Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Can you help me? I can't help myself?


My two-year-old said that to me this morning as he was struggling to climb into the car in his winter coat. "Tan you hep me? I tan't hep myself." It was so sweet and straightforward. I think many of us need to say that much more often than we do.

As a consultant, my business is based on "Can you help me? I can't help myself." I'm in business because I can say yes sometimes. Other times, my best answer is no. Usually, it's "No, but I know someone who can."

Then there are people who have an addiction and need to say "Can you help me? I can't help myself." If they get to that point, they're ready to benefit from some help and break the cycle.

Or the martyrs on the committee who take on everything, despite the fact that they won't be able to do it all (or any of it) well due to overwhelm. "Can you help me? I can't help myself."

Finally, there are people who buy GM cars. "Can you help me? I can't help myself." Um, nope. Can't help you. Try Congress.

I'm going to try to say it more. Thanks for the inspiration, Teddy.

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