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Not everyone has a fruitful DIY venture. Sure, the efforts are commendable. But for some people, their supposed resourcefulness can take a turn nobody saw coming.

These posts featured on the DiWHY subreddit can explain a lot of what we mean. Looking at the photos, you likely won’t be curious to ask, “How did they do that?” Instead, you might be more confused and ask, “Why did they do that?”

If you think doing it yourself is as easy as pie, the images on this list may make you think again.

#1 This Paperweight Was Clearly Made With Hot-Glue-Gun Misuse. I Found It On My Grandfather’s Desk After He Passed And Apparently I Made It When I Was 4

#2 Made A Bookshelf For My Brick Collection

#3 This Subreddit’s Title Says It All

Successful DIY projects draw praise for the aesthetics and creativity behind the nifty piece of work. And as you may imagine, people who aren’t as creative may not be able to come up with something that would generate interest and curiosity.

#4 Easy As Pie

#5 My Friend’s Phone’s Touchscreen Stopped Working So He’s Using A Mouse

#6 Tried To Hang The Curtain Rod Above My Front Door Yesterday… Didn’t Realize What I Had Done Til I Stepped Back

That then begs one of the many common questions: how does creativity work? Penn State University psychology professor Roger Beaty offered insights in his article for The Conversation, describing three specific brain systems at work: the default system, the executive networks, and the salience system.

#7 Finally Found Something For This Sub. Thanks Idaho!

#8 So I Posted This On Pics And I Was Really Proud Of It And Someone Said This Is Bad I Should Feel Bad And Post It Here. So Here I Am

#9 Stylish

As Beaty explains, the default network activates during spontaneous thinking. For example, when we let our minds wander freely while daydreaming. The executive networks, on the other hand, activate when we need to focus, like when we brainstorm ideas.

The salience network ties these two together and, as Beaty describes, acts as the “switching mechanism” that lets us alternate between idea generation and evaluation.

#10 Because Palm Trees Don’t Grow In Indiana

#11 Imagine Running Into Your In Laws While Wearing These

#12 I Ate An Orange And Stitched The Peel Back Together Because I Was Bored

Beaty noted that these three brain systems typically aren’t activated at the same time. But his findings showed that creative people can co-activate these brain networks and use them separately.

His assessments were based on fMRI studies of professionals like jazz musicians, poets, and visual artists.

#13 My Dad’s Hot Glue And Silver Spray Paint Lampshade 😅

#14 DIY And 5 Minute Crafts In A Nutshell

#15 Concrete And Horseshoe Kettleball Found At A Goodwill In Sweet Home Alabama

Most of these DiWHY projects may seem like failures. However, experts urge not to think of it that way. According to psychologist and Fordham University professor John Houtz, these mishaps can only lead to breakthroughs.

“The creative individual thinks of failure as a new opportunity,” Houtz said. “‘Okay, why did I fail? What was wrong? Let me try to do something else. Let me go forward with it.’”

#16 Soo… Yeah

#17 Piano Wall

#18 The Most Innovative Way To Organize Your Apps

Robert Epstein, senior research psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology, shared a similar sentiment. According to him, failure produces a resurgence, which is also why he teaches stress-management techniques to cope with rejection.

“Failure actually stimulates creativity directly. It really is valuable,” he said.