A Guest Post
by Kim Spoonhower, Get 2 the Core Fitness Client
My dishwasher recently broke. I purchased a new dishwasher and eagerly awaited delivery and installation. Upon arrival to my house, the delivery man informed me that he would not be able to install my dishwasher because company policy prevented him from doing so when the water supply came from below the dishwasher as mine did.
The delivery man told me I needed to call a plumber to install my dishwasher. Then, like a mom chastising a toddler, he asked me if I was sure I knew that the water supply would have to be turned off for the plumber to work. In that instant (not unlike an obstinate toddler) I decided I would certainly not call a plumber and would install the dishwasher myself. After all, it came with an instruction manual, and You Tube is incredible.
I watched a You-Tube video that broke down the process of removing the old dishwasher and installing the new one into three basic components: drainage hose, water supply, and electrical supply. What initially felt like an impossibly complex task could be broken down into three manageable chunks.
Several hours later, I had the old dishwasher out and the new dishwasher installed. I held my breath, lined the floor with towels, grabbed a fire extinguisher, and turned the dishwasher on.
It worked like a charm. Nothing exploded.
I admit that a voice in my head (that sounded suspiciously like that delivery man) fretted that my limited electrical and plumbing knowledge would result in a fire, explosion, or flood. However, the rational voice in my head, my own voice, reminded me that I have accomplished anything I set my mind to with careful study and preparation. There was a detailed instruction manual. What was the worst that could happen? A fire? I have a fire extinguisher. A leaky pipe? Well, THAT would be reason to call a plumber.
The self-satisfaction and confidence I derived from installing my dishwasher rivals that of any major life accomplishment. Accomplishing a goal, however mundane, can inspire self confidence that feeds upon itself.
I do not advocate everyone running out and installing a major appliance, but I do advocate everyone running out and trying something new- a small goal that when achieved, will make you feel like you can conquer bigger and better dreams. Does the goal seem too large? Break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Is a voice in your head telling you all the reasons you won’t succeed? Analyze the source of that voice and drown it out with your own voice that reminds you of all the reasons you can and will succeed. Prepare for what may go wrong, but let go of irrational fear and just try.
So sign up for that race- Sonia can help you break down any distance goal and keep you running. Try a knitting class, sign up for an on-line course to enhance your career, or even take steps to explore a new career. Be brave. Try something new. It feels fantastic!