🌟The DIY Trap

Why Doing Everything Yourself Is Holding You Back (And How to Fix It!)

Let me paint a picture for you. You’ve got this incredible goal, and you’re ready to tackle it head-on. You create a plan, set your intentions, and start marching toward the finish line. But then, things don’t quite go as expected. Ever been there?

Here’s what I do when that happens: I pause. Yes, I hit the brakes and take a moment to re-evaluate. The first question I ask myself is: Did I stick to the plan? Sometimes, we don’t fail because the plan is bad—it’s because we never fully followed through on it. (Guilty as charged!)

Then, I dig a little deeper and ask: What’s holding me back?

More often than not, it’s me. Not in the way you might think though. It’s not that I don’t have the motivation or drive. It’s that I think I have to do everything myself. Sound familiar?

The DIY Trap: Why It’s Slowing You Down

Many of us fall into the DIY trap. We’re so accustomed to carrying the full weight of our goals, thinking, “If I want it done right, I need to do it myself!” Sure, that mindset might have gotten you far in life, but here’s the kicker: doing everything solo can actually slow you down.

Let’s break this down with a fun analogy. Imagine you’re baking a cake for the first time. You could spend hours learning how to make the perfect sponge, how to whip up buttercream frosting, and how to decorate like a pro. OR, you could call up your friend (who’s a pro baker) and ask her to show you the ropes. Suddenly, you’ve cut your learning curve in half, saved a ton of time, and get to enjoy a cake that doesn’t look like a pancake.

The lesson? You don’t have to do everything yourself! Whether it’s baking, running a business, or chasing personal goals, collaboration is your secret weapon.

When to Seek Help (and How to Know You Need It!)

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, I get it. I don’t need to do everything alone, but how do I know when to ask for help?” Great question! Here are a few telltale signs it’s time to bring in reinforcements:

1. You’re stuck in a cycle of overthinking. If you find yourself constantly second-guessing decisions or drowning in a sea of options, it might be time to seek outside perspective. Sometimes all you need is a fresh set of eyes to help you see the path forward.

2. You’ve hit a plateau. Maybe you’ve taken your project as far as you can with your current skills. This is a perfect moment to either learn something new or find someone who already knows how to do what you’re trying to achieve.

3. You’re feeling overwhelmed. If you’ve got a mile-long to-do list and feel like you’re drowning, it’s a sign that you’re trying to do too much yourself. There’s a difference between being resourceful and burning out!

How to Fix It: Building Your Dream Team

Once you realize that you don’t have to go it alone, it’s time to take action. Here’s how to start building a network of support and expertise:

1. Identify your gaps. What skills or knowledge are you missing? Maybe you need marketing advice, tech support, or even a mindset shift. Write down the areas where you feel stuck or overwhelmed.

2. Find the right people. This could be a mentor, a coach, a friend with experience, or even hiring a professional. And here’s the magic: you don’t always have to pay for help. Collaboration can look like trading services, brainstorming with a colleague, or just having an honest conversation with someone who’s been where you are.

3. Delegate without guilt. When you pass tasks on to others, it doesn’t mean you’re incapable—it means you’re smart. Delegating gives you the time and mental space to focus on what you do best.

4. Practice asking for help. I get it, asking for help can feel vulnerable, but here’s a little secret: people love to help. It feels good to be asked! So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, reach out to someone who could provide support or guidance.

The Freedom of Letting Go

When you stop trying to do everything yourself, magic happens. You’ll start to move faster, think more clearly, and—here’s the best part—you’ll have more fun. You don’t have to be the master of every skill. Instead, surround yourself with people who can fill in the gaps. Collaboration and connection are what make the journey more rewarding.

So next time you’re feeling like you’ve hit a wall, pause and ask yourself: “Am I trying to do too much alone?” And if the answer is yes, it’s time to bring in the cavalry!

Here's to being Authentic & Brave - and letting other help you shine, Merete. 💖🌟🛡️

So don't stay in DIY - take action, ask for help or delegate!

And you are of course welcome to leave a comment below!
😊💡🌟👣🗒️⏳🧘‍♀️📈💭✨

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