How Many Psychologists Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb? (Truby Tip about Trying to Help Someone)

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Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by Bill Truby

How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? The answer might surprise you—but it holds a powerful truth about helping others. Watch to find out!

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Video Transcript

How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? Do you know? Here’s the answer: one, but the light bulb really has to want to change.

I heard that so long ago. Kind of funny, isn’t it? However, there’s a truth embedded in it. It’s really important. That is, if someone doesn’t want help, if someone doesn’t want to change, you can try all you want, and it’s not gonna work.

We will sometimes—especially some of us—spend time trying to help somebody when they’re not really wanting help. And it takes a lot of energy, a lot of time, and it’s stressful.

So check it out. When you’re trying to help somebody, maybe you ought to step back and say, does this person really want help? Or maybe even ask the question.

‘Cause if they don’t, let it go. They are responsible for their well-being, for their emotional health, for their tasks, for their responsibilities.

If you overstep that boundary, you are spending your own time and energy, and you lose.

So check out if the light bulb really wants to change, and only then get involved.

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