Top 5 Benefits of the DIY Approach

Isn’t it amazing how much of our time is spent maintaining things? All too often we slave away under the tyranny of the urgent. Doing what other people want us to do. Answering phones, responding to those emails. Solving other people’s problems.

We also spend a lot of investment in educating ourselves–a good thing right?  But to what end? As the late Stephen Covey would say, “Begin with the end in mind.” So now I turn to the reason for this post—creating something for ourselves and others who matter in our lives.

All of our work and education may be for nought, if we don’t produce fruit, create something, learn to do it ourself. And there’s so many benefits and reasons to do it ourself, especially in terms of hobbies and crafts.

Below are my top 5 benefits of the DIY approach.

1. It’s healthy. Doing it ourself not only demands physical exersion and exercise, it’s a diversion from our day-to-day struggles and hardships. It slows us down, forcing us to concentrate on something else besides that ongoing problem at work.
2. It creates confidence. As we step beyond our education and do, we learn to do more. Our little successes begin to build. Pretty soon we’re not just copying the work of someone else, we’re creating our own designs that others may envy. This confidence building spreads to other areas of life–our occupation, our relationships, our community.
3. It saves us money. Some things like furniture building can save thousands of dollars. Go the other direction–selling our works–and we might make some money. Not saying we will become rich, but perhaps we can fund our hobby or make some extra cash for a nice family vacation.
4. We can customize. Rather than spending enormous amounts of time shopping for that “right” piece of furniture, we can make it ourself. Size it to perfectly fit that spot in the living room or kitchen. Choose that special paint color and paint it ourself. We can give something our own special flair and step back, proudly saying, “I made that.”
5. Show others we love them and value them. Isn’t it special to receive a handmade craft or gift? I personally get frustrated trying to shop for gifts from year-to-year. Making our own gifts can, again, save us money, time, and we get to show someone they are important to us.

How about you? Do you have other benefits you would like to add to my list?

Related posts:

The 10 Benefits of Hobbies 10 Blog Post Ideas For Crafters & DIYers 5 Amazing Woodworking Hobbies Planning Your First Workshop