The Upside of Doing Things You Suck At

And yes, there is an upside.

Actually I wasn’t sure if I would be able to present this article now, as I was not sure if my carpentry project was going to make it across the line.

But let’s start with a bit of background and context.

My dad was a manual arts teacher, who did an electrical trade at a sugar mill in far north Queensland.

My brother also did an electrical trade at a sugar mill in Bundaberg, plus when we were growing up, he was forever tinkering with motorbikes and the likes.

Me; I was playing a different game

I would be laying on the couch reading for hours (and getting made fun of by my brother), which probably does not surprise you too much.

In my defence; the counter-balance to my reading obsession was that I played a lot of sports.

Rugby, volleyball, Australian Rules Football, martial arts, and life saving on the weekends.

My main point being that I never got into or spent much time ‘on the tools‘.

Even as an Engineer officer in the Australian Army, I was good at the planning and supervising part, but left the cutting, hammering and getting things square, to the lads, who actually knew what they were doing. 

However, at this next phase of my life, I figured it was finally time to have a crack at making some sh#t with my own two hands.

You might have seen pictures of the benches and shelves we made for our potting shed, but it was time to go ‘next level’ in my carpentry journey.

It was time to make…

Drum roll please…

A wooden stool.

(Which sounds pretty anti-climatic when I actually write it).

Seriously, I was slightly intimidated by the thought of making a stool?

But this was not just any stool.

But a bar-type stool.

A little higher, and therefore more chance of being unstable and the person sitting on the stool (most likely Ferry), coming to an inglorious crash, and me copping the blunt of her wrath.

I couldn’t let that happen.

So let me share with you my journey (and the things I learned).

Part 1: enthusiasm

The project – as they often do – started with excitement and a sense of “I can do this”.

How hard can making a stool really be?

I created some drawings, figured out some measurements, and then started cutting timber, and joining stuff together (Version 1.0).

Which turned out to be a LOT harder than I thought it would be.

In fact it was not going well.

It was actually getting MORE rickety the more screws I added. 

Bugger!

Part 2: doubt

It was at this stage that doubt entered my mind.

I started asking things like: “Is this really something I need to figure out?“

And a whole series of other whiny comments and questions. 

I also reminded myself that I could buy one from the local guy down the road for about $15!

Was my time (several hours) best spent on making a stool???

Whine, whine, blah, blah, blah.

Part 3: pulling my big boy socks up

Once I reeled in my runaway mind, I asked myself one of my favourite questions.

“What’s the reality?”

The answers were:

• The current version 1.0 sucks and needs to be dismantled.
• Best I get back on YouTube and get some (actual) guidance from the pro’s.
• I can do this IF I come up with a better Plan.
• I might need to get some new tools and resources too.

Part 4: giving it a red hot go

Actually the shed I was making this in is super friggin hot, so there was plenty of hot going on.

So at this point – with a MUCH better plan – it actually was coming together better.

Plus with the right tools (there is a great lesson in that) it was easier and more fun.

Go figure!

This time around (Version 2.0) I slowed down, followed the plan, let go of unrealistic expectations (like my stool will be a ‘masterpiece’), leaned into patience with the process, and just settled into my growth mindset – which says I get better at something the more I do it with conscious intent.

The stool was being manifested before my very eyes.  

Part 5: feeling the fruits of our labour

There is something special about overcoming obstacles.

Stretching our capabilities. 

Trying something new, and daring to suck in the process. 

Using your hands to create something physical and tangible is also pretty cool too.

Especially if the end result is actually something you can practically use.

Now I know my end result is nothing too impressive, and I am unlikely to change from being a Coach to be a Carpenter any time soon, but it has been a pretty interesting journey.

Plus it has been fascinating for me to observe the inner game as I bought something new into the physical world.

How close sometimes we are to giving up, when a positive result is just around the corner?

Just on the other side of doubt and crappy excuses.

In Summary

It is interesting to do some stuff sometimes that you are not good at or pretty much suck at.

Noting that it is best to do it on things with low consequences, so if you “F” it up, it won’t cost you your house or a major body part.

So much of our success in the physical world is heavily influenced by our inner world (mindset) and inner dialogue.

There is great joy, satisfaction and accomplishment when you persist at something, when the easier option was to wander down the road and buy a perfectly functional stool for $15.

Stretching = Growth (physically and psychologically).

My Parting Words

I hope you enjoyed my little ‘real life’ experience.

Here are the main points to reiterate.

1. It’s cool to try things that you are not so good at.

2. It is good for your personal psychology (and turning down your ego) to become more comfortable with sucking every now and again. 

3. Persistence is essential (along with a good plan and the right resources).

4. There is something special about making stuff with your own two hands.

And finally I have deep respect for all trades people and home handy men and women who make this sh#t look WAY easier than it is.

Very humbling.

What could you have a crack at that is a bit outside your comfort zone?

What skill could you lean into, even though you know you might be crap at it?

I say: “Give it a go and see what you learn from it.” 

Also remember to maintain a sense of humour along the way.

Like when I was dismantling Version 1.0 (spaghetti) Stool. 🙂

Have a playful day, and a week where you dare to lean into a cocktail of enthusiasm and uncertainty.   

Take care 

Carl  

Quotable QUOTE: 

“How many times are we close to giving up, when a positive result is just around the corner? Often on the other side of doubt and crappy excuses.” Carl Massy

(Author of 18 Ways We Make Life WAY Harder Than It Needs To Be)

PS: Have you read or listened to this book yet? 18 Ways We Make Life WAY Harder Than It Needs To Be