Eww, Vulnerability

Do you think people’s first response when struggling is to ask for help?

No, it isn’t. Our default is often to suffer in silence, to exhaust every last option until there's nothing left to give. We've been conditioned and taught that asking for help is an admission of failure, a sign that we couldn't handle things on our own. We see it as a last resort, a sign of weakness that exposes our shortcomings to the world.

But this is precisely where vulnerability comes in. It's the radical act of trusting that people will not abuse your trust in them when you place yourself in such a position.

When I ask for help on the job, I do so with vulnerability. I'm letting people know that I am unfamiliar with a topic and I'm struggling for solutions. I'm admitting that there are holes in my knowledge and that, in some cases, I have failed.

I am vulnerable, yes, but in that vulnerability comes the ability to grow. It also opens the door to fostering genuine relationships and strengthening your professional network. Vulnerability isn't about surrendering to weakness; it's about courageously embracing the unknown. It's trusting that someone else has the experience to guide you and that their help is an investment in your success, not a judgment of your abilities. In return, you build a foundation of mutual trust and respect.

True strength is not found in the silence of solitude, but in the courage to speak up and seek connection. It's the recognition that no one grows alone. By allowing yourself to be vulnerable, you not only empower your own growth but also create an environment where others feel safe to do the same.