On Being Débrouillard: The Art of Figuring Things Out

"Débrouillard" is a delightful French word that doesn’t have a perfect English equivalent. I came to know about this word, because somehow it reflects the motivation I have on what tasks to accomplish, and which kind of jobs I would like to have. "Débrouillard" refers to someone who is resourceful and able to solve problems in creative ways, often with limited resources. Think of it as the superpower of "figuring it out,". But what does it actually mean to be débrouillard? Is it a magical quality reserved for Parisians on bicycles? Or is it a skill that we, mere mortals, can develop and master? Let’s delve into the world of being débrouillard, exploring its ups, downs, and amusing real-life examples.

Being débrouillard makes you a master of improvisation. Imagine needing to make dinner with only wilted vegetables, three peanuts, and a can of sardines. While most people might panic or order takeout, a débrouillard can whip up a decent meal with these seemingly mismatched ingredients. This knack for making do with what’s at hand extends beyond the kitchen. 

A resourceful person is never truly stuck—whether it’s concocting a last-minute dish, or finding creative solutions to everyday problems. They thrive under pressure, too. If they find themselves lost in a foreign city without a map or Wi-Fi, they'll figure it out using the sun's position, snippets of the local dialect, and maybe even interpretive dance if the situation calls for it. This ability to think on their feet makes them invaluable in a crisis. This has perhaps aided me in my frequent travels, often alone. Without the my trait being a débrouillard, I may have got lost, or had not come home on time.

A débrouillard person is also financially savvy. I may not be into DIY projects, but I a person who can maximize a space for myself. I just remembered when I moved to the apartment that I am living before and after. I literally utilized every square meter of the apartment, using acceptable amount of financial resources. This thrifty approach often results in less waste and more money saved for life's finer pleasures, like travels. Alongside this practicality, they exhibit a fearless attitude in the face of chaos.  Their confidence and “I’ve got this” mindset can be infectious, making them the person everyone turns to when things go awry. This is perhaps the reason why I function efficiently as a nurse.

However, there are some pitfalls to being débrouillard. For one, the DIY spirit can go overboard. While resourcefulness is generally a good thing, it’s easy for the débrouillard to get carried away, believing they can do everything themselves. I am usually not good in asking help from others. Spoiler alert: not everything should be a DIY project. There’s also the risk of chronic overestimation The débrouillard has a built-in belief that they can handle anything, which can be both their greatest strength and a recipe for disaster. 

Furthermore, the débrouillard often finds themselves juggling too many projects at once, each of them underestimated in terms of time and effort required. This tendency can result in a home filled with half-finished craft, and a mild case of insomnia. There’s also a certain suspicion of simplicity that creeps in when you’re accustomed to fixing, creating, and improvising. For the débrouillard, even a straightforward task can seem too easy. A simple IKEA assembly? Too dull! They might feel compelled to complicate things by trying another way to solve the problem. For them, embracing simplicity can sometimes be the hardest challenge of all.

Real-life examples of being débrouillard are everywhere. Imagine getting locked out of your apartment with no locksmith available. A débrouillard remembers a YouTube tutorial on lock-picking and uses a paperclip and hairpin to break back in (not necessarily legal, but undeniably resourceful). Then there’s the classic last-minute party scenario: friends announce they’re coming over in 30 minutes, and the house is a mess with no snacks in sight. A débrouillard may grab a bedsheet, transforms it into a chic tablecloth, whips up a salsa from a lone tomato and some slightly questionable olives, and lights a candle for ambiance. Voilà, instant party! However, I am not the last example being a introvert and débrouillard at the same time.

Or think about the lost traveler, stuck in a foreign country with no knowledge of the local language. The débrouillard knows that a smile, hand gestures, and a few creative drawings can go a long way. Need to find a bathroom? Draw a toilet. Need food? Point to your mouth and rub your belly. It’s not glamorous, but it works. Think about me not using Google maps in Seoul, South Korea to save money from additional mobile charges, while locals are trying to help me find my hotel in Korean, a language that I have no clue of. 

In a world where everything seems to be just a click away, being débrouillard maybe is a rare and valuable skill. It’s about thinking creatively, staying calm under pressure, and turning obstacles into opportunities. However, it's not without its quirks. For every story of makeshift brilliance, there’s a cautionary tale of a half-baked plan gone wrong. Should you aspire to be more débrouillard? Absolutely! Bien sûr, je suis un débrouillard!