One of the questions my students ask me in class is: *“How do you say in English, En casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo?” This popular Spanish expression perfectly captures the irony of how professionals often neglect their own expertise at home.
The equivalent in English is: “The shoemaker’s son always goes barefoot.”
Both phrases highlight the same concept: even experts can fail to apply their skills in their personal lives. A blacksmith might not make knives for their household, just as a shoemaker’s child might not have proper shoes.
It highlights a common scenario where those who provide solutions or services often neglect their own needs. In the hustle of business and professional life, it’s easy to prioritize clients and projects over our personal well-being and that of our families.
Here’s how this plays out:
• A consultant who advises companies on work-life balance but neglects their own.
• A tech expert who helps others optimize their workflows while struggling with their own
How do you ensure that you’re not the shoemaker neglecting your own needs? Think of your strategies.
