Yet if we can share our load with other people our own burden will be lessened. We can gain the benefits of their advice and support and grow closer to the people who matter most in our lives.

When you're trying to solve a problem or working hard to achieve a goal you might not feel like socialising, but these could be the very times you need close friends and family members to help you succeed.

Think of your friends and family members as your very own personal network. You know them and they know you. They know your strengths and your weaknesses, your likes and dislikes. They’re already in your life and accessible to you.

People who genuinely care for you can be willing sources of the help you need, whether it's advice, information, sharing their knowledge, or helping you solve a problem. They can support you emotionally and even provide a shoulder to cry on when you need one.

You can't predict whom you'll need most at any particular time. Some people find their family members are their best supports when their quest toward a goal falters. Others would prefer not to reveal their innermost feelings to their family but feel better sharing problems with friends when the going gets tough.

This is why, regardless of how busy you are, you need to keep in touch with the other people in your life and continually strengthen your relationships with them. While you’re enjoying their company you're also building stronger links to them and increasing the likelihood they’ll be there to give you support when you need it.

Keep in mind that people can resent giving help if it is asked for too often. Think about it from their perspective; it's much more rewarding helping someone who's working to solve their own problems than it is to try to support someone who's not trying to help themselves.

Remember that support must always go both ways. Be prepared to help and support your friends and family members when they need it. Everyone needs help from time to time and those whom you feel you could count on for support will probably feel the same way about you.

The members of your network are there already. Make the time to keep in touch with them and to see them a bit more often than you usually do. A little effort on your part now will be repaid many times over when you need to call on them for help.