Ariana Dunne has learned that when it comes to certain tasks, it’s sometimes necessary to ask for assistance
My house is falling apart.
Okay, that may be a little dramatic but almost seven years after moving into my new build, the not-so-top-of-the-range building materials the construction company used are starting to show their age. Today, my third light switch broke off. I replaced one myself a few months ago and was about to go to my nearest hardware store again when I stopped and took the very advice I am about to deliver to you now.
‘It is okay to ask for help.’
I know that sentence is often associated with someone experiencing a mental health crisis, and while that is very sound advice in that situation, it can also be applied to just about every other challenge that comes your way. We simply can’t and shouldn’t feel like we have to do everything ourselves. While I know we are in the midst of a cost of living crisis, I am a big believer in throwing money at a problem that I can’t or just don’t want to do.
So, for all the busy, unwilling, unable or unskilled reading this, here are some of the most valued ways I ask for help and the things I will gladly pay for:
- House cleaner – My cleaner comes every two weeks for three hours and is, without a doubt, my saving grace. I’m good at tidying and keeping things in their place but the way she leaves my place sparkling is just a skill I do not possess. I recommended getting a cleaner to friend of mine who recently had a baby and she messaged me to say it was the best piece of new motherhood advice she received. As a coach I often see people feeling guilt around paying for a cleaner. But I think it just requires a shift in perspectives. We exchange money for services all the time. Yes, we can cut our own hair but I would much rather have a skilled hairdresser do it. In this case, you exchange money for a service and that service is a clean toilet and a gleaming kitchen floor. The cleaner whose work you value takes home a paycheck, thus the circular economy keeps turning.
- Personal trainer – It’s the end of January and with that comes lots of unfulfilled new year’s resolutions. If you are one of the many people who went out and bought all the new gym gear but only actually made it to the gym once or twice, perhaps its time to hire a personal trainer. Once only a luxury for the rich and famous, PT’s are now a crucial component for many when it comes to being held accountable, developing better training skills as well as getting nutritional advice and motivational pep talks.
- Life Coach – In my opinion, having a good coach can truly be transformational when it comes to achieving life goals, making a major life change or helping you to visualise a better future for yourself. Sometimes, we just can’t find the answers to our big life questions ourselves and utilising a coach who will ask you powerful questions to help you figure things out, whilst also putting an actionable plan in place, is the best investment a person can make in themselves.
- Personal Shopper – Many shopping malls such as Brown Thomas, Kildare Village and Arnotts offer Personal Shopping experiences which are great for anyone with a big occasion coming up. It can be so stressful trying to find the perfect outfit, especially if you also struggle with body confidence issues. Hiring a skilled stylist to choose a number of options that suit your style, body type and most importantly, budget, in a calm and serene setting, is a luxury that many can afford now thanks to the often complementary personal shopping services provided for by stores.
- Handyman – My light switches will be fixed by the end of the week without fear of the national grid being compromised thanks to my negligence. I reiterate, it is okay to ask for help.
Words by Ariana Dunne
