Do you prefer to do everything yourself? Do you feel guilty asking for help? You're not alone. I've been there too.

There are many reasons why we don’t enlist help, even if we really need it. The next time you’re feeling stressed, stuck, or overwhelmed, consider some of these ideas about the positives of asking for help. I'd love to hear your experience about a successful time when you enlisted help.

6 Reasons to Enlist Help . . .

1. Not Just for Babies.

We recently spent a summer weekend socializing two eight-week-old puppies for Guiding Eyes. There was no question that these babies needed our help. However, just because we become adults, it doesn’t mean that we stop needing assistance with certain things.  Lose the guilt. Pay attention to times when getting help might be the solution.

2. Return the Favor. 

Are you more comfortable giving than receiving help? When you ask people for help, it gives them the opportunity to “pay you back” in kind. They will feel better about receiving from you if they know you will, in turn, accept their help too.

3. Just 24 Hours.

We only have 24 hours a day. One-third of those hours are needed for sleeping. Enlisting help can free up your available time to focus on what’s most important. That might mean more time to spend with your family, friends, pursue a new goal, or engage in hobbies.

4. Fun is Good.

For those who enjoy the company of others, seeking help with specific tasks can make the mundane more enjoyable and manageable. Particularly if you tend to procrastinate, adding the social piece into the mix can be productive and motivating.

5. Bring in the Professionals.

Sometimes the type of help we need is beyond what our family or friends can offer. Or, we might be uncomfortable asking them for certain kinds of help. That’s why we hire others, such as plumbers, electricians, accountants, therapists, coaches, doctors, lawyers, or professional organizers. There are resources available for finding professionals of all types. If you are organizationally challenged, you can find an organizer through NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals), ICD (Institute for Challenging Disorganization), or Linda Samuels, founder of Oh, So Organized!

6. Discover New Perspectives.

We only know what we know. There are serendipities to enlisting help. When we invite someone in, we learn new ways of doing and looking at things. This is particularly useful when we are feeling stuck or don’t know which step to take next. Be open to the possibilities a fresh perspective can offer.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join in the conversation. What has been a positive “enlisting help” experience you’ve had?

August 3, 2010 | Updated August 2026

Do you often feel like you’re cheating when you ask for help? Do you think you have to, or should be able to, do everything yourself?

We can think that seeking help is a sign of weakness. I’m not sure why this happens, and I’m occasionally guilty of feeling this way myself.

Over time, I’ve discovered that enlisting help is a great way to learn, reduce frustration, and boost self-esteem.

Value of Enlisting Help

Sixteen years after I first wrote this, I’ve had many more opportunities to experience the value of giving and receiving help—both personally and professionally. My perspective has deepened: asking for help isn’t simply a way to get something done.

The right support can help you:

• Feel less alone

• See possibilities you might not have noticed on your own

• Build confidence

• Move forward when you’re stuck

These ideas took on a special meaning as I contributed a chapter on giving and receiving support to The Chronic Disorganization Tapestry, a 2026 book published by the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD).

“Enlisting help is a great way to learn, reduce frustration, and boost self-esteem.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

Barriers To Getting Organized

Let’s look at getting organized. Many of my clients experience organizing challenges and have hired me to help them. At times, they’ve expressed their disappointment or guilt, saying things like, “Why can’t I do this myself?” or “What’s wrong with me?”

They might compare themselves with people who seem to organize easily and think that they’ve failed, are inadequate, or have something intrinsically wrong with them. This simply isn’t true. You are not broken. Comparison isn’t helpful. Focus on your strengths and build systems using that perspective.

Organizing strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all, as each person is unique. To make progress, it’s essential to design organizing strategies that support your needs, the way you think, and the way you process.

What Happened When I Enlisted Help

Before I published my book, The Other Side of Organized, I knew I needed help from others with publishing expertise. I hired a book coach, an editor, a designer, a printer, and a publicist. I also sought advice from other professionals, friends, family, and colleagues.

I still made mistakes along the way, but having a team to guide and advise me shortened the learning curve and lessened the impact. Knowing I had these professionals to support me didn’t diminish my confidence; it actually boosted it.

Instead of fighting the desire for support, I embraced the idea of building a team of experts to help me grow and succeed.

How Can I Help?

The next time you find yourself struggling to get organized or facing another challenge, consider reaching out for help. It isn’t cheating. This could be the best decision you make to end your frustration and bring you closer to your goals.

What help would be valuable right now to move you to the next step?