IKEA Manuals and Life: Why It’s Okay to Ask for Help

You know that feeling when you’re assembling a piece of IKEA furniture and the manual might as well be written in alien glyphs? When after a few hours of struggle, you finally give in and call that one friend who’s somehow a wizard at these things? Turns out, that’s more than just a lesson in humility. It’s a masterclass in the art of getting from Point A to Point B faster and smoother.

I know what you’re thinking. “I’m not a quitter.” “I should be able to do this on my own.” “Asking for help is a sign of weakness.” These thoughts are as common as Marvel movies in summer, but just like those Marvel movies, there’s more beneath the surface than you might think.

Let’s take a look at a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology¹.

It found that individuals who had no qualms about seeking help from others actually had higher levels of self-esteem and psychological well-being. Imagine that! The very act we often view as a sign of defeat can actually be a sign of strength.

You might remember the story of the tortoise and the hare, right?

But what if I told you that there’s a lesser-known version where the hare, after losing the first race, sought advice from a cheetah on how to run faster? In this version, the hare wins the rematch. This isn’t to say that you should always look for a shortcut, but rather, it’s about recognizing when you can accelerate your growth by learning from others.

Comparisons aside, think about this: Why do professional athletes have coaches?

They’re already at the top of their game, so why would they need help? The answer is simple yet profound. They understand that there’s always room for improvement, and they’re not afraid to ask for guidance to get there.

Now, I’m not saying you need hire a coach (or hire a cheetah) for every single challenge you face.

What I am saying is, don’t let the fear of appearing weak stop you from reaching out. It’s not about being unable to do it alone. It’s about getting from A to B in the best possible way. And sometimes, that involves asking for directions.

So, the next time you’re stuck on a problem, remember that asking for help isn’t a detour from your path to success.

It’s a scenic shortcut. It’s the secret sauce that can help you become your best self, faster and more efficiently.

Recommended Reading

¹Gould, D., Dieffenbach, K., & Moffett, A. (2002). Psychological characteristics and their development in Olympic champions. Journal of applied sport psychology, 14(3), 172–204.