Several years ago, I decided to rearrange the furniture in my living room. We’re talking two big sofas, a coffee table and one HEAVY! + unwieldy area rug.
There was sweat and swearing – but I did it!
Yay me. Right?
Not really.
I had to take Aleve + wear my ice belt of shame for a few days because my back was so jacked up.
So why did I move it all by myself – when I have a capable + strong + willing husband living with me?
Because I hated asking for help.
When given the chance, I would much rather move sofas + do pretty much anything on my own, thank-you-very-much.
“I’ve got this.”
“I can handle it.”
But doing it all yourself isn’t some great act of strength and independence. I know that now.
Asking for help is the true act of strength. It requires both tremendous courage and vulnerability.
Living a healthier lifestyle is so much easier when we have the support of our loved ones. And that often means asking for help.
I know, I know. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Here are some simple scripts you can use. Read them to yourself, or a trusted friend – and then, when you’re ready – ask for help.
You can do this!
How to ask for what you want + need.
Set up the discussion so other people are on your team. It’s not you vs them, it’s you along with your loved ones against the problem.
“I’d really like your support. Can you help me ________?”
“You’re really good at coming up with solutions for things. Can you help me figure out how to ________?”
Explain what you’re trying to do + why.
I’m trying to take better care of my health. I was really scared when I got (my cholesterol test results, my pre-diabetes diagnosis) and I’ve realized that I need to change some habits.”
State clearly what you would like help with, and how.
“What would help me most is ________.”
Negotiate a compromise if needed.
“I don’t want you to have to give up/change ________, because I know you enjoy it. Is there a way you can still have/do it, but I can still stay on track with my own choices?”
Jazz them up. Make them your own. But most of all – use them.
XO ~Robyn
I work with courageous + determined women who are ready to say goodbye to yo-yo dieting for good. We’ll use a sustainable, practice-based approach to build healthy habits into your life, one day at a time for an entire year.
The result? You’ll develop healthy habits that become second nature and last a lifetime. You’ll lose the weight (and inches) you haven’t been able to shed – for good.
If this resonates with you, CLICK HERE for details on how to work with me.