I am proud to admit I’m a dummy in some areas of life.

Sports.

Car maintenance.

Applying makeup.

Keeping plants alive.

The first year in a new job.

I used to think it was shameful and embarrassing to admit I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

So I avoided conversations and people who could have enlightened me, and played the hiding and waiting game.

If I hide my ignorance well, they will never find out that I didn’t know what they were talking about.

If I wait long enough, they will forget they asked me the difficult question, and I won’t have to answer.

If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self, I would advise her:

Ask — and trust that you are surrounded by wise, intelligent, kind, and generous souls who want to help.

Ask — so you can find the answers sooner, and shorten the path to competence.

Ask — so you can move on to other important tasks, instead of sitting fearfully in the shadows of ignorance and self-deception.

Do you struggle to admit that you don’t know something, and to ask for help?