Good friends ask for help, seek opinions, and show vulnerability. By giving and taking, they strengthen their relationship. Asking for help deepens the bond between friends and shows that they need each other. However, changing the negative mindset about soliciting assistance is crucial. Being attentive while asking for help can make the interaction more comfortable for everyone. Zhong learned this while practicing rejection therapy. By expecting rejection and focusing on how to deal with it, he had to open himself to the possibility of people saying yes. Approaching help-seeking with a relaxed and non-aggressive energy can make people more receptive.
Jia Jiang dreamed of being the next Bill Gates... but an entrepreneur needs the courage and confidence to ask for help. Jia was terrified of rejection - so couldn't fulfil his ambitions. That is, until he decided to beat his fear by seeking out rejection after rejection for a full 100 days.
Many of us share Jia's nervousness about appearing vulnerable and needy, but the science suggests that we and the people around us would be happier if we asked them for help more often.
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