The Happy Hungarian Watchmaker - Part 2 - Facing The Unknown
Copyright 2005 Julian Kalmar
Over the years, I’d seen the old Hungarian master craftsman fix just about every type of watch and clock imaginable. But I was always amazed at his uncanny ability to put the mechanisms back together.
So one day I said to him, “You know, for years I've watched you repair watches and clocks. Carefully you'd take them apart, clean them, and finally put them back together. How do you know where all the pieces go?”
Without hesitation, and with a wry smile, he said, "I don't always!"
For a moment I was struck dumb, and then filled with roaring laughter. He was kidding, or so I thought.
After we’d finished laughing, he said, "Whenever you do something you've never done before, don't panic. You can do it. Look at it very carefully. Make notes. Draw pictures. Take it apart slowly. Take your time. Carefully watch how things go together."
Not knowing how to do something can threaten self-esteem, confidence, and credibility. The master’s technique converts these threats into opportunities.
Admitting you don’t know (but that you’ll find out), demonstrates intelligence and credibility. You also won’t have to live up to a self-created illusion, so you’ll focus better on solving the problem.
Using every available tool, including time, and other people’s know-how, you’ll work things out and learn a lot doing it.
Unknowns will become a source of gratifying intellectual challenge. Your ego will shrink, and you’ll be proud of your new skills. You’ll develop genuine confidence and self-esteem.
About the Author
Julian Kalmar is part of a small think tank dedicated to spreading happiness throughout the world. More happiness teachings are available in his 4-CD audio collection, “Happiness: The Highest Gift.” (www.thehappinessformula.com)
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