Why You Don't Need To Go It Alone
A 3-minute read
Welcome to the final principle in our summer series on creative thinking: “Succeed by Getting Help.” In a world where doing things “all by yourself” is often seen as a badge of honor, asking for help can sometimes feel like admitting defeat. But I’ve learned that asking for help is actually one of the smartest moves you can make—especially in your creative journey.
Why Asking for Help Is So Important
Let’s be real: life is challenging, and the creative path can sometimes feel like wandering through a maze. When things get tough, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Figuring out a problem on your own is tough on a good day. In tough times, it can feel downright impossible. That’s when asking for help becomes essential.
But there’s a trick to it—knowing when to ask, who to ask, and how to ask. It’s like trying to open a stubborn jar; sometimes, you just need a fresh set of hands or eyes to see what’s stuck. The problem is that fear and pride can often get in the way. Imposter syndrome whispers, “You should already know this,” and ego mutters, “You can handle it alone.”
Spoiler alert: you don’t have to! Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit you need a little guidance.
My Experience: Getting Unstuck with Help
Looking back, I’ve accomplished more since 2020 than in the several years before that combined. Why? Because I got help. In 2018, I hired a coach to help me figure out which direction I wanted to go. I was stuck, spinning my wheels, and the growing sense of dissatisfaction was starting to drag me down. There’s an old saying: “You can’t read the label when you’re inside the jar.” And it’s true. I was too close to my own situation to see it clearly. I needed someone with an objective view to help me navigate forward.
That’s the thing about getting help—it’s not just about getting answers; it’s about getting perspective. It’s about finding someone who has been in your shoes, who understands the struggles and can offer practical advice. Would you take fitness advice from someone who doesn’t exercise? Or recipe advice from someone who’s never boiled an egg? Probably not. Experience matters.
How This Applies to Your Creative Practice
If you’re a creative person—whether you’re painting, sewing, designing patterns, or writing—it’s easy to hit roadblocks. Maybe you’re stuck on a painting and don’t know what to do next, or you’re overwhelmed by the idea of launching your own pattern collection. Sometimes, we get so deep into our projects that we can’t see them clearly anymore. That’s when it’s time to reach out for some help.
Think about where you are right now. Are you feeling stuck? Do you have a nagging sense that there’s more, but you can’t quite figure out what it is? Are you uncertain about the future and know that something has to change? Write down what’s on your mind. Sometimes, just writing it out can help you figure out the next step. And if it doesn’t, that’s okay—because that’s when you reach out to someone who can help.
Who to Ask for Help?
The next step is deciding who to ask. If you’re a writer struggling with plot holes, maybe you need a critique group or a writing coach. If you’re a designer feeling stuck, maybe you need to join a new community or take a workshop. The key is to find someone who gets it—who’s been where you are and has found their way through.
How to Ask for Help?
When you reach out, be clear about what you need. Are you looking for feedback? Advice? A new perspective? Or just a kind ear to listen? It helps to know what you’re asking for so the person can provide the best support. And approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. You’re not asking for a handout; you’re asking for insight.
Building Your Creative Support Network
Another great way to get help is by joining a network of creative people who lift each other up. This could be a community group, a class, or an online forum where people share ideas and experiences. I’ve seen firsthand how valuable these connections can be, which is why I created my private Facebook Group, Virginia’s Studio Cats, as a space for inspiration and support.
Don’t Let Fear or Pride Hold You Back
The bottom line is this: don’t let pride or fear stop you from reaching out. Getting help isn’t about admitting you’re weak; it’s about being smart enough to recognize that collaboration, support, and learning from others are what lead to success.
If you’re feeling stuck or need a little push in the right direction, I’m here to help. Head over to my website to see how I can support your creative journey and stay tuned for updates on my courses and memberships!
Leave a comment below and tell me – What’s your biggest struggle? Visit my “Learn with Virginia” page, hop onto the newsletter email list, and get helpful tips every week! I can’t wait to see you there!
I’d like to know if it’s possible to create recurring income with my sewing? Right now it’s “do more to make more” and sometimes I take on more than I can handle. Is there a way to get off the merry go round?
Denise,
Thank you so much for writing in. I know all too well the pain of “trading time for money” with only so many hours in the day! Yes, there are things you can to do change this. I will send you a private email with some suggestions and we can talk further if you like. In the meantime, the first step is to identify those things that truly light you up, then find areas where you can be more efficient in your practice (a Do/Delegate/Delay/Delete strategy), and then look at ways that you can switch some of your “one-to-one sewing time” into a few other “one-to-many” opportunities. This is EXACTLY what I did. Look for my email to arrive shortly.