Fake it ’til you make it
Thanks to the Toolbox Tomgirl for this issue of Tips from the Pros, about how long appliances typically last.
“Fake it ’til you make it.” I have no idea who said those words to me first. I remember hearing them when I was a kid and thinking they were so stupid. Some adult must have made them up to make me feel better about some sport I was trying to play. I always sucked at sports. I had no skill and was the sister of the captain of the football team. That should tell you enough.
When I became an adult and wanted to become part of the man’s world of construction those words were REALLY important to me. I had to fake it because I had a lot to learn and I didn’t want to look like an idiot. I knew I had to at least “look” like I knew what I was doing. A lot of times it came back to haunt me because it took me hours, and hours, and hours (or so it seemed) to do a job that took them an hour to do. I took the words way too seriously. I should have asked for help instead of “faking” it. Somewhere along the line I realized that even though I am in a man’s world, I don’t have to be like the man. I can be ME and do it MY way. And, I now know that it’s okay to ask for help without looking stupid or like an idiot. Being REAL is a good thing.
I think that is why I LOVE being the ToolBox TomGirl. I am learning something new every day AND I am teaching something new every day. I don’t have to “fake it” to “make it” any more. If I screw up – I say so. I can laugh about it, I correct the mistake, and I move on. Oh – the power of being a woman. If I was a man – well, you know – I might not admit I made the mistake. They have been taught that they can’t make mistakes. Whew – glad I don’t have that pressure on me.
So my advice to you, is this; DIY is NOT about “faking it ’til you make it.” It’s about practice, practice, practice. It doesn’t cost much to do a job – Even if you have to do it a couple of times. With the right tools, and sometimes the written instructions, or a phone call to someone who has some experience (man or woman), you can accomplish your DIY project. YES – you may have to ask someone for help the first time. SO WHAT????? Does it matter that you asked for help? Really, does it matter? No – it does not. In the end – YOU still accomplished the task.
Again – DO NOT FAKE IT… Practice ’til you make it. Do it ’til you make it. Laugh ’til you make it. SMILE – you MADE it!!!
Recent Comments