Who are your favorite clients? Why? Do they regularly pay their invoices on time, or is it more than that? Are you able to have conversations with them that make you a better person? Do they do good things for their communities? I’m not sure I have a favorite client, but there are several I’ll go over and above for because I respect who they are.

It’s the same in my circle of friends. I’ll go over and above for my friends and family, and I know they’d do the same for me. That’s the essence of humanity, whether business or personal: We’re all people.

Somehow, we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. It’s as if we’ve divided the world into “those who offer help” and “those who need help.” The truth is that we are both. – Brene Brown

Our businesses don’t become successful because we do things all on our own. Even the most successful one-person operations have plenty of support behind the scenes. It may seem as if Jennifer Aniston, David Geffen, or Tyler Perry made their abundant fortunes by themselves. However, if you ask them, I’ll bet they’d tell you dozens of people supported them throughout the years.

There was a time when I thought I was in this world alone and had to have all the answers. I’m thankful that time has passed. I’ve learned that if I need something, I must ask – and the people in my life will provide. I’ve always loved giving, but now I’m learning to love needing help. It makes me human. It makes my experience real. It makes me part of something bigger than myself.

When I was younger, so much younger than today, I never needed anybody’s help in any way. But now these days are gone, and I’m not so self-assured. Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the door.