Do I need help? – The 7 Phases of “Stuck”

It’s hard to admit that we need help sometimes. The reality is that some of the highest paid and most successful people in the world not only ask for help on a regular basis, but they also pay for it! If you’re wondering “do I need help?” then you’re in the right place.

Phases of “Stuck”

I’ve been to therapy. I know what it’s like. When I first met with a counselor I was doing some recon work. A close friend of mine had sent her daughter to a counselor / therapist after a bad relationship and I went in to meet the lady to make sure she wasn’t a man-hater. It was the best hundred bucks I had spent in years. The lady was an incredible conversation. She was an avid reader, she hooked me up with the best books I’d ever read… Suddenly, I was shaking off disappointment at work, working out more and sleeping better, but there was one problem… I didn’t want anyone to find out about it.

“Can I call you my ‘coach’?” I asked.

“Sure, but what does it matter?” she replied.

I went on to explain that I was a little nervous about telling people that I was seeing her. They just wouldn’t understand. As usual, we explored that topic and I quickly realized that my fears were unfounded, but I’ve still encountered people who seem a bit nervous when I tell them that I enjoy visiting with my therapist. They immediately assume that something is wrong with my marriage, or worse. I’m sure there are others who avoid getting the help that they want or need because of fear of embarrassment.

I’ve created this info graphic to help spread awareness that there really is help out there for everyone, and that no one should be embarrassed about seeking it out.

 

 

The Coaching Continuum

It’s amazing to me how much more willing people are to pay for help when they feel like they’re in some sort of a downward spiral emotionally. Think about it… we tend to put up with more crap when things are going well. Every week I meet with entrepreneurs who are putting up with less than desirable relationships, employees who are unappreciative and schedules that are far more demanding than they ever imagined. They know something isn’t right, but it’s not like being sick and knowing you need to go to a doctor. It’s hard to know who is best equipped to help you when you have what I’ve always referred to as “enviable issues.” It doesn’t matter how successful you are financially, it can get pretty lonely when you’re feeling stuck.

I’m a big fan of maintaining an ever-increasing positive trajectory in life. Just because you feel like you’re heading in the right direction doesn’t mean that you can’t get there faster with a little help. I frequently visit with my mentors, gurus, peer support groups, a psychiatrist who specializes in neuro-vitality and of course, my trusty therapist.

I consider it a necessary investment in my business, and you should too.

If you’ve thought about asking for help, no matter what your level of success or failure, take a look at each of these levels and self-assess. As you begin to think about the obstacles that are keeping you from making progress on a different level, you’ll have a clearer picture of what kind of help you should be seeking.