Tip #2 : Know that you do not know some things and ask for help

The definition of insanity according to Albert Einstein, “doing the same things over and over and expecting a different result.”

  Have you ever tried to do something and realized that it’s just not working? What happens when you find yourself in that position? Are you the kind of person who tries to do things on your own because you know nobody else is going to help you anyway so why bother asking? Are you the kind of person who just gives up after a while and never tries again? Are you the kind of person who has a million ideas, all of them good, that are sitting inside your head waiting to be put into action but you’re just waiting for the perfect moment?

When I was staying home to care for my children I made a choice to do so. I loved being with them and they loved having me around: it was a wonderful time in my life and I was so happy that I had the opportunity to do what I wanted to do. Kids will be kids and oddly enough they will grow up and want to do things on their own or with their school mates or the neighbourhood kids, anybody but mom.

Recognizing that this time had come in our relationship I decided that it was time to shift into another career. Serendipity offered me an open door and I took it, literally, into my next job as a relocation consultant. I got to help newcomers to our city assimilate to their new area. We found them housing, placed the children in schools, assisted the “trailing spouse” with social venues and groups to join, read leases, drove around a lot and had a lot of fun.

When I was first approached about working for the company and realized the scope of what I’d be doing I balked at the idea. “Me? I don’t know anything about relocation. I don’t know anything about how to find a house or place children in schools.” “But” replied the owner “you do know the area inside out. You do know how to make people feel comfortable. Just remember when you have somebody with you from out of town, you’re already much more knowledgeable than they about the areas. You can do this I believe in you.”

That was all I needed to hear, she was right, I did know the area really well, I loved the city, I loved to meet people, the hours worked really well for our schedule and well, it was a new beginning for me in a whole new direction. The company was quite successful for many years and I eventually became a partner in it. If you’d told me that a few years ago I would have just laughed it off but, I knew what I didn’t know, I asked questions, I learned, I studied and I continued to learn.

If I’d held onto the perspective that I was not capable of taking on that job, if I’d held onto the perspective that I just didn’t know how to do it and left it there I’d have missed out on so many wonderful opportunities.

Tip #2 Know that you don’t know something and ask for help.