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Why Do We Feel Ashamed to Rely on Others?
In a world of too much self-optimization, we forget our most valuable asset…
One of my biggest regrets about my writing career is the fact it’s taken over 10 years to be on the verge of financial stability. I say this because looking back over my life, my behaviour, and views, a lot of my struggles could’ve been resolved in a manner that I neglected for years because of those things.
Back then, I was too stubborn. I was too isolationist. I wanted to solve my problems on my own, despite being in a field where one must attract an audience.
But these days it’s a bit different.
I’ve grown out of that, but I’m still left with particular questions.
Why do we feel ashamed or reluctant to ask for help? Why do we feel vulnerable or embarrassed when we can’t do things ourselves?
I have a few theories.
The Push for Self-Optimization
Let’s start with the obvious and address the elephant in the room.
In the self-help world and at large, the ideal outcome that is pushed by gurus and individuals alike is that everything that got you to where you are in life rests on your shoulders.