Personal Development

Sesame Street Wisdom: I can do it myself, most of the time

As a child, I loved this book called “I can do it myself” that featured my friends from Sesame Street doing small chores by themselves. I developed an “I can do it myself” attitude early on, and as my mother would surely tell you, I was quite proud of it.

The truth is, though, I can’t do it myself - not all of it, at least.

Here’s what I’ve learned by trying to do it all:

1. It’s ok to ask for help.
How many times have you done something you know others could help you with, but you bit your tongue and did it yourself? How many times have you been so overwhelmed that you’re close to tears, but are too afraid to speak up? If you’re anything like me, way too many times! It’s ok to ask for help. You’re not superwoman, and you don’t have to be. A lot of people will jump at the chance to help you; all you have to is ask.

2. Other people can do things just as well as you can.
It’s hard to believe, but other people can do things just as well, if not better, than you. Sometimes I think we’re afraid to let go because the other person will a) totally mess up your project and make you look bad, or b) do an excellent job and totally show you up. As long as you’re smart about how you delegate, the chances of these things happening are slim.

3. You can’t lead everything.
This is where the “I can do it myself” attitude gets me in trouble. I’ll admit I like to be “in charge,” but I’ve learned that a) I can’t always be in charge, and b) sometimes I shouldn’t be in charge (see #2).

4. People respect the word “no.”
For such a little word, it can be a hard one to say, especially to our superiors. But, it’s ok to say “no” as long as you can clearly state why this one more assignment is too much for your already full plate.

Bert and Ernie had a good point: You CAN do it yourself - just to a point.