Why Entrepreneurs Struggle to Ask for Help—and How to Overcome It
Imagine you’ve built your business from scratch. Every late night, every tough decision, every breakthrough—it’s all been you. Your resilience and ability to find solutions have carried you this far. But now, you’re facing a challenge that feels bigger than anything you’ve tackled before. You’re exhausted, stuck, and yet, the idea of asking for help feels impossible. Sound familiar?
If so, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs struggle to ask for and receive help, even when they desperately need it.
They’ve spent so long being the sole solution seeker that trusting others feels foreign—and despite craving massive breakthroughs, they often limit themselves to small, cautious steps.
Let’s explore why this happens and how to break free from this cycle.
The Problem: A Reluctance to Let Go
Entrepreneurs are the ultimate problem-solvers. In the early days of a business, you have no choice but to figure things out on your own—whether it’s designing a product, managing finances, or marketing to your first customers. This independence becomes a badge of honor, a core part of your identity. But as your business grows, that same self-reliance can turn into a limitation.
When you hit a wall—whether it’s burnout, a plateau in growth, or a challenge you can’t solve alone—you might recognize you’re “done.” Yet, instead of reaching out, you hesitate. You don’t trust anyone else to understand your vision or deliver the solutions you need. At the same time, you dream of huge wins: scaling your company, revolutionizing your industry, or achieving financial freedom. But when it comes to action, you’re only willing to invest in small next steps—baby steps that feel safe but don’t match the scale of your ambitions.
Why This Happens: The Roots of Resistance
So, what’s holding you back? Several deep-seated fears and beliefs often drive this behavior:
- Fear of Losing Control: You’ve poured your heart into your business. Handing over even a piece of it—whether to a team member, consultant, or partner—can feel like you’re risking everything you’ve built.
- Past Experiences: Maybe you’ve tried delegating before and it didn’t go well. A bad hire or an unreliable collaborator can reinforce the idea that it’s better to go it alone.
- The Myth of Self-Reliance: Entrepreneurial culture often glorifies the lone genius. Asking for help can feel like admitting defeat or exposing weakness, even though it’s anything but.
- Perfectionism: You hold yourself to a high standard and worry that no one else can meet it. This makes trusting others with critical tasks feel impossible.
- Fear of Vulnerability: Reaching out requires admitting you don’t have all the answers—a tough pill to swallow when you’re used to being the one in charge.
Then there’s the disconnect between ambition and action. You want a huge solution—a game-changer—but hesitate to take the big leaps required. This could stem from:
- Fear of Failure: Big moves mean big risks. If resources are tight, the stakes feel even higher.
- Uncertainty: Massive goals can feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure where to begin—so you default to small, familiar steps.
- Resource Limits: Time, money, or manpower constraints can make bold investments seem out of reach, even if they’re necessary.
The Cost: Stagnation and Exhaustion
This mindset might feel comfortable in the short term, but it comes with a steep price:
- Stagnation: Small steps rarely lead to big breakthroughs. Without outside help or bolder action, your business can get stuck, unable to grow or adapt.
- Burnout: Doing it all yourself is a recipe for exhaustion. Over time, this drains your energy and passion—the very qualities that fueled your success.
- Missed Opportunities: By not seeking help or investing in bigger solutions, you might pass up partnerships, innovations, or market shifts that could transform your business.
Think of it like a solo mountain climber who’s conquered peak after peak alone. Now, they face a summit that demands a team—ropes, gear, and trust in others. If they refuse to adapt, they’ll either fail or stay stranded halfway up. Entrepreneurs face a similar choice: cling to independence and stall, or embrace help and climb higher.
Solutions: How to Shift Your Mindset and Actions
The good news? You can overcome these barriers with intentional steps. Here’s how to start:
- Pinpoint Where You Need Help: Be honest with yourself. What’s draining your time or stumping your expertise? Whether it’s marketing, tech, or strategy, identify where an outside perspective could make a difference.
- Build a Trusted Team: Surround yourself with people who get your vision. Hire thoughtfully, delegate meaningfully, and trust them to shine. It’s not about giving up control—it’s about amplifying your impact.
- Tap Into a Community: Join a mastermind group, find a mentor, or connect with peers. Other entrepreneurs who’ve been in your shoes can offer guidance, accountability, and fresh ideas.
- Reframe Asking for Help: It’s not a weakness—it’s a power move. Seeking help shows you’re serious about growth and smart enough to leverage resources.
- Match Your Actions to Your Ambitions: If you want huge results, take bigger steps. Invest in that consultant, upgrade your tools, or commit to a high-impact project. Break it into milestones if needed, but ensure each step moves the needle.
- Take Calculated Risks: Yes, bold moves carry risk—but so does staying still. Weigh the pros and cons, then step out of your comfort zone. Failure might happen, but it’s often the fastest path to learning.
Real-Life Wins: Entrepreneurs Who Made the Shift
Need proof it works? Consider these stories:
- Sara Blakely (Spanx): Blakely bootstrapped her way to success, but when Spanx took off, she couldn’t do it alone. She hired a CEO and built a team, turning her idea into a billion-dollar empire.
- James Dyson (Dyson): After 5,000+ prototypes, Dyson needed help to manufacture and market his vacuum. By seeking funding and partnerships, he went from inventor to global brand.
- Jane (Tech Founder): Jane was drowning in her startup’s technical challenges. Joining a mastermind group gave her strategies and connections—including a CTO—that doubled her revenue in six months.
The Takeaway: Help Is Your Superpower
You’ve built something incredible on your own, and that’s worth celebrating. But the next level of success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing smarter. Asking for help and investing in solutions that match your vision aren’t signs of giving up; they’re catalysts for growth. Let go of the idea that you have to be the only solution seeker. Trust others, take bolder steps, and watch your business—and your potential—soar. You’ve got this—and you don’t have to do it alone.
Time to Get Into Action
To help you get started, I encourage you to explore the Free Video Access at Sheevaun Moran, where you’ll find valuable energy tips, cord-cutting techniques, and much more. This is your chance to discover tools that can free you from the clutter of negative thoughts. Additionally, don’t miss out on your FREE copy of the Epic Life Toolkit. This powerful resource includes 24 transformational audios and the book Five Essential Energies. These tools will help you clear your energy container and unlock your full potential. Remember, energy is within you, let’s get it to shine today!
For more insights, tools, and resources to bring ease and grace to your life and business, connect with me. Let’s tidy up that energy container and tap into your true power!
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