There have been many teachers in my life that have left a positive effect on me throughout my different stages of learning. I believe that’s a big reason as to why I value education and learning. It has also contributed to my willingness to help others if I am in a position to do so. One of the most valuable lessons I ever learned as a student from a teacher is this idea of helping yourself.
It was my first semester studying Fitness and Health Promotion in College and I went into my exercise physiology class for the first time. We started by going around the room and allowing each student to say something about themselves and why they were here. Once we were finished he asked one thing of us and that was, in his own words, to “help me help you”.
He continued and went on to say that he wanted everybody to succeed and pass the class with a high grade, but the only way that he could do that is if we, as students, put him, as the teacher, in the best position to help us. What that meant for us as students was being unafraid to ask questions, stopping him if he was moving too quickly, asking him to go over something again, being specific as to what it was that someone was having trouble with, or staying after class for additional support. He let us know early on that this kind of behavior was encouraged.
The best part about it was that he didn’t just say it. He showed it. Once he would explain a difficult lesson, he would ask if everyone understood or if anyone wanted him to go over it again. When nobody would raise their hand and silence would ensue, he would throw both hands in the air, look up at the ceiling, and say, “Help me help you!”. Everybody would smile and laugh because we knew what he was trying to do, and that was trying to break through obstacles and create a safe space where we could all effectively learn. He would do this time and time again and it made a difference.
“Help me help you” works in a teacher-student scenario, but it falls right in line with the idea of helping yourself. We cannot expect anyone to help us if we do not help ourselves. In every scenario. All the time.
Do you want to get in better shape? Join a gym. Create a workout space in your home. Adopt a plan, commit to the plan, and then hold yourself accountable. Ask for help. Hire a personal trainer. These are examples of helping yourself.
Do you want to manage your weight better? Seek the information. Read a book. Listen to a podcast. Challenge your understanding. Consider different perspectives. Hire a nutritionist. These are examples of helping yourself.
