As high achievers and leaders, we’re often the ones others rely on. We’re the strong ones, the ones who hold space for everyone else. But when it comes to asking for help ourselves, that can feel like an insurmountable challenge. It’s as if we’ve been conditioned to believe that seeking support is a sign of weakness or that it somehow diminishes our strength.
But here’s the truth:
Having a solid inner circle—a support team that you can turn to—is not just a luxury; it’s essential. The real strength lies in knowing when to lean on others.
Who’s in Your Inner Circle?
Your inner circle doesn’t have to be large, but it should be filled with people you trust implicitly. These are the individuals who “have your back” in different areas of your life. The key is recognizing that different people can provide different types of support. Some might be your go-to for business advice, while others might be the ones who lift you up when life feels overwhelming.
But for many of us, the challenge isn’t recognising who these people are—it’s allowing ourselves to ask for their help.
The Strength in Asking for Help
We’re often the ones offering support, not asking for it. We’ve built our identities around being strong, independent, and self-sufficient. So, asking for help can feel foreign and even uncomfortable. But consider this:
When you don’t ask for help, you’re not just denying yourself the support you need—you’re also denying those in your inner circle the opportunity to show up for you.
People want to help, especially those who care about you. And when you allow them to do so, it strengthens your relationship and builds a deeper connection. It’s a win-win situation, but it requires vulnerability—something that can feel counterintuitive to those of us who are used to being the pillar of strength.
Different People for Different Needs
Just as you wouldn’t use a single tool for every job, you shouldn’t rely on just one person for all your support needs. Your inner circle should be diverse—each person bringing a different strength to the table. Maybe one person is great for brainstorming business ideas, while another is the perfect confidante when you need to vent. Understanding and utilising the unique strengths of each member of your support team is a skill in itself.
The Art of Holding Space… For Yourself
We’re masters at holding space for others, but it’s time to learn to hold space for ourselves. Part of that involves recognising when you need support and allowing yourself to ask for it. It’s about flipping the script and realising that strength isn’t just about giving; it’s also about knowing when to receive.
So, who’s in your inner circle? Who do you trust to have your back? And more importantly, are you allowing them to?
Take a moment to reflect on the people in your life who make up your inner circle. Are you utilising their strengths? Are you letting them show up for you? Reach out to them, not just when you’re in crisis, but regularly. Let them know that you appreciate their support and that you’re open to receiving it.
Remember, even the strongest among us need a solid support team. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a testament to your strength and awareness.
Human beings are wired for connection. The stronger and more authentic our connections, the more fulfilling and successful our journey will be. Building and maintaining these relationships takes effort, but the payoff is immense—both personally and professionally.
When you trust that someone truly has your back, you have a secure base from which to step out into the world as the best version of yourself. There is so much power in that. When others know you’re there for them, they, too, are empowered to rise to their full potential. As the saying goes…
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
