How to get unstuck
Last week I was talking with Ashton who illustrates this blog and I said something like, “I’m doing pretty good on next week’s post—I’m about 90% there. I should have it to you by Wednesday or Thursday.” Friday morning I get an email from her, “Do you have the blog ready for next week ?”
The short answer—no. The long answer—I had gone back to the post a couple times and spent a few hours on what I had written but the piece just wasn’t coming together. At this point I had spent about three times the amount of time it normally takes me to write a blog post and it felt like I was trying to force it.
So I respond to Ashton’s email, “I’m struggling with it.”
I immediately get a response from her, “Write about how you are struggling to write 😳🤣.”
As you can see, I took her advice because there was a lesson in this little exchange—and the funny thing is, the lesson involves a practice I regularly encourage my clients to draw upon.
When you feel stuck or unsure—whether it’s writing an article, how to respond to an irate customer email, figuring out how to resolve conflict at the executive table—don’t think you have to solve it by yourself. Thinking you have to have all the answers is outdated leadership thinking that leads to being a slave to your day.
So when you feel stuck or find yourself in a situation uncertain what do to next—ask for help—ideally from someone who has been there and done it and is willing to assist.
One last thing, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
