In early adulthood I used to fix my own car. Before I started the process of fixing my car I would consult with a trusted friend who seemed to know considerably more than I did about cars. Armed with the insight of my friend I would go and buy parts and would commence to fixing my car. Generally the outcome was that I would then go pay a mechanic to fix what I'd fixed and then fix what really needed to be fixed.
After years of these experiences I came to two conclusions. The first of these is that I'm not a mechanic. This was a considerable blow to my manhood, but I took comfort in the fact that it was cheaper to admit that I wasn't a mechanic then it was to pay mechanics to fix my mistakes. Not only was it cheaper, but faster. I no longer had to spend all that time talking to friends, going to auto parts stores or working in my driveway. I took the car to a mechanic, he fixed it and that was it.
The second conclusion is that my friends aren't mechanics either. They're counselors mostly. A few are salesmen and others businessmen, but they aren't mechanics. For the most part I've quit talking to them about fixing cars. If they find out I had my car worked on they're quick to point out how I was overcharged and speculate on what was really wrong. But by then it's already fixed. I never mention they're not mechanics because I fear it would challenge their sense of competency.
So I let go. I realized that being able to fix cars didn't define my competency. I came to the conclusion that talking to other non-mechanics about fixing cars was just a waste of time and money. And I came to understand that the best way to get a car fixed was to seek out one who knows how to fix cars.
Have a great month.
John
After years of these experiences I came to two conclusions. The first of these is that I'm not a mechanic. This was a considerable blow to my manhood, but I took comfort in the fact that it was cheaper to admit that I wasn't a mechanic then it was to pay mechanics to fix my mistakes. Not only was it cheaper, but faster. I no longer had to spend all that time talking to friends, going to auto parts stores or working in my driveway. I took the car to a mechanic, he fixed it and that was it.
The second conclusion is that my friends aren't mechanics either. They're counselors mostly. A few are salesmen and others businessmen, but they aren't mechanics. For the most part I've quit talking to them about fixing cars. If they find out I had my car worked on they're quick to point out how I was overcharged and speculate on what was really wrong. But by then it's already fixed. I never mention they're not mechanics because I fear it would challenge their sense of competency.
So I let go. I realized that being able to fix cars didn't define my competency. I came to the conclusion that talking to other non-mechanics about fixing cars was just a waste of time and money. And I came to understand that the best way to get a car fixed was to seek out one who knows how to fix cars.
Have a great month.
John
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