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The Power of a DIY Mentality and Lifestyle

Author: David V - Owner of DIYinnovation.com

If your not familiar with a DIY (do it yourself) way of living,
you are really missing out...

Have you ever done anything for yourself? Ever built something yourself? Satisfying isn't it! Cheaper! Better!
Maybe for some the "building" of something involved allot of swearing, and a hammer through the wall. But how about something you set your mind to do, and you accomplished it satisfactorily?
However, there is more to DIY then just satisfaction, but a there is a freedom with DIY that is hard to put into words.

I do not design, build, or invent things just for the satisfaction. That's great, but not all of it, and not enough of a reason. Many things bring satisfaction, that doesn't mean you should do it.
So, what is it I'm really talking about, what is a DIY mentality?
Let's sum it up, then break it down.
"A DIY mentality would be the thought process of a person who can stand on their own two feet without leaning on everyone for their needs, usually a leader not a follower, an inventor, a thinker, a dreamer, and mentally unstoppable". Well, that would be how I would sum it up.
I have very strong opinions about "co-dependency" and relying on everyone else for your needs, wants, and basically every aspect of your life. Unfortunately, today's society is creating exactly that type of person, a "Victim mentality", weak followers.

I'm quite sure I'll be ruffling some feathers on this one, and likely it will be the "victim mentality" type person that will be offended. Too bad.
So, maybe you ask, do I make everything? Do I buy anything or depend on someone else for anything?
Yes, for some things. BUT, there is a HUGE difference. For example: I depend on the overpriced fuel for my pickup. I go to the grocery store on occasion, I buy feed for my horse, etc... HOWEVER, the huge difference lies in the fact that if that disappeared tomorrow I wouldn't skip a beat or whine once. I also have the knowledge and skills to keep on truckin and produce my own fuel, my own food, my own shelter, and not skip a beat.
The "victim mentality" would fall to pieces and would immediately look to someone else (or the incompetent government) to care for their needs. There are exceptions, so don't think the "take care of me" thinking applies to everyone, it doesn't, let's be realistic. Some elderly, young children, and folks who are PHYSICALLY unable to fulfill their own needs are the exception. Everyone else, stop whining.
If you don't have DIY knowledge, why? Is that someone else's fault? No, it's not. As a matter of fact, it's OK if you don't know how to do something, or build something. What matters is the effort put forth to acquire it. It's not hard, and with a DIY mentality, it becomes second nature. I would think nothing of walking into the woods with little for months at a time, and yes, I've done it.

It's important as a human being to be able to think for yourself, do for yourself, and depend on yourself. These instincts have been lost by the majority of the population. The slightest tragedy and they fall to pieces. You don't have to be a victim, you can learn, and stand on your own two feet moving forward like a tank regardless of what happens around you.
Here is the freedom you can feel with a never ending thirst for knowledge and a DIY mentality.

• If tragedy befalls you or someone close, you will adapt and provide.
• If something breaks, you can fix it even if your unfamiliar with it, because you can figure it out.
• If you need a new barn for example, you can build it.
• Want to pay less then .80 cents a gallon for fuel for your diesel vehicle? Build your own Biodiesel Processor.
• If the world fell into the pot tomorrow, you would survive and not be a victim that is herded by desk jockey politicians to their deaths. A DIY mentality will move on.
• You want a new duck boat, you DIY.
• Never pay a mechanic to fix your car again, DIY
• You can plant your own garden, and save allot of money on food, and eat healthier.
• You will rarely be distracted by superficial meaningless "stuff" that consumes time, money, and life.

The DIY list can go on and on. Stand on your own two feet, think for yourself, do for yourself, at the very least posses the knowledge to do it yourself if need be. Don't blame anyone else for your problems, or lack of knowledge. Yes, people really are victims at times to a variety of things. It's something you must get through, don't let it make you weaker. Learn from it and let it make you wiser and stronger. The "Victimizer" will pay for their actions one way or another. Don't let them or it affect your life.
I've been there, I've had wrong done to me, I've been ripped off, but I moved on and didn't let it affect me, and I learned a lesson from those circumstances.
So, where do you begin with DIY? where do you even start to learn things for yourself? This is one reason DIYinnovation.com was even started. To show people how to build and do for themselves, to help create mental independence and a DIY mentality.
Yes, I realize I'm opinionated about this DIY anti-victim mentality, but that is exactly what will make DIYinnovation.com's how to plans the best plans you can buy anywhere. I really appreciate DIY type people, and am willing to help non DIY folks move in the right direction with guidance.
The tide needs to turn in this world, the majority of folks are so dependent in every single aspect of their lives, it's not much different then a bunch of robots running around. So, do for yourself, acquire knowledge, be strong, be a dreamer, visualize success, and good like with your own DIY!

I was once asked by a friend what he could do to improve his DIY skills, where should he begin. With work, the kids, life, it just seems there is not enough time for anything. Allot of hustle and bustle.
First I know plenty about not enough time and how you can get lost in your daily life. So, number one you need to prioritize your daily activities. Do you watch TV? If yes, then don't. Sounds easy I guess for me to say that, maybe it's hard for some people. I find TV to be a waste of time and life. There is nothing on worth a crap. I get some enjoyment watching a dvd movie on occasion, but never watch TV.
If you can do this, you just freed up maybe several hours a day. Skip the weekend with the buddies. Skip the Friday and Saturday night going out. This frees up allot of time. It really boils down to what is important to you.
Make a list of what's important and drop off the end of the list. You now have time. I do realize this is easier said then done for many people. I find doing this easy simply because I find things like TV and hanging out, really doing nothing productive on the weekends irritating, not enjoyable, so not doing them is very easy for me.
OK, got a little sidetracked there. Anyway, prioritize, squeeze, and find some time, even if it's just a couple hours a week. Now you have your time, you need the skills and knowledge. Here's a few DIY tips:

• DIY tip #1 - Acquire skills by reading, studying and practicing whatever that skill is.
• DIY tip #2 - Become a subscriber of DIYinnovation.com (available soon) and you'll receive access to our private members area with Free how to info, free downloads, and DIY skill training.
• DIY tip #3 - Don't rely on the internet for everything, use the library. (yes they do still exist in some places)
• DIY tip #4 - Grasp every shred of info you can. It may take some time to weed out the bad info, but you'll be well rounded.
• DIY tip #5 - Practice doing things for yourself around the house. Change a door lock, fix something, tune up your car.
• DIY tip #6 - When your ready to build something cool and fun, check out our how to plans which teach you visually how to build it.
• DIY tip #7 - DIY can become second nature and way of living.
• DIY tip #8 - Prepare your family for a disaster. This is good insurance and requires careful thought and planning. It will really stir up those brain cells.

Article Copyright 2007-2008 David V | DIYinnovation.com
Article Published 2008 by DIYinnovation.com

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