I was once stranded with my 86-year-old mother in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Miami during a snorkeling excursion. We were swept behind the boat, she lost consciousness after inhaling water, and despite my efforts, I couldn't save her alone. What saved us was calling for help—rescuers who knew how to handle the emergency got her to safety and medical staff.

Most people know to ask for help in life-or-death crises, like waving to a lifeguard or calling 911, but in personal and professional life, Americans are encouraged to pursue rugged individualism over interdependency. As a psychologist who wrote 'Grit,' I studied high performers and found without exception they credit supporters for success. Nicolai Tangen, CEO of the world’s largest wealth fund, praises his assistant Grete Starheim in his leadership book, trusting her to speak for him and correct him.

Conan O’Brien told Harvard graduates he’s done nothing alone, imagining all who helped him filling Cambridge and Allston. Research shows asking for help is crucial: children who seek assistance learn better, college students who proactively seek help outperform peers, and support networks predict mental health. Entrepreneurs succeed more when collaborating—Y Combinator favors co-founders, links them in batches with group office hours, dinners, and messaging.

As Paul Graham said, even if you could do the work yourself, you need colleagues to brainstorm, talk you out of stupid decisions, and cheer you up.