Why High-Achievers Avoid Asking for Support — and How to Break the Silence
- Stephanie Pius Akpan
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
Introduction: The Lonely Peak of Success
Have you ever worked in an environment where hearing that a colleague had slumped, had a cardiac arrest, a miscarriage, or slept off while driving was the norm? Possibly not. I have. Stress is a cultural norm in some workplaces and in some cities. Many persons are singing about work-life balance. Others are talking about stress management. And yet, stress is still a major occupational hazard in many industries. Speaking to someone could actually make the difference.
Take advantage of a free online counselling and clarity coaching session with Stephanie.
When you’re the “go-to” person — the one people expect to have it all figured out — asking for help can feel like weakness. High-achievers often look confident on the outside while quietly carrying enormous weight on the inside.
They might be CEOs, entrepreneurs, senior pastors, or top-performing professionals. They inspire others but silently battle challenges, doubts, or burnout.
This is a paradox: the more accomplished you become, the harder it feels to admit you need support. But here’s the truth — silence is expensive. It costs mental health, relationships, and sometimes, the very success you’ve built.
The Hidden Reasons High-Achievers Avoid Asking for Support
1. Fear of Damaging Their Reputation
In many cultures — especially in competitive business and leadership spaces — success is equated with self-sufficiency. Asking for help feels like putting a crack in the armour.
Elon Musk, for example, is known for pushing himself and his teams relentlessly. But in the early days of SpaceX, he nearly lost everything because he kept funding launches personally instead of asking for external support sooner.
2. Perfectionism and Self-Reliance
High-achievers are used to solving problems themselves. This self-reliance often starts as a strength but can become a liability. Perfectionism whispers, “If I can’t do it perfectly myself, I shouldn’t ask at all.”
Serena Williams openly shared that in her early career, she tried to train and prepare alone, believing she had to be “the toughest” — until she learned the power of leaning on coaches, family, and mentors.
3. Fear of Burdening Others
Leaders and high performers often feel responsible for uplifting others, not the other way around. They think, “Everyone already expects so much from me — I can’t add my problems to their plate.”
Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, admitted he delayed telling his team about certain personal struggles because he didn’t want to “pull them down.” Yet when he eventually opened up, it deepened trust.
4. Cultural and Gender Expectations
In some communities, men are told that showing vulnerability makes them less masculine. Women leaders often feel they must work twice as hard to prove they belong, so they avoid anything that might be seen as “needing help.”
Oprah Winfrey has said one of her hardest lessons was learning that accepting help is not weakness, but wisdom.
The Cost of Staying Silent
Avoiding support can lead to:
· Burnout — physical and emotional exhaustion.
· Isolation — feeling disconnected from those who could help.
· Poor decision-making — lack of perspective leads to costly mistakes.
· Missed opportunities — others may have solutions or resources you didn’t know about.
In today’s fast-paced economy, where leadership comes with high stress and uncertainty, silence can be the difference between thriving and crashing.
How to Break the Silence without Losing Credibility
1. Reframe Asking as a Strength
Support is not charity; it’s collaboration. Great leaders like Nelson Mandela built entire movements by asking for help strategically.
2. Start with Safe, Trusted Circles
Identify mentors, peer groups, or mastermind circles where you can share openly. Many high-achievers benefit from confidential coaching relationships.
3. Be Specific About What You Need
Instead of “I need help,” say:
· “I’m looking for feedback on this proposal.”
· “I need introductions to potential partners.”
· “I’d like to brainstorm cash-flow ideas for the next quarter.”
4. Model Vulnerability to Your Team
When leaders share their challenges appropriately, they create cultures where others feel safe to do the same.
5. Practice Micro-Asks
If you’re not used to asking, start small — request advice on a decision, or help with a specific task. Over time, it becomes easier.
The Power of Support Networks for High-Achievers
Support networks aren’t just about solving problems — they:
· Bring fresh perspectives you can’t see alone.
· Connect you with resources that save time and money.
· Reduce emotional strain, helping you lead longer and better.
In many cities, there are growing networks of Christian professionals, entrepreneurs, and women’s business associations where leaders can exchange ideas, pray together, and collaborate.
Breaking the Silence: Your Next Step
If you’ve been carrying everything alone, remember this: Even the strongest structures need pillars to hold them up. You can protect your legacy and your health by inviting the right people into your journey.
That’s why these free online counselling and clarity coaching sessions were created—for professionals like you. Whether you’re:
A CEO in crisis, quietly falling apart behind your title
A team leader on the edge of burnout, struggling to stay motivated
A founder or entrepreneur navigating deep uncertainty
A professional in transition, feeling stuck and directionless
A high-functioning individual silently battling mental, emotional, or even spiritual heaviness
This space is for you.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
In seasons of pressure, it’s tempting to keep going, to push through, to numb yourself with work or distractions. But if you never pause to recalibrate, you’ll eventually break—emotionally, mentally, relationally, or even physically.
You were never meant to carry it all alone.
These confidential, judgment-free sessions are designed to help you:
Offload the mental and emotional weight you’ve been carrying
Find clarity in the middle of confusion or career crossroad
Process stress and overwhelm in a healthy way
Reconnect with your deeper values, purpose, and peace
Begin your journey toward healing and restored perspective
Each session offers a moment to breathe, without performance pressure or pretense. It’s not about therapy. It’s about holding space for the professional behind the title—the human behind the responsibilities.
What to Expect
You’ll be met with empathy, wisdom, and practical support tailored to your unique situation. Whether you want to talk through a specific crisis, make sense of an overwhelming situation, or just need someone to listen without judgment—this is your moment.
✅ Free
✅ Confidential
✅ Held virtually – attend from wherever you are
✅ Tailored to professionals and business owners
You don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out. In fact, the moment you admit you don’t, you open the door to real progress.
You Deserve Support, Too
Too many high-performing individuals pour into others but never receive the same kind of care or support themselves. They invest in their staff, their companies, their families—but neglect their inner world. Over time, the pressure builds. And without an outlet, it leaks—into their relationships, decisions, performance, and health.
Don’t wait until something breaks.
You deserve a safe space to think, feel, talk, and breathe.
Even one conversation can bring relief, clarity, and renewed strength.
Ready to Take That First Step?
📲 Give us some information on how we can assist you in this Google form or simply pick a date on my Calendar for a 2 free conversations.
