Don’t try to do it all yourself. Learn to share the load.
Often in life, we try to do everything without asking for assistance. The reality, though, is that others are willing to help if you let them. Don’t be afraid to ask for a helping hand when you need one.
Growing up, I heard a few different sayings that lent to this train of thought. The one that comes to mind is ‘many hands make for light work.’ When several people are doing a task instead of just one, the job gets done quicker, and no one is tired.
The same goes when you are on the ‘nothing to do side.’ Don’t just sit back watching others; lend a hand. Not only is it the right thing to do, but there is also usually a bonding that occurs when sharing duties. People talk to each other as they work, which also passes the time, especially if the task is a tedious one.
If you see someone struggling, don’t hesitate to step forward and offer aid. What tires another out easily might not tire you out so quickly. This is true when it comes to seniors and people with injuries or some kind of limitation.
When you ask to help if you are told no, accept the response and know you tried. Don’t stop offering assistance in the future because of the one time. The person knows you care and are there if they need you. Just like if you don’t want help, you know they are there if you need them.
If you have a task that is harder for you than it might be for someone else, ask for their help or guidance. Sometimes the sharing comes in the form of knowledge and not physical labour.
Sometimes, sharing the load is a simple matter of brainstorming to come up with a solution. After all, two heads are better than one. Another person might think of a solution that you would not.
Make sure when you help that you aren’t just offering light duty. What I mean by this is that you show up but let other people do most of the work. Don’t show up just to say you did and look good and then not put the effort in. When you do this, you leave a bad impression which is sometimes worse than not showing up at all.
If you’d like to help but for some reason can’t, make sure to let the other person, or people, know. Find out if there is another possible date that you can help out on. If it is due to a physical limitation, let them know as much as you’d like to that this time you can’t, but hopefully, in the future, you will be able to.
We are many on this earth, meant to love and help one another. Never be afraid to ask for help or offer it and share the load.
Free inspirational or motivational posts can be found on the inspirational page of Leslie’s website.