Is there something you need done, but can’t do yourself? Maybe you could use:

• Tech support to fix a frustrating computer issue or program your shopping cart, or
• Wisdom in marketing to get more leads into your pipeline, or
• Legal advice about how to handle an unhappy customer or financial business issue

The things we can’t do ourselves often cause us to procrastinate, worry, or get stalled. Sometimes we don’t even realize we’re procrastinating, worrying, or getting stalled, but those three things spell wasted time and lost revenue, which can put us into an emotional tailspin.

Here’s the back story on my insight about ASKING for help. I’m getting ready to sell a 15-year-old car. The radio hasn’t worked for months (no one is going to buy a car without a working radio!), it’s got a nasty ding in the front fender (a “gift” from some anonymous person in a parking lot), and the floor mats are soiled beyond shampooing. Granted, these are not huge needs, but getting those things fixed has been weighing on me, making me feel loaded down . . . and so my list feels like a “loaded” list. (I bet you have your own “loaded” lists that may be weighing on you!)

But, within the course of just a few hours, my list was all taken care of. I tackled it by setting aside a little time and a little more focus. I stopped by a car stereo place, was dismayed to learn the cost to replace the radio, and then asked for a referral to a repair service . . . that individual ended up fixing it the same morning at a third of the price that I’d been quoted for a new one. Yes!

Next, the ding. I had seen a car with the sign “The Ding King” on it two weeks ago, so I tracked them down, and got an appointment to fix it the next day—it will take just one hour. Ding done-check.

Then, I hunted around on the Internet for new floor mats. Confused by the many options (is sand or beige the right color?, would the 2005-model mats fit my 1997 model?, etc.), I called my mechanic, who clarified the best option and provided accurate information. Floor mats ordered-check.

These things may sound simple, but it brought such a relief to have found competent people to help with things I couldn’t do myself. My “loaded” list became my “lightened” list. And all I had to do was ask!

So, next time you see yourself procrastinating, worried, or stalled, ask yourself:

• What kind of help do I need?
• Who can help me?

And, if you aren’t sure who can help you, reach out and ask for referrals and ideas!

Don’t let shyness, embarrassment, fear, or lack of resources keep you from reaching out. The act of taking action dislodges the obstacles and open up pathways you wouldn’t have imagined!

What kind of help are you going to find today? And what difference will it make to your success?!