Why Getting Help is Sometimes the Smartest Solution~
Unsolicited help often exacerbates my frustration. However, I do appreciate the unexpected surprise packages that offer revelations. Mr. X was one of those packages. At first, he seemed like a very ordinary guy. I never dreamed I was in the presence of genius. It was hard to see through his mess on the floor, the dirty dishes in the sink, and the laundry that had piled up because the housekeeper had taken the week off. Lesson #1 – organization and brilliance don’t always show up in the same bundle.
A year later, Mr. X was well on his way to creating his third, multi-million dollar company. Now, I wouldn’t want to do what he did to earn his fortune, but I did get a bird’s eye view of his process and walked away with a few pearls of wisdom. To save you the trouble of living with a workaholic, even a genius workaholic, I’ll let you in on a few of his secrets.
1. Envision beyond what you think is possible.
2. Know that your emotional rollercoaster is simply part of the process.
3. Envision what seems impossible, accomplished.
4. Never give up.
5. And most importantly – Do what you do best and get help with the rest.
This fifth tip was one of the most valuable lessons I learned. In the late 1970s, to demonstrate the “number” that was running my life (doing everything by myself) I wore a work belt around my waist weighed down by every hand tool imaginable. Then I walked around the room and understood, on a very visceral level, the weight I carried around trying to go it alone.
Mr. X never spent the countless hours I did, trying to figure out how to do everything. He focused his energies on what he was good at and had a passion for and engaged other highly qualified people to help him with the rest.
- Are you a great writer yet, get stuck in the middle of your story? Find someone to help you brainstorm.
- Are you a great storyteller and not such a great writer? An editor can work wonders with your great story!
- Do you need someone to motivate you to keep on keeping on? Engage a writing coach or take a class.
Key #1 – Do what you do best and get help with the rest. Magic happens when we set our attention and intention in the direction of our inspirations and passion.
Key #2 – Believe in yourself and get support — falling down is part of the process —allowing a helping hand to pick you up is also part of the process.
Key #3 – Be kind to yourself throughout the process. Be your own best friend and see the good in what you’re accomplishing – and get help with the rest.
Key #4 – Have fun in the process!
Even in our time of isolating, Zoom has come to our rescue. There’s always a way.
Enjoy!
