The Art of Asking for Help (And Actually Accepting It)

June is a whirlwind for busy working women. Between work deadlines, end-of-school-year chaos, and the pressure to get “summer-ready,” it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling a million things.

The problem? You’re doing too much—often alone.

Many women struggle with asking for help, and even when it’s offered, we downplay our needs or feel guilty accepting it. We tell ourselves, It’s just easier if I do it myself or I don’t want to burden anyone. But here’s the truth: trying to do everything on your own isn’t sustainable.

Why We Resist Asking for Help

If you’ve ever resisted delegating, asking for a favor, or saying yes when help is offered, it’s likely because of one (or more) of these deep-rooted beliefs:

• I should be able to handle it all.” You’re capable, yes—but that doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone.
• “If I ask for help, I’m failing.” Accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of self-awareness.
• “No one else will do it right.” Letting go of control is tough, but perfectionism is exhausting.
• “It’s too much effort to explain what I need.” But investing time in clear communication upfront saves you time (and stress) later.

How to Start Asking for (and Accepting) Help

If asking for help feels uncomfortable, try these small but powerful shifts:

1. Start Small and Be Specific: Instead of saying, I need help around the house, try:

• Can you take care of bedtime with the kids tonight?
• Would you mind prepping breakfast while I finish this report?

People are more likely to help when they know exactly what to do.

2. Reframe It as a Strength, Not a Weakness: Think of it this way: If a friend asked you for help, would you judge her? Probably not! You’d jump in. Asking for help gives others a chance to support you the way you’d support them.
3. Let Go of “Perfect”: Help might not look the way you would do it, and that’s okay. Your partner folding the laundry “wrong” or your coworker handling a project differently still gets the job done.
4. Practice Saying “Yes” to Help Offered: When someone offers help, resist the instinct to say, Oh, I got it! Instead, pause and say, That would actually be really helpful—thank you.
5. Create a System for Shared Responsibilities: If you’re always the default for certain tasks, it’s time to redistribute.

• With your family: Try a shared calendar or task list so everyone knows their role.
• At work: Set clear expectations about who handles what to avoid everything falling on you.

Your Challenge This Month: Say Yes More

This month, instead of overloading yourself, commit to asking for or accepting help at least three times a week. See how it feels. Notice how much lighter things become.

You don’t have to do it all alone—and you shouldn’t.

What’s one thing you can ask for help with today? 

With love,

Erin