Asking for advice can be a difficult task at times. It may feel intimidating or make you think that it’s something you should already know. Some may think it shows weakness and a lack of knowledge or experience. I strongly disagree with all of that. Asking for advice shows courage, the willingness to learn, and it will ultimately make you a stronger leader and person.
Allowing yourself to get out of your comfort zone and learn from others is a big deal. There is no possible way to know everything on this Earth. There isn’t a way to experience everything, considering two people can do the same thing and have different experiences. When you ask for advice and help, you are allowing for someone else’s experience to help guide yours. It gives you something to learn from. Someone else’s insight could completely change your perspective or create a shift in your life that you may not have known you needed.
It Makes a Good Impression
We worry that asking for advice will get in the way of others like we’ll bother and inconvenience them, but studies show differently. The fear comes from the chance of being rejected or looking dumb. But reverse the roles. Have you ever been asked for guidance and thought of someone as unintelligent because of it? Of course, there are some common sense things, but in general, what do you feel? Probably excited to share and grateful that someone has that trust in you. Asking for advice leaves positive impressions on people and makes them feel confident and trustworthy.
People love to talk about themselves. It’s just a fact, people enjoy sharing about themselves and their lives. So, when being asked for their thoughts and opinions, the natural response is to share. Showing interest in what someone else thinks gives them a sense of trust and relationship. This will make them be more likely to remember you.
Puts Your Ahead of the Game
There are some things that Google just can’t answer. I know, I know, Google answers 98% of our daily questions but it can’t answer specific life questions. There are just some things that have to get from real-life people that have experienced things and have different types of knowledge.
Getting advice from others puts you ahead of the game. It allows you to make critical decisions based on stories and opinions that you’ve heard. You can better visualize yourself doing things and being put in positions that have been described to you.
Asking for advice isn’t a bad thing at all. It shows courage and vulnerability, allowing for growth and change. Learning from others boosts intellectual wellness. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. You never know what the person next to you knows and how that can help you in the future. Knowledge is key, use it to your advantage.
