Not Now, Please

by Carol Quinn

The very moment that I lack clarity and focus, invariably someone asks me for advice or coaching.

I want to say, “Not now, please.”

Requests for help, though, merit a response—there’s just no way around it. No matter how lost you might feel, it doesn’t release you from the obligation to help those around you. Giving practical help when asked should be the price of the ticket into the human family.  If we all paid our due, we’d be on our way to creating a sustainable society fully capable of taking care of itself.

A friend’s request might be inconvenient or even challenging, but think of it as your chance to pay down the gift-of-life-deficit.  Life is amazing; we take it, live it to the fullest, and enjoy everything it has to offer.  It just makes sense to offer something back.

So, instead of not now, try, “How can I help you?” At least you’ll know your bill is on its way to being paid in full.

How do you react when someone asks you for help?

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2010/07/18Coaching Thoughts, FriendsTags: , , ,

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  • http://joycecherrier.com/coachjoyce Joyce Cherrier

    Hi Carol, great timing for me to read this post. My elderly neighbor recently had a health crisis and is stuck at home. I've been doing various little errands and the other day as I walking into the workout room she called. For a few seconds I thought about not answering the phone and just call back when I was done doing what I wanted to do. And then I thought, I bet she would like the option to do something she would like, but she can't. I called her and she just wanted a bit of company. I'm glad I had a chance to pay down my debt that day. :)