In the world of business and personal development, asking for and accepting help is often seen as a sign of strength, not weakness. Yet, many women—particularly those in business and those dealing with ADHD—struggle with this concept. They battle internal and external barriers that make it challenging to reach out for the support they desperately need. Today, we’re diving into what it looks like to step into asking for and accepting help and exploring the consequences of not doing so.
Understanding the Barriers
For many women, especially those in leadership roles or managing their ADHD symptoms, the journey towards asking for help is fraught with self-doubt and societal stereotypes. Women in business often feel the need to project an image of infallibility. The fear of appearing incompetent or incapable can be overwhelming, leading many to suffer in silence rather than seek the support they need.
Similarly, women with ADHD face their unique challenges. The constant battle with distractibility, forgetfulness, and sometimes overwhelming emotions can make the workplace an anxiety-inducing environment. The internal narrative often includes thoughts like, “If I can’t manage this on my own, I must not be good enough,” or “Everyone else seems to handle these tasks with ease, why can’t I?”
The Consequences of Not Asking for Help
Not asking for help can lead to a myriad of negative outcomes. Overwhelm and burnout are among the most common, as the stress of trying to manage everything alone takes a toll on mental and physical health. In a business context, this can lead to poor decision-making, reduced productivity, and even affect professional relationships.
For women with ADHD, not seeking help can exacerbate feelings of isolation and inadequacy. The cycle of struggling, feeling overwhelmed, and then struggling even more can hinder career advancement and personal growth.
Embracing Assistance: What It Looks Like
Stepping into asking for help involves recognizing the value of one’s own time and energy. It means understanding that reaching out is an investment in oneself. For a woman in business, it could look like delegating tasks that fall outside her expertise or seeking mentorship to navigate career challenges. In personal development, it might involve joining a supportive community like She Simply Impacts, where shared experiences and resources can make managing responsibilities less daunting.
Accepting help, on the other hand, means allowing oneself to be vulnerable and open to receiving support. It requires acknowledging that accepting help does not diminish one’s worth or capabilities but rather enhances them. For a businesswoman, this might mean taking constructive feedback and implementing it without self-judgment. For someone with ADHD, accepting help could be as specific as using tools or systems designed to manage time and tasks more effectively or engaging in therapies that address ADHD symptoms.
The Opposite: Going It Alone
The opposite of asking for and accepting help is “going it alone,” a path many women take. This often looks like:
- Endless late nights trying to complete projects single-handedly.
- Refusing to delegate tasks for fear that they won’t be completed perfectly.
- Hiding struggles with task management or deadlines due to fear of judgment.
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: A woman entrepreneur with ADHD She struggles with time management, often missing deadlines or forgetting meetings. Instead of seeking help or utilizing tools designed for ADHD management, she berates herself for her shortcomings, believing she must overcome these challenges alone to prove her worth.
Scenario 2: A female executive Despite feeling overwhelmed by her workload, she refuses to ask for assistance from her team, believing it’s crucial to handle everything herself to show she is a capable leader. This leads to burnout and resentment, impacting her team’s morale and productivity.
Evidence-Based Strategies to Facilitate Asking for Help
Research supports several strategies and modalities that encourage seeking and accepting assistance, especially for women in high-pressure roles and those managing ADHD symptoms:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
- Application: CBT is effective in addressing the negative thought patterns that prevent individuals from seeking help. It helps reframe thoughts like “I must do everything myself to be successful” to more helpful ones like “Asking for help allows me to use my time and resources more efficiently.”
- Coaching and Peer Support Groups:
- Evidence: Studies show that peer support groups and coaching provide emotional and practical assistance that can help women navigate the challenges of leadership and ADHD management. These groups offer a platform to share strategies, reduce feelings of isolation, and normalize the experiences of seeking help.
- Application: Joining networks like She Simply Impacts allows access to a community where asking for help is seen as a strategic and healthy behavior.
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques:
- Research: Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation, making it easier to identify when help is needed and to ask for it without self-judgment.
- Application: Implementing daily mindfulness practices can enhance one’s ability to remain balanced amidst challenges, thereby fostering a healthier approach to managing workload and responsibilities.
Taking Action
Asking for and accepting help is not just about alleviating immediate stress; it’s about creating sustainable practices that support long-term success and well-being. If you’re ready to break down the barriers and embrace assistance, consider joining She Simply Impacts. Our community is designed to support women like you through resources, coaching, and a network of peers who understand the challenges you face. Together, we can transform the way we work and live, making the journey less isolating and more empowering.
Visit She Simply Impacts to learn more about how our community can support your growth and success. It’s time to step into your power by stepping into asking for and accepting the help you deserve. Join us today, and let’s make an impactful change together.