Have you ever made something harder on yourself simply because you felt like you should be able to handle it alone?
Working toward a goal takes effort, but that effort doesn't always have to be completely individual.
Sometimes, support can make a difficult week feel more manageable. It might look like asking someone to join you for a walk, help with dinner, give you a ride, check in after a busy day, or simply listen when you need encouragement.
Asking for support doesn't take away from your progress. In many cases, it can help you stay connected to the habits and goals that matter to you.
This is part of M³: Motivation • Movement • Meal Prep with Charlotte Blais of Blue Chip Maintenance, where the focus is on practical ways to build healthier habits that fit into real life.
Be Specific About What Would Help
Sometimes we know we need support, but we aren't sure how to ask for it.
Saying, "I need to get back into a routine," may describe how you feel, but it doesn't always give another person a clear way to help.
A more specific request can make things easier for both of you.
For example:
- Ask a friend to join you for a walk on Saturday.
- Ask someone at home to help prepare dinner one evening.
- Invite a family member to work out with you.
- Ask someone you trust to check in with you at the end of a busy week.
- Ask for help with a task so you can make time for something important to your well-being.
You don't have to ask for something big.
Sometimes one small, practical request can free up enough time or energy to help you move forward.
Choose Support That Feels Encouraging
Not all support looks the same.
Some people feel motivated by accountability and frequent check-ins. Others prefer encouragement without a lot of reminders.
Think about what actually helps you.
Maybe you like being invited to join a workout, but you don't want someone asking every day whether you completed it.
Maybe you appreciate having someone meal prep with you, but you still want to make your own food choices.
Being clear about what works for you can make support feel encouraging rather than stressful.
The people around you don't always know what you need unless you tell them.
Make Room for Connection
Support doesn't always have to feel serious or structured.
Sometimes it can simply be an activity you enjoy with someone else.
A regular walk can become time to catch up.
Preparing dinner together can make meal prep feel less like another chore.
A workout can become a shared challenge.
Even sitting down for a healthy meal together can create a little more connection in your week.
When the activity itself is enjoyable, it may also become easier to stay consistent.
Support Can Change From Week to Week
What you need today may not be what you need next month.
During a particularly busy week, you might need more practical help.
At another time, you may simply want someone to celebrate your progress with you.
Give yourself permission to adjust.
Support can be flexible, just like your routines.
The goal isn't to depend on someone else for every step. It's recognizing when having another person beside you could make the next step a little easier.
One "No" Doesn't Mean Stop Asking
Sometimes the person you ask may not be available.
That doesn't necessarily mean they don't want to support you.
Schedules conflict. People have their own responsibilities.
If someone can't join you for a walk on Saturday, try another day or ask someone else.
If a family member can't help with dinner tonight, think about another task they may be able to help with later.
One unanswered request doesn't mean you need to take everything back on yourself.
Give Support Too
Support works both ways.
Just as someone may help you stay encouraged, you may be able to do the same for them.
Maybe you become walking partners.
Maybe you prepare meals together.
Maybe you simply check in with each other when life gets busy.
Shared encouragement can help turn individual goals into something that feels more connected and enjoyable.
Try This This Week
Think about one habit, task, or goal that has felt more difficult lately.
Then ask yourself:
What kind of help would make this feel a little easier?
Be specific.
Choose one person you trust and ask whether they have the time and willingness to help.
It could be something as simple as:
"Want to walk with me this weekend?"
"Could you help with dinner tonight?"
"Would you mind checking in with me later this week?"
Small requests can create meaningful support.
❤️ Asking for help can be a meaningful step forward. You don't have to do everything alone.
