We all need a little help now and then, so why do we struggle so much asking for it? Are we too stubborn? Are we afraid of being a burden? Regardless of why, if you need help, asking for it is the most direct and reasonable way to get it. Whether you are overwhelmed at work, not feeling quite yourself, or trying to learn something new, asking for help could change your life. If you are ready to get comfortable asking for help, then check out these nine tips:

1. We All Need Help Once in Awhile
There is nothing wrong with being self-reliant and standing on your own two feet. The reality is, we all need a little help from time to tie. Once you recognise and accept this as a fact, asking for help will be easier.

2. Help Others
Try being a more helpful person in general. This will help you realize that help isn’t a burden. Helping others is rewarding. You will also naturally feel more open to asking for help if you are willing to help others.

3. Know Exactly What You Need
You will find it significantly easier to ask for help when you know what you need. If you can’t convey what you need, it’s naturally harder to ask for help. Think about what you need in the most specific terms possible. This will also help the other person figure out if they are up to your request.

4. How Do Your Peers Ask for Help?
Have you ever been asked for help? How did the people ask you? Did you find yourself more willing to accept a certain approach? Reflecting on how people have successfully asked you for help will make it easier for you to create your approach. This confidence should lead to more comfort when asking for help.

5. Don’t Project Your Feelings
When you assume someone doesn’t want to help you or are a burden on them, you are projecting your feelings. Don’t let your inner critic make you give up before you even ask for help. You won’t know how others feel about helping you until you ask.

6. Recognise Your Weaknesses
When you recognise and accept your weaknesses, you will find it easier to ask for help. When you know you are especially weak in a certain area, it will feel natural to find someone strong in that area to help you.

7. Asking for Help Looks Good
Some people are worried that if they ask for help. They might look weak. This isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, some research has shown that asking for help makes a good impression. It indicates you are a team player who does things efficiently.

8. How Important is The End Result?
If you are struggling in some area of life, think about your ideal result. Think about it in as great of detail as possible. Hold that image of ultimate success in your head. Now ask yourself, is this result worth the discomfort of asking for help?

9. You Have to Do It
You won’t get comfortable asking for help unless you do it. You don’t want to do it superfluously but try to try to ask for help when genuinely needed. You will find that the discomfort slips away the more often you ask.