The Art of Getting Help

I need help. 

We all do, don’t we? 

I’ve noticed people sometimes have a hard time admitting it—as if asking for help were a sign of weakness or a failure to handle things yourself. Example: ever since I started posting here and on LinkedIn, I’ve regularly gotten comments like these:

“Haha, are you really writing these yourself, Gaël?” 

“Nice post, too bad it’s probably not really him.”

“OK, OK… who’s the CM I’m talking to here?”

Sorry to disappoint, guys: it’s really me! And it’s also me (not an intern) who replies to your comments 😉 

But good news: you’re not entirely wrong. I don’t go it totally alone! Once a week, I work with a writing coach who helps me put my ideas in order, who teaches me how to make my sentences more fluid, and who’s helping me find my written voice. 

“Ah HAH. So you ARE getting help.”

Yeah, man. And I’m not ashamed of that. 🙌🏿

In tennis (or in any professional sport), you learn fast that you don’t get anywhere completely by yourself. There’s someone who’s helping you in every part of your life, whether it’s physical, mental, nutritional… Even sponsors are a kind of help, giving you the means to dedicate more of your time and energy to your passion.

In short, you’re like a Formula 1 car: powered forward by your own force, but with that force powered by a whole pit crew.

To be a great athlete, chef, teacher, or business leader, the ability to identify your weak spots is a skill. And an even bigger one is having the humility to ask for help from those who can fill in those gaps with their expertise.

And help is all around, even if you don’t realize it. Parents, friends, partners: they encourage you, push you, support you when you’re down. 

Help is a good thing, guys. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for it.

Until next time,

Gaël