An issue that seems to have come up recently for a lot of my clients, and myself (why is it that I always have problems, too? Can’t I just get over this “issue” thing?) is trying to get things done. My big challenge currently is tackling all of the details around finding a new tax person, and re-organizing my accounting.

The normal route I go with this is to spend time looking at the personal, emotional issues that are in the way of getting things done. This is a valuable path, and I heartily recommend it. However, that said…

Sometimes you just need help. Help! HELP!

I recently received a gift, the book “The Soul of Rumi,” (translated by Coleman Barks) and in it is the poem “Prayer is an egg.” You should read the whole thing for the context, but the end of the poem is, naturally, the clincher:

“Prayer is an egg. Hatch out the total helplessness inside.”

We only do what we are given to do. We can only accomplish what the Divine puts within our grasp. If you have processed, and processed, and tried, and changed and worked to death trying to get certain things done (balanced checkbook, neat desk, working database), GET HELP NOW! The task before you is not balancing your checkbook, but finding the support (meaning somebody) to get your checkbook balanced.

Why such a simple notion is such a big deal, is the powerful spiritual value of humility. We can’t do it all. We have to show our vulnerability and our weakness. I would be ashamed to show you the pile of receipts on my desk that haven’t made it into my accounting system. What kind of business coach does that make me?

The kind of business coach who knows where my weaknesses are. The problem is that we can’t get help until we’re willing to admit we’re helpless. And once we admit our helplessness, we can receive great help, along with knowing that life can still work even when we’re not perfect.

Right now,

1. Take time to identify three things in your business or life that you have been meaning or trying to get done, and feeling helpless about.

2.  Feel your helplessness here, and make a prayer in your heart for forgiveness, mercy, and help.

3. In your heart, feel what is the next step- do you know someone who can help with this? Do you know someone who might know someone who can help with this? Take that next step, with a deep breath, and let them know you need help. This is important- it’s not just asking them to do something- it’s letting them know you are in need, and a willingness to show your vulnerability here.

4. Anyone who helps you along the way, ask how you can support them in their business or lives. Write a handwritten thank-you card, and offer them something free from your business, as a way of you, and your business, showing gratitude for the help.

Now, your business has moved forward past the difficulty, plus a bonus: who can spot the genuine, heart-centered, non-sticky marketing that just occurred to support your business?