“If you want a job done right do it don’t do it yourself…”

Today I’m writing about a phenomenon that is honestly a little embarrassing, but it is so ubiquitous I believe (or at least I hope) there are many of you who say, “Yeah, that’s my experience too!”

I’m talking about what I call the “Guilty Spectator Syndrome.”

Here’s what happens. Something needs to get done at the house and it’s important but I have no skills. When it’s plumbing, electrical, or technology it’s obvious we need help. But what I’m talking about is the whole sphere that comes under “Handyman” stuff. Things involving carpentry and problem-solving and repair and basic electricity and anything beyond my screwdriver and paintbrush and tape-measure and maybe a little hammering.

Granted, I have assembled a boatload of stuff over the past few weeks and I have done fairly well. But this time the ask was a bridge too far.

But now Mr. Handyman Earl is here, and I find myself hovering and saying things like, “If there’s anything you need me to do…” And all the while I know in his heart he’s probably thinking, You called me because you’re useless so why would I want you to help!

He has sent me to Lowes a couple of times – probably more to get me out of the way than because he actually needs anything.

But I look out through the window and I’m thinking, I should be able to do that! And, He’s out there in the sun and I’m in the air-conditioning! And, Does he even need the instructions? and, Who is that masked man?!!!

Move over Superman, Spider-Man and Batman… it’s “Handyman”

I know, I should be kinder to myself. But it is hard to sub out work that on some level I believe maybe I should be at least trying to do.

Intellectually, I understand that it’s absolutely the right thing to hire people who actually know what they are doing. But emotionally it is not always that clearcut.

Regardless of my pride or my ego or whatever is bugging me, one thing is for sure: If we ever have to live in a post-apocalyptic world where survival skills are needed, I think it would be a safe bet to offer less than 50-50 odds on me lasting much more than a month or two.

Unless I can hire Earl. If I have Earl then I’m good to go!

Peace and love, always – DEREK