It’s always difficult when you see someone struggling. I was speaking to an acquaintance at a charity event and I could see they were shouldering a heavy burden. They’d been helping people in very challenging situations. Doing work that mattered in an area that was often overlooked. They were struggling, and they asked me how I coped with similar demands.

I told them about my treadmill. A handy analogy that can really make a difference.

This is something that could help anyone who is trying to help other people. We normally need to encourage that other person to do something. This could take many forms, like joining something, making a change or simply reaching out for help.

It’s only natural that we start to take responsibility for this, and it can lead us to some challenging places. This is where my analogy comes in handy. Imagine you’ve been helping someone recover from health issues. They need to be more active and you have the funds available to help them join a gym. It will play a critical part in their recovery.

You go out and find a great gym that’s just down the road from them. After carefully checking it meets their needs, you pay for everything, take them there and walk them up to that shiny new treadmill. All they have to do is get on it.

At this point, you’ve done your job. You’ve given them everything they need to help themselves. The things you need to be accountable for.

If they choose not to get on that treadmill, You can’t take responsibility. If you know you’ve done everything you can and you’ve done the best job possible, you’ve played your part. You still keep trying to help, and in this case encourage them, but you do your best to mentally remove yourself from the equation.

When we start taking responsibility for things that are out of our control, we’re in trouble.

I know it’s difficult, but try to remember this if you find yourself in a similar situation. It’s helped me, it helped the person I was speaking to and I’m sure it can help you too.