I am one of those people who finds it hard to follow exact instructions. I’m more than willing to experiment, whether it be in the kitchen, the garden, or at the craft table. I’m always surprised when an editor wants me to add three more steps to a 17-step how-to article. Some of those steps seem so obvious to me. Most times, I can get from point A to point C without having point B spelled out specifically for me. What I’ve discovered through my writing is that while I can see the logical next step or imagine what adding pepper might do to a recipe, many people can’t. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try!
I’m going to step off an a little educational tangent. When kids (and adults) are taught by rote memorization and the focus is on “correct” test answers, they get no extra points for being creative or for exploring alternatives. After years of striving to find the “right” answer, it can be really, really hard to step out of that pattern and experiment. (This assessment will come as no surprise to those of you who know I’ve written a book on creative problem solving.)
We recently had a guest who really made us aware of our own tendency to toward curiosity. My kids noticed that our guest was very by-the-book in everything he did. He was raised in an environment that required him to follow directions and produce a specific item just like the sample. Experimenting with alternatives made him uncomfortable. We discussed the fact that while our guest was most comfortable with black and white answers, our own philosophy leans more toward experimentation. We are a “what would happen if…?” family.
How does this relate to sustainable living, you ask?
What would happen if…
…we added the sour poi to our bread dough?
Result: We salvaged the poi that was too sour for our taste buds, eliminating waste and making a pretty decent loaf of bread.
… I tried to make a grab and go version of oatmeal?
Result: One of our favorite breakfasts.
… I used watermelon rind instead of zucchini in my favorite relish recipe?
Result: Hamburger relish in the pantry, less waste.
… I planted my sweet potato peelings?
Result: A bed full of sweet potato slips ready to be planted.
The thing is, without experimentation, we just never know. And so often, it doesn’t cost much beyond the willingness to take a risk. Sure, I might have wasted a few dollars in ingredients if the watermelon rind relish recipe hadn’t worked out. But now I know it does, and from here on out I’ll save money by not buying relish at the store. I figure it’s worth a little risk now and again. If it doesn’t work out? I don’t consider it a failure at all. I’ve simply learned that one of my ideas won’t work – that way.
Are you comfortable experimenting? Or do you tend to stick to what you know will work? Have you stepped out of your comfort zone lately?
Photo: Flickr user erix! under Creative Commons
I too am a ‘what if….?’ kind of person….I think it makes life more interesting…
Wow, potato slips from sweet potato peels. You rock Kris.
We have an apple plant growing in our kitchen right now — thanks to my youngest son asking about a month ago, “What if we planted this apple core?” I CANNOT turn down my little guys when they want to learn more about the world around them…
Having a military background, it was really hard for me when I learned about how the Air Force teaches meteorology to their younger troops. They made it very procedural, very black and white. If a cold front hits the Gulf of Mexico, a new low pressure system will develop.
Well…it doesn’t always, but the younger troops are taught that it will always happen.
In college we are taught a more instinctive, investigational approach, where finding the right answer means having a knack for experimentation.
How much do I love it that you have an apple tree growing in your kitchen??
I’m a major rule follower in many instance, but I’m also creative (I think) … particularly when it seems like the “normal” way to get from A to B won’t work, so I go looking for other ways to get to B.
And, sometimes when Tom compliments me on dinner, I get to say, “Thanks. I just made it up.”
My family teases me about meals like that – they know that they’ll NEVER get the same meal again.
I’m with you. And have also noticed some people’s reluctance to go without the recipe or substitute ingredients.
The way I explain my general tendency is that I don’t like rules but I do like to know the principles. So in the (really interesting) meteorology example Patricia gave, it would be useful to know WHY a low pressure system usually develops so you can also identify that possibility in other similar situations.
Or, in a recipe, knowing what effect different ingredients have on the process so you know what kind of thing to substitute.
I am particularly baffled by people who seem reluctant to try to grow things. Seeds are cheap. What’s the risk if an experiment doesn’t work out?
I know – and seeds can often be bummed off of gardeners who have extras! I think some people see it as a “failed” project, when I just figure I’ve learned something!
I’m an experimenter when it comes to crafts, household projects, and my career, but I find that when cooking I’m only comfortable following a recipe very carefully. What’s up with that? Not sure, except that I long ago absorbed the message that I was not a “natural” in the kitchen. I’m trying now to be more flexible by looking at several recipes and combining them, but I always feel very nervous!
Isn’t it funny that there are certain avenues in life that we’re more comfortable experimenting on than others?
Thanks for this post. It reminds me to take more chances! I am a “what if” person but in a cautious way.
I tend to label everything we do around here “science experiment”. So the boys are catching on, and can be heard saying “Life is just one big experiment. Take notes.”
Love it!
I’ve gotten to more and more a “what if” person as I’ve realized that chances are things will turn out and if they don’t, nothing terrible is likely to happen in any case.