046: Why Asking for Help Feels So Hard (and How to Make It Easier)

Asking for help can feel uncomfortable—even paralyzing—whether it’s something small like troubleshooting a tech issue or something big like reaching out for professional support. In this episode, I’m diving into the emotional barriers that make it so hard to ask for help, why your brain resists it, and how to start shifting those thoughts so you can ask for help with less guilt, shame, and fear.

You’ll hear stories from my own life (like the time I avoided asking for help in high school math!) and learn practical ways to reframe your mindset so asking for help becomes a skill you can practice—not something to avoid.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why asking for help can trigger fear, shame, or guilt—and why that’s totally normal
• How perfectionism, people-pleasing, and past experiences shape your comfort with asking for help
• The mindset shift that turns “I should be able to do this on my own” into “I’m learning how to ask for what I need”
• Ways to start small and build confidence in asking for help (without the overwhelm)
• How to notice, name, and reframe your thoughts so you can work with your brain instead of against it

Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach

If you liked this episode, you might enjoy these episodes: 

• Episode 21: How Perfectionism Leads to Procrastination & Strategies to Navigate the Discomfort 
• Episode 43: My #1 Strategy to navigate overwhelm as an executive function & ADHD Coach

Resources Mentioned:

• Get your Free ADHD Action Plan 
• Read the Blog here 

Connect with Sarah Lovell: 

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background