It sometimes feels like there are two kinds of people, those who ask and ask and ask, and people that are totally self-sufficient.

If you are a person that is reluctant to ask for help, these are 6 times when you need to ask.

1. Do you know how to do what needs to be done?  Can you easily find out? If the answer is no, ask for help.
2. Is it possible to do the task alone? Or do it every time it needs to be done?  

It might be possible for you to mow the lawn today, but is it possible for you all the time?  If not ask for help, or find a reliable company or person that will do it for you.  

1. Is it safe for you to do it?  If not, ask for help.  Standing on a ladder to change a light bulb might be possible but if you lost your balance would you be ok?  Ask for help. 
2. Does a task seem completely overwhelming?  If you need to clean out your closets and it just seems like too much, ask for help, send a message to one of your kids or grandkids and ask if they could help you.  
3. Would it be way more fun to do with someone else?  Ask that person to help.  Going through recipes might be more fun with your daughter or grandson. 
4. Are you redistributing things you no longer need?  Getting rid of Christmas decorations, or your wine glass collection, and know someone that might need items you don’t want anymore, ask them to come over and help you sort through the items.  That way they can take what they want, and if things need to be donated they can drop them off for you on the way by. 

3 kinds of help to ask for

1. Professional 

If you need professional help either on an ongoing basis or just for a day, and don’t know anyone, ask friends for recommendations, ask your pastor if they know someone that might be able to help with that.  If it is a big construction or home improvement project ask to see a copy of their license and insurance for personal liability, worker’s compensation, property damage coverage.  Ask to see references and any pictures of work done.  Especially if there is a large amount of money involved.

1. Semi-Professional

If you need help sorting through 30 years worth of clothes, for instance, and just want someone to help get it done, there a lots of people that do these kinds of one day jobs, but keep in mind you will be inviting that person into your home, and potentially into what could be an emotional and tiring day.  Ask your friends, family or pastor for help finding someone.  Even if you are more than capable it is likely someone that you trust knows a person that has some experience with what you need and can help. 

1. Family

If asking family or friends for help, let them know ahead you have upcoming needs and ask if there might be a good day/weekend for them to visit and help you with a list of things.  Then make your list and keep it organized so that you show that you value their time.  Keep in mind that if the people that love you can help, they are likely happy to be asked, but also especially family with young kids may already be overwhelmed with their own commitments and may just be unable to help.