Day 15: 20.5 miles/1:18
“While your battles are yours, they are best fought with the support and guidance of others.”
Today’s inspiration continues along the theme of finding resources that can be of value. It stems from a conversation I had with Brandon last night about his personality. I have a trusted friend whose business provides consulting and coaching regarding personality types and behaviors. Her program provides, for me, the most insightful and helpful perspective and information. Brandon has taken the profile evaluation and is learning about his behavior. It is incredible how much he internalized and valued his first conversation with her. I think it really provided him a clear perspective on aspects of his personality and behavior that he intuitively believed; but, did not feel empowered to trust as accurate or correct. Armed with the insight and guidance of a professional, Brandon has a more comfortable and confident perspective on his personality.
When we were discussing what he learned, he talked about his trait as a problem solver. While I never thought about it, I believe it. For Brandon has always acted as though he was supposed to or determined to figure things out for himself. I always viewed it as a component of his stubborn streak. Instead, since his personality includes this aspect of being a problem solver, he shouldn’t ever have to ask for help; he simply should be able to figure it out himself. Now that he recognizes that determination to solve his own problems, it can help us all understand why he never asks for help and why it is okay to ask for help.
The lesson for all of us is that no matter how talented, skilled, insightful, or experienced we are, there is nothing that we need to deal with alone if we really need to find a solution. Whenever we need help or are stuck and are looking for an answer, our resources are there for us. Ask for help. There is no weakness or shortcoming in asking for help. The weakness or shortcoming is the risk you put yourself in when you don’t ask. Failure comes when you can’t solve a problem before it beats you. How you deal with an issue, problem or challenge isn’t how life is not important. What is important is that you solved the issue, problem or challenge in a timely manner that keeps you moving toward your goal.
Surrounding yourself with trusted resources and using their experience, skills, insights, and inspiration is key to staying on track. There is no shortcoming in surrounding yourself with great people and asking them for guidance when you find yourself struggling. Utilize your resources for all they can and want to be. Whatever it is you are facing that is causing you stress, grief, or confusion is something you do not have solve on your own. Access your trusted team and work through it with them. When you do, everyone benefits from the experience.
