Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone with a fancy title or a vocabulary full of technical jargon tried to make you feel like you couldn't handle something yourself?
We’ve all been there. Whether it’s in business, personal style, or home projects, it is so easy to let self-doubt creep in and assume that "the experts always know best." But if there’s one thing I’ve learned recently, it’s this: never doubt yourself, and don't let yourself be bamboozled by jargon.
Recently on our building project, we hit a bit of a roadblock. We were told we needed Thames Water approval for a sewer build-over—a standard part of the process, but essential to move forward.
Our architect, who has been tricky to work with ever since we decided not to hire him to manage the entire project, immediately saw an opportunity. He claimed this was extra work outside his scope and wanted more money to handle it.
To my mind, these details and measurements should have been clearly accounted for on his plans in the first place. But rather than getting dragged into a back-and-forth or paying extra for something I felt was already owed, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I'll admit, words like "sewer build-over approval" can sound intimidating when you aren't in the construction trade. But behind the technical terms, it’s often just a step-by-step process.
Instead of backing down:
I bypassed the noise: I went straight to the application process myself.
I teamed up with our builder: I our builder, for the exact measurements needed on-site.
I did it myself: I drew up my own sketch with all the necessary details and submitted the paperwork directly to Thames Water.
Was there a little bit of back-and-forth? Of course. But by staying patient, trusting my gut, and answering their questions directly, we got there in the end—and I received the official approval!
It saved us money, but more importantly, it was a powerful reminder of what happens when you back yourself.
Industry jargon and complex terminology are often used—intentionally or not—to make things feel far more complicated than they actually are. It creates a barrier that makes you feel reliant on others when, in reality, common sense, clear communication, and a bit of determination are all you need.
So whatever challenge you’re facing right now—whether it's managing a project, standing your ground, or stepping into something new—remember:
Don't be intimidated by technical terms. Ask questions until things make sense in plain English.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off or unnecessary, listen to that inner voice.
You are capable. Don't let anyone convince you that you can't figure it out.
Never doubt yourself. You've got this!
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