Knowing when to ask for help is a hallmark of health.

Not a sign of weakness.

Or of moral collapse.

Nope, asking for help is a sign of self-awareness and strength.

And I am feeling quite self-aware and strong this week because I not only asked for help, but I got it. I was so serious about getting help, darlings, that I paid for it.

When I'm willing to pay, I know I'm serious.

Now, for someone who has written a book with "De-clutter" in the title, you may find it odd to hear that I hired a de-clutterer. But I did. And it may just be the best money I've spent in a long time. Because what had been a problem area - an unfinished storage area in my basement stuffed to the rafters with junk - has changed from being a stinking, rotting albatross around my neck to a chirpy Bluebird of Happiness on my shoulder.

I've thrown away 15 boxes full of junk. Nine large green trash bags of... trash. I have sorted toys and clothes and a huge pile of stuff is going to Goodwill. And what I'm keeping is stuff I want, or is useful, or is loved.

I feel so relieved. And happy that the thing I no longer need might be just the thing someone else will love.

And I couldn't have done it on my own. I know this. How? Because I routinely went down there, trash bags in hand, opened the door, full of intention to Clean This Place Up, and got immediately overwhelmed. Where to start? How to start? I'd usually end up heaving a huge sigh as I turned on my heel, snapped off the light and shut the door. Until I got up the courage to go down there again, which would always end in the same frustrating and diminishing result: nothing done.

By getting the right kind of help this week, I was able to get the right kind of result.

So that's why I hired a coach, too.

For someone who is a coach, you may find it odd to hear that I hired a coach. But I did. And it just may be the best money I've spent in a long time. Because I was able to get clear on some very important things about my business and my life. Clear enough to make really good decisions.

Now, I have to say that I'm one lucky woman. I am in a circle of exceptional, generous coaches who coach each other on an as-needed basis. It's a tremendous gift and I am very grateful for the connection with these wonderful people. But there is something that happens when you pay for what you need. Maybe you take it more seriously, because you're invested. Maybe it has to do with making a commitment. Maybe the formality of sending a check amps the meaning up a bit.

Regardless. By working with a coach, I will be a better coach. A happier person. And that's a great "get".

So, let's talk about you. Where do you need help?

Can you identify the results you'd like? And find the perfect person to help you get there?

Can you call them today? And to prove that you're serious about getting this thing done, pay them?

Because, trust me, your life will be so much better when you do.

Last week we got started on 2010 planning with Looking Back, so this week, let's start Looking Forward.