The Strength in Asking for Help
- Tim Thürnau
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
"Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom."
Hello friend,
When was the last time you asked someone for help?
For many of us, the answer is: too long ago. Society has conditioned us to see self-reliance as a virtue, and asking for help as a sign of failure or incompetence. But here’s the truth: no one succeeds alone.
I’ve had to learn this the hard way. Whether it was building this podcast, navigating personal challenges, or pursuing professional goals, there were countless moments where I simply couldn’t do it all myself. And every time I reached out for help, not only did things get better—they also got faster, more efficient, and far more fulfilling.
Here’s another surprising lesson: we often think that helping others is the key to building strong relationships. While giving support is vital, we undervalue how much asking for help fosters trust and deepens understanding. When you allow someone to help you, you show them that their skills, insights, or presence matter. This vulnerability creates connection in ways that simple acts of giving can’t always achieve.
Why We Avoid Asking for Help
Let’s face it: asking for help is uncomfortable. It makes us feel exposed, vulnerable, and even indebted.
But what if vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but a strength? Asking for help shows self-awareness and the courage to admit you can’t do it all. It’s a declaration that you value the input and connection of others.
What Happens When You Ask for Help
You Gain New Perspectives: Fresh eyes can reveal solutions you couldn’t see yourself.
You Strengthen Relationships: Asking for help fosters trust and mutual respect.
You Achieve More: Collaboration amplifies your efforts, often leading to greater success.
How to Wing It
Here’s how to ask for help in a way that feels empowering, not embarrassing:
Be Clear About What You Need: Vague requests lead to vague outcomes. Be specific about how someone can help you.
Show Gratitude: Acknowledge and appreciate their support—it goes a long way.
Pay It Forward: Helping others when they need it creates a cycle of mutual support.
Final Thoughts
Asking for help isn’t admitting defeat—it’s showing strength. It’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.
So, if there’s something you’re struggling with, take the leap and ask for help. Not only will it help you, but it might also build deeper, more meaningful relationships in the process.
Bridging Worlds
If you want to see me wing it, I do a podcast with cool people. You should subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.
This week on Bridging Worlds, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andreas Luthe, a presentation coach and founder of Rocketpitch. Andreas has spent years helping people refine their communication, master their presence, and develop authentic charisma.
One of the standout moments?
“Charisma isn’t about being loud—it’s about being present. True presence starts with genuine interest in others.”
In this episode, we dive deep into:
How to communicate with clarity in a world of distractions
Why some people naturally draw others in – and how you can too
The surprising power of storytelling & presence in everyday conversations
Andreas shares practical strategies for becoming a more compelling speaker—whether on stage, in meetings, or in daily interactions. If you’ve ever wondered how to strengthen your personal narrative and express yourself more powerfully, this conversation is for you.
Don’t miss this episode! Listen this Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
Keep winging it,
Tim