. Discovering truth
Asking uncovers the truth. If you think you’d much rather live with the truth rather than living in the dark, it’s important to work up the courage to ask.
2. Practicing courage
Asking for the truth can sometimes be painful… but there’s something in asking that makes you feel so vulnerable that whenever I complete the task, I feel so proud of myself
3. Feeling authentic
Whenever I seem to ask, I always feel a little exposed… which is a good and bad thing. Mostly I think it’s a good thing because it allows us to be truthful not only to ourselves but also the people around us
4. Feeling connected
When we are vulnerable, we’re able to relate to others a lot more and thus we feel more connected to those who identify the way we do
5. Getting the help we need
When we ask, we are letting others know of our needs. And because people are aware of our needs, they’re more inclined to meet us where we are.
6. Allows for clarification and growth
Asking to clarify understanding is so important in the process of learning and building upon our knowledge base. If we aren’t able to understand at a certain level, how do we expect to fully understand the next level?
I hope these 6 reasons can help to remind yourself why asking is so important. I know it’s not easy to put ourselves in a vulnerable position to ask, but remember that asking is completely appropriate and worthwhile!
Live simply, love beyoutifully
Anh Thu
