Build Trust, Ask For Help
Dear Community,
This week let’s flip the script on what it means to build trust. We often think that offering help is the surest way to gain someone’s trust. I’m sure I thought that way for a long time. Figured it was best to get help by helping others more. While helping others is a beautiful and necessary part of any relationship, there’s an overlooked aspect that holds equal, if not more, weight: asking for help.
Trust isn’t just about being dependable for others—it’s about showing vulnerability, admitting when you need support, and being willing to lean on your community. It’s easy to believe that we must be the strong ones all the time, that asking for help is a sign of weakness or that we’re burdening those around us. But the truth is, allowing someone to help you can create an even stronger bond than any favor you could offer. There is an episode of “American Dad!” that stands out as one of my favorites. Stan got addicted to crack. Throughout the show he harps on everyone for not being able to do things on their own. There is even a moment when his daughter is choking and just barely clears her airway before passing out. The overall message is to recognize that asking for help can make you stronger. While Stan stole a plane and went to Mexico for more crack a young boy robs him. The boy is unsuccessful but asked the others to help rob Stan. As a team, they all successfully rob Stan. In this, he finally gets the message and goes into rehab.
Here’s why asking for help builds trust:
It Shows Vulnerability: When you ask for help, you’re letting your guard down. You’re saying, “I can’t do this alone,” and that’s a powerful admission. Vulnerability invites others in, allowing them to see their true self. It builds a deeper connection because it’s a reminder that we’re all human, navigating life’s challenges together.
It Creates Reciprocity: Trust is a two-way street. When you’re always the one offering help but never asking for it, it can create an imbalance in relationships. By asking for help, you’re allowing others to give back, to contribute, and to feel valuable. It creates a cycle of giving and receiving that strengthens bonds and fosters mutual respect.
It Encourages Openness: When you’re willing to ask for help, it sets a precedent for openness and honesty. It says, “It’s okay not to have it all together.” This can encourage others to do the same, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels safe to be their authentic selves without fear of judgment.
It Builds Confidence in Others: Sometimes, asking for help is about letting others shine. It’s recognizing that someone else has the knowledge, skills, or perspective that you may not. By seeking their help, you’re validating their strengths and showing them that their contributions are valued. This, in turn, builds their confidence and solidifies the trust between you.
It Demonstrates Trust: Asking for help is a declaration of trust. It’s saying, “I believe in you enough to let you in on my struggles.” When you trust someone with your challenges, it deepens the connection and reinforces that trust is a shared experience.
So, this week, I challenge you to reflect on the areas where you could use a helping hand. Whether it’s in your fitness journey, personal life, or professional endeavors, don’t hesitate to ask. Maybe it’s asking a friend to join you for a workout, seeking advice on something that’s been weighing on your mind, or simply admitting that you’re feeling overwhelmed. Let’s normalize asking for help and recognize it as an act of courage, not weakness.
As a community, We, The Collective Fitness, is here to support one another. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Building trust isn’t about proving how strong you are—it’s about recognizing that we are stronger together.
Here’s to a week of openness, connection, and shared strength. Let’s build trust not by being invincible but by being real, by showing up for each other in all the ways that matter.
With trust and gratitude,
Charlie
