The Value of ‘How Can I Help?’ | Receptive | Willpower Doesn’t Work
Hello there! Welcome to my weekly LEAPS.
You’re receiving this email because you subscribed to my weekly Wednesday feature or our mailing list. Every Wednesday, I share 5 things using our LEAPS approach:
Learn: something new or an idea
Energy: an energy (good or bad) word and it’s meaning
Action: something to do
Processing: a question to consider
Shout out: something or someone that I want to celebrate or acknowledge
LEARN
Something Worth Sharing
The Value of ‘How Can I Help?’
One of my favourite questions to ask others is: “…and how can I help?”.
Yesterday I heard someone reflect on that same question. They explained that when someone can give a clear, specific answer to “How can I help you?”, it’s often a sign they’re ready to change something — in themselves or in their situation.
It reminded me of a contact of mine who asked it every time we met for coffee. The truth? I was rarely ready with a good answer — or able to accept the offer meaningfully. That really hit home.
My friend wasn’t just being kind. He was opening a door — and often, I didn’t walk through it.
Preparing an honest answer to this question isn’t about neediness; it’s about readiness. And being the person who asks “How can I help?” is a truly valuable — and powerful — way to connect.
My 5 thoughts on the importance of asking and answering the question:
Help is an opportunity, not a weakness.
If you can articulate what you need, you’re already halfway to change.
Most people genuinely want to help — let them.
Clarity attracts support; vagueness repels it.
Being ready to receive help is a form of strong leadership.
ENERGY
An emotion or energy; a stand-out word / s
Receptive
The word receptive (inspired by my learning this week) comes from the Medieval Latin recipere, meaning “to hold, to contain.”
It strikes me that to be receptive, we need to create the time, space, and capacity to hold whatever is coming toward us — information, support, ideas, or feelings.
When we’re burdened or overwhelmed, there’s simply no room left to be receptive.
ACTION
Something small that you can do that might make a big difference
Work It Out
If someone were to ask you “How can I help?” right now, take a moment to consider what you would genuinely ask for.
PROCESSING
A question to think about and consider (you can discuss this with someone or write your thoughts down)
“What beliefs about needing support did you inherit growing up — and are they still serving you now?”
Returning to the theme of help — asking for it and accepting it — this week’s question is designed to help you notice the patterns and responses you may have carried with you throughout your life.
I’d love for you to send me your own stories / thoughts about this. Drop me a line with your answer / thoughts on this question
SHOUT OUT
Who / what I think deserves recognition - my gratitude or to be celebrated.
Long-Established Contacts
As we redesign the GLAS website, we reached out to some of our long-established contacts to gather their thoughts on the services we provide. Their reflections have been a powerful reminder of the value of long-term human connection — and of how others can often see strengths in our work that we overlook because they feel so familiar.
A heartfelt shout out to these wonderful contacts. Your insights, time, and continued connection mean a great deal.
BONUS GIFT FOR YOU
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LEAPS is a process used by our team and clients all the time - and even my own family on a daily basis.
I’ll be sharing a set of LEAPS each week with you and encourage you to do your own version:
L: what have you learned?
E: what’s your energy / feeling word
A: what’s one thing you need to do?
P: what are you thinking / processing?
S: who or what can you shout out?
