I Have to Do Everything the Hard Way

Post Reply New Topic

When I am working on a project, either at work or at home, Someone will often tell me, 'You know, there is an easier way to do that; I don't know why you are doing it the hard way. If you do it like this, you'll be done in about five minutes."

But I can't do it that way! Don't ask me to do something the quick, easy way, even if it means walking back and forth across the room, instead of putting everything in the same place... or doing the same thing two different ways to insure that I got it right.

For some reason, if I use quick and easy methods, I feel like I'm cheating and doing a bad job, even if it's just as effective. Just one reqason why I prefer to work alone!

(I wish the NTs would stay off my back )

"For some reason, if I use quick and easy methods, I feel like I'm cheating and doing a bad job, even if it's just as effective."

I know exactly how you feel!! Along with everything else that is wired into our brains, it just seems/feels wrong to use "quick and easy"!

I don't like doing things the quick and easy way. I like doing things, the hard way.

I honestly would never think of the "quick and easy" way to do anything unless someone would mention to me that there is one.

The quick and easy way also has to be worth it.

Used to be that way. Still am, but now it depends on the situation. I was always told I did things the hard way, and it just annoyed me, but I've met a few people along the way that showed me a shortcut here and there I'm glad I learned. But there are still times when somebody tries to show me an "easier way," and they don't understand that their way means I have to reconstruct methods I've come up with on my own that are kind of complicated. Changing one step in the process often causes a domino effect where the new shortcut means doing something else different, which means doing the next thing different, and so on. Before you know it, I'm looking at totally relearning a process I've already figured out on my own.

The frustrating thing is that these people are usually right that it would be easier, because if I did completely relearn the process, it would conform better to the ways other people are doing it, and if I ever had to pass off what I'm doing to someone else. But most of the time, I just can't bring myself to do it.

I'm the exact same way. My mother and father, and later my hubby, said it to me all the time. Mom used to also say "you're constantly reinventing the wheel", which pretty much means the same thing. I can't change and I won't try because it doesn't work. Also, I don't mind.

Yes, usually if I AM going to use the easiest method, then I need to learn it on my own and retrain myself.

If someone wants me to follow his/her example, then I will usually fail several times to imitate it and I just get frustrated.

The good thing though is that usually I am so efficient at completing tasks with my own, more complicated, method that I can get just as much done in the same time as the NTs do with their easy methods.

If I try to do something the easier way (at times I'll think I've brilliantly realized a better or smarter way to get it done), I'll often just lose all track of what I'm doing, it's a bit funny. I can't exactly describe this event of losing track, adequately at least.

It's basically like the stronger focus on a complex arrangement for the tasks is what keeps my poor executive function running at all.

[quote= "dyingofpoetry"]For some reason, if I use quick and easy methods, I feel like I'm cheating and doing a bad job, even if it's just as effective. Just one reqason why I prefer to work alone![/quote]

Same here.

So is it that you really do things in a way that's more complicated for you? Or is it that what's easy for NTs is complicated for you, and vice versa?

I personally prefer all the easy ways and methods. If you can avoid reinventing the wheel and make your own life easier, then all the better. For one, it certainly reduces my stress level. As well, it saves valuable time and energy that I can then devote to other things or interests.

The only time I do things "the hard way" is when I'm learning a new skill, or when I have to derive from first principles. To always have to do things the "hard way" seems a bit inefficient when faster or better ways are available.

That said, I usually appreciate it when someone shows me an easier or better way to do things.The only time I get annoyed is if the particular person doesn't do it in a tactful way.