Over the weekend, I replaced a broken bulb in my van’s tail lights.
The van told me which one was broken. A quick YouTube search told me how to fix it, and a quick Google search told me the part number.
Easy.
So, I headed to my neighborhood auto parts store and picked up a 2 pack of bulbs.
I promptly swapped out both bulbs – just to make sure. It took minutes.
Until I discovered that I replaced the wrong side – and had somehow lost the original bulbs.
So, back to the auto parts store for another 2 pack.
Which was a nice reminder to: Always estimate 2x the 1st time.
– always pick up 2x the parts you think you’re going to need. For you’ll either use them on this project, use them on another project, or be able to easily return them. All are fine.
– always estimate 2x the time you think you’ll need. For you then you won’t feel rushed and you’ll be able to accommodate any unexpected ‘discoveries’ and you’ll either have plenty of time to test and clean up, you’ll need the time to finish the core task, or you’ll have just found time for something else. All are wins.
Sure, in the moment it feels like excess. Too many parts, too many tools, too much time. Once you factor in unknown unknowns (and considering this is the first time – there will be lots) that excess is just the price of learning. The price of solving the problem calmly and mindfully and successfully.
A second $6 pack of light bulbs is a small price to pay to not have to run across town once more.