I used to think that it is always better to solve problems on my own.

But this changed in 2017 when I had my first bad performance review as a consultant at Bain & Company. My bosses told me that I had inadequate attention to detail with my excel analyses. In the moment, it felt like my world was crashing down. Was I going to get fired? Was this a fundamental character flaw? Crazy thoughts were running through my head.

Prior to the bad review, I had worked tirelessly on my own to get better. After the bad review, I decided to aggressively ask for help.

Asking for help should be a habit.

Too often, young professionals, especially Asian-Americans, don't ask for help early or often enough. Getting help after my bad review enabled me to not only overcome the performance issue, but also become a teacher for others who were struggling with the same thing.

I now make asking for help, coaching, and mentorship a habit. Here's how I do it.

#1. Schedule regular check-in times with my supervisors.

I have recurring chats with my bosses every week or two. Sometimes we have lots to talk about, sometimes we have much less. I don't care. The space for coaching is a forcing function for me to grow, learn, and ask for help.

#2. Track notes from coaching conversations.

I have had a couple of word / Notion documents with notes from my coaching conversations over the last few years. I lose track of lots of my files, but not these ones. So many personal nuggets from coaches over the years.

#3. Pay it forward and always ask for upward feedback.

It's no secret that the best way to learn is to teach. I am passionate about coaching and mentoring and have so much to grow in this craft. And don't worry, I'll be sure to ask for help :).