The Helper’s High: How Helping and Asking Boosts Productivity

We live in a world that celebrates independence. The “do it all yourself” mentality gets praised, and people wear busyness like a badge of honour.

However, trying to do everything on your own often slows you down.

Highly productive people know that being independent does not mean working in isolation. One of the fastest ways to boost productivity is surprisingly simple: ask for help.

Think about the last time you spent hours trying to figure something out that someone else could have explained in five minutes. Maybe it was setting up a new app, fixing a spreadsheet, or even just finding your way somewhere new.

That “I will figure it out myself” mindset feels admirable, but it drains your time and energy. Psychologists call this decision fatigue. Every extra choice eats away at your mental resources. By asking for help, you free up energy to focus on the things that really matter.

Productivity is about leverage, and asking for help is one of the easiest ways to create it.

The interesting thing is that asking for help is not just good for you, it is good for the person you ask.

When we help others, our brains release chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Researchers call this the Helper’s High. It is a natural boost in mood and energy that feels just as good as exercise.

So when you ask for help, you are not being a burden. You are giving someone else the chance to feel good too. It is a win-win for both sides.

Two Simple Ways to Put This Into Practice

1. Do Random Acts of Kindness

Look for small ways to support people around you. Share a tip, send a thank you message, or simply hold the door for someone with their hands full.

These little moments lift others up, but they also fuel your own focus and motivation. Research shows that acts of kindness increase your sense of purpose and reduce stress.

2. Ask for Help Intentionally

Flip the script on asking for help. Instead of seeing it as weakness, treat it as a smart strategy. When you ask for help, you:

• Save time and energy.

• Build stronger relationships.

• Give others the chance to contribute.

Start small. Ask a co-worker to proofread your draft instead of over editing it yourself, or reach out to someone who is already good at a tool you are struggling with.

One note of caution: boundaries matter. Leaning on people too often without giving back can wear them out. The key is balance, mutual support, not constant dependence.

Your Challenge for the Next Seven Days

• Do one random act of kindness every day. Keep it simple and real.

• Ask for help at least once this week. Pick something you have been overthinking and invite someone to help.

Notice how these small changes improve not just your productivity, but also your energy and connections with others.

Productivity is not about going it alone. It is about working together. When you let others in, you get more done, strengthen relationships, and create a ripple effect of growth and success.