Become a Knitting Superstarâ„¢
Become a Knitting Superstarâ„¢
Become a Knitting Superstarâ„¢
Become a Knitting Superstarâ„¢
Become a Knitting Superstarâ„¢

The K.N.I.T. Formula For How To Be A Superstar In Your Life

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The K.N.I.T. Formula For How To Be A Superstar In Your Life

Liat Gat - Founder

September 26, 2013

1. KNOW You Can Do It
2. NO Freaking Out!
3. I: Be INTREPID
4. T: TRANSFORM Your Mistakes into Victories

Did you know that the lessons you learn from knitting can help you become a superstar in the rest of your life?

K.N.I.T. Formula - How to Become a Superstar in Knitting and in Life
K.N.I.T. Formula - How to Become a Superstar in Knitting and in Life

I actually use this formula on myself almost every day to help me be courageous, intrepid, and kind. I hope you love it!

The KNIT Formula For How To Be A Superstar In Your Life

K: KNOW You Can Do It

Child with strong arms drawn on chalkboard behind himKNOWING is different from thinking or believing. Knowing comes from experience. If you’ve ever accomplished something in knitting that made you proud, you know the feeling of knowing you can do it.

The same goes for regular life. Think about it – what was a great difficulty in your life that you overcame? How confident do you feel in your inner strength as you reflect on your success?

The takeaway: Don’t forget how strong you’ve been.

N: NO Freaking Out!

Man balancing on high wire over pit of spikesHave you ever accidentally done something so strange to your knitting that you started to panic? Said to yourself, “No, no, no, this can’t be happening!”

What about in life? Are you feeling that “freak-out” feeling just thinking about it? Well, remember me next time it happens, and say to yourself, “Something’s going wrong and I want to freak out.”

Liat says, “NO freaking out!” Stay calm on purpose so you can get through whatever it is in one piece.

The takeaway: You have to realize that you’re freaking out in order to stop it from happening, so pay attention to yourself.

I: Be INTREPID

Snail pushing rock up a hillBeing INTREPID means that when you want to give up or run away, you don’t. I’ve used this one on myself so many times in the past months…

Heck, yesterday I went to my first day of a singing class and the teacher ended up calling me to the front of the class to sing into a microphone.

I seriously had one of those “I’m-naked-at-school-this-has-to-be-a-bad-dream” moments. But I didn’t run away. And here’s a tip from someone who’s been trying this one a lot lately: it gets easier with practice.

The takeaway: When you want to run away, don’t.
Choose to stay and conquer your fear.

T: TRANSFORM Your Mistakes Into Victories

Victorious Woman Standing on MountainYou’ll know you need to TRANSFORM a mistake when every time you think about what you did, you get bummed all over again.

To transform it, say to yourself, “Yay! I’m so glad I made this mistake! I have now identified something that will make my life much better if I learn how to fix it.”

Then, just ask yourself, “What can I learn from this mistake? How was this mistake a gift to me?”

The takeaway: If you can transform your biggest regrets,
your heart will be so light.

And That, Ladies And Gentlemen, Is How You Become A Superstar In Your Life With Knitting.

I’ve used these reminders almost daily since I came up with the formula, and they’ve helped me get through the rocky growing pains of running an almost-three-year-old business as well as do some pretty scary things in my personal life, like doing 5Rhythms dance, taking singing lessons at a community college, and being open, considerate, and fair when I have conflicts with my loved ones.

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What do you think of the formula? Can you see yourself using these tricks in your knitting and in your life? What reminders have helped you be awesome when you wanted to not? Post in the comments and let me know.

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55 thoughts on “The K.N.I.T. Formula For How To Be A Superstar In Your Life”

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  1. I love love love how you turn learning to knit into lessons for living.
    Here is some wisdom I found from a beginner knitting book I found:

    “Let go of expectations and keep going. Let it feel awkward and uncomfortable. Keep trying anyway. Step away from judging and comparing and just hang out with the process. ” From _How to Knit_ by Leslie Ann Bestor.

    Thank you for sharing your best self with the world!
    – Penny

  2. Hi Liat, I would like make sure I have the latest update for the Cast On edition, how do I do that? From what I have skimmed over it seems to be excellent in presentation of great content. But I was wondering is I actually received the lastest.. Please help me determine that issue. I remember the last post is one I sent because there was so much discussion going on about the use the system. I know I waoted about two weeks and forgot to keep up to date on looking for the new one.

    Thanks so much for being so diligent on getting the best copy we can use with all confidence in the copy and update. I know it is if I have the correct copy.

    Deb from MN

  3. I agree with all your life and/or knit changing moments and would like to echo TRANSFORM your Mistakes into Victories.

    Many years ago, I felt I’d misjudged 2 members of my team. I jelly-wrestled with my conscience and realised that I was compromising my integrity…and more importantly theirs, unless I did something about it. I reflected for a significant amount of time…too much about my pride and not enough about making amends…and finally came to my senses.

    With no idea of what I might say, I spoke to each of them, separately, apologising without reserve. It was probably the most difficult thing I’d ever done in a work context. It taught me that all wrong can be put right if you can be honest with yourself …and others. Although I don’t pretend it was easy, I think it was the right thing to do and I’ve never regretted it.

    From a knitting viewpoint…when you make a mistake, you can frog it and do it again. It’s no less a step change in recognising your limitations when doing something too fast; not concentrating; changing the pattern without considering the overall result etc. when you should really be “sticking to the knitting”.

    Just as we can use our energy to knit beautiful things, we share our experience to encourage and help others…in life and in knitting. Thank you, Liat.

  4. I appreciate and love your enthusiasm, wisdom, and willingness to share your knowledge and talent. I’ve enrolled in several of your courses although my time to knit is very limited. I’m 78 yrs. young and relatively new to knitting. It’s great to add something new to my already busy life of learning, and being of service to others. Living a life of positivity is wonderful and uplifting. Thank you very much!

  5. I love you, KNIT wit! We’ve always said that the road to a great adventure starts with something knocking us out of our rut, then figuring out the plan for the next steps. Your KNIT rules are another way of saying the same thing. Thanks!

  6. I love you expression and excitement! You make learning for the “needle challenged” soooo darned easy!! What an inspiration you are!
    Thanks!!

  7. Thank you for the link, and the lessons. I want a T shirt that says that! I would wear it proudly! There are so many negative things out there in the big, wide world, it is a comfort to see that not only are you triumphing over them, but instructing others to triumph as well! My favorite phrase is ‘Common sense isn’t common, in fact it is so rare it should be registered as a superpower.’ You not only have the superpower of common sense, but the humor and empathy to help others to become superheros too. Thank you once more for the inspiration, and the challenge of following in your footsteps as I K.N.I.T. my way through life.

  8. Liat, Thanks so much for that very touching knit formula and how to apply it to life. I recently have been going through some hard times for me and never thought to apply all that I’ve learned in knitting to my life problems so thanks again. I’m very fortunate to have a wonderful local yarn shop in my town with so many nice folks that help me learn and encourage all of us so much. I love your videos and all or your tips–thanks for those too.

  9. For years, all I knitted were scarves and footsies, something a babysitter taught me but I just didn’t know how to go about really learning and understanding knitting until I ran across one of you videos. I bought the How to be a superstar (and subsequently a few more of your wonderful courses) and am knitting just about anything I want now. Really not enough words to express how wonderful your method is, and something very special about your personality is the cherry on the top. Thanks!

  10. Liat, you are so young to have so much wisdom, how does that happen?!? That video of you is just precious and you are SO darned cute! Your formula for living using the acronym of KNIT is terrific and I’m going to go write it down… thank you for sharing your wisdom and knitting skills with us!
    xoxo

  11. Awwww, honey!! you just ROCK!
    I am a beginner knitter, and I knit because of your “YOU CAN TOTALLY DO THIS!!” Attitude!!!
    Thanks for the encouragement.
    AGAIN!!!

  12. Wonderful advice. I have been advancing my knitting a bit – have been staying “safe” for too long. Thank you for all of your inspiring videos. This old lady (72) is learning new stuff all the time – and can use your ideas in the new business I and a colleague have started.

    1. Best of luck! I responded to another woman in her 70’s and told her what an inspiration she is to me, further up in the comments… and to you, just the same! I’m unhappy in my career, afraid to make changes and give up a really well paying job, but miserable not doing the creative work I long to do… well if you can muster the courage at 72 to start something new, then at 54 I can to! Thank you for being another source of inspiration and courage!

  13. That’s great advice. I’ll pass it along to the 2 raccoons who got into my work room and pulled everything apart. Bins were turned over and lots of wool draped all over everything. I guess they wanted to learn how to knit? They are very good at creating tangles already. One thing I learned: Don’t forget to close all the windows.

  14. Oh Liat, you are such a wonder. So inspirational and I agree that life is a journey and what we make of it depends on how we manage the good and the bad. I love your videos, keep up the wonderful work and that great attitude.

  15. I started knitting again a few years ago. I only knew the very basics. That’s when I stumbled on Liat’s videos. I still have not made all of the knitted items I want to make, but it’s been a time issue more than anything else. Because of Liat’s encouragement, I know that I can do anything with a little time and patience. I am not afraid to try. Thanks so much for helping me believe in myself!

  16. Your joyful enthusiasm is a delight to see! You bring smiles to all. Don’t we all need ‘life lessons’ each day. I appreciate what you do to bring ‘superstar’ knitting lessons to all knitters and maybe future knitters !

  17. Kudos to you, Liat, for setting such a valuable and livable example of
    how to succeed in knitting and in life. Your examples are medicine for
    the nerve wracking challenges we sometimes face.
    And to Marjorie….your story is so inspiring. What a terrific grandmother
    you are. Continued success to you and your grandson.

  18. Liat, I just signed-up yesterday and am sure glad I did! I am a lifelong knitter and have been (in the words of Sheryl Sandberg Leaning In )to my knitting now because I am going through a rough patch…out of work, over-educated 49 year old and your message today gave me the confidence to fully embrace the roadmap to my future. At this point, it appears after 1.5 years of applying for jobs(had a fellowship until June 2013) that I am going to start my own company: a fiber farm about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco. It is scary but at the same time ok, because I have the farm so I just need to set it up(which is huge at this point) to accommodate fiber animals and fiber production. So, hopefully once it is up and running, you will visit. Thank you again. Debbie

  19. I love this! I learnt to knit to help me overcome the depression and feelings of failure from loosing an amazing career due to long term illness. I wanted to prove I could still achieve something, and I have with your help! And it also really chills me out which is what you need to do when you’re poorly!

  20. Liat, you are, and always have been, a true inspiration. Thank you for all that you do, and thank you for being you. Hugs!

  21. I’m a quilter; however, I became a knitter as well 2 yrs. ago when a quilt friend showed me cable needles and Magic Loop. When I found Knit Freedom, I was in heaven. Your instructional videos are the bomb! I’ve made lots of knitting mistakes along the way, but I didn’t want to give up on a project so I learned how to fix them. Many of those fixes I found in your videos. Just recently, I made another mistake. After undoing several stitches and reknitting, I finally realized what the problem was…operator error. That’s when I chuckled at myself and fixed the problem (p1, k2 does NOT mean p1, k2tog.) I don’t always do perfect work, but then I tell myself I’m not perfect. I’m almost 76 and consider myself a work in progress. Thank you, Liat, for making sense about knitting and life. Don’t take things too seriously. Most of the errors can be fixed if you have patience….and a sense of humor!!!

    1. OMG, I really needed to see your post today! I’m 54 and SO worried about growing older, seeing it as something to dread. Your committment to learning and growing at 75 makes me ashamed of myself for being so wimpy! You are an inspiration!

      1. Kathy, thank you for your reply. It’s a great feeling to be someone’s inspiration. Here’s what I’ve figured out in my life — no matter what your age is — 54 or 76 –these are just NUMBERS! No one is, or should be, defined by a number. What’s in your heart and mind — that’s who you are. Getting older is going to happen, no matter what. So don’t waste precious time worrying about it. Accept it gracefully and move on!!!

  22. Thanks! You are absolutely right. Also, knitting is a faith journey…we don’t always know what is ahead of us, but we keep on, anyway…in knitting and in life.

  23. Liat-Jeepers you are a darling girl!!!! I have all of your classses and have learned sooooomuch from you. But on this video you are just darling! Oh and the KNIT thing is wonderful too. :-)

  24. Thank you Liat. Just this week I’ve had to do something I knew was life or death for my pet, so when the tech at the vet wanted me to give my pet fluids under the skin for life, I struggled because I hurt when I see others hurt. I paced back and forth saying I didn’t want to do it but I knew I had to. At home my husband freaks because he has to hold the cat while I do this. Now I’m the one who has to be intrepid and strong not only to do the job, but to encourage and sooth my husband at the same time. Thank you for your timely words of encouragement. You are much appreciated.

    1. I am a 80yrs old knitter, without knowing it I have used the knit formula for the last 40yrs. I was a young mum of 3boys, trying and failing to be a good wife, homemaker, mother. At 40yrs I started full time work, and realised all those mistakes and learning from them, was like my knitting,, making me better at living and understanding the pattern of life. Yes yes to all you young folks carry on knitting the Liat way

  25. I’m about to start my third year as a knitter and realized it’s a passion when I wake up thinking about knitting . I love everything about it including the screw-ups. There’s so much to learn, so many ways to muck up (are you seeing a pattern here). Til this summer I’d only knit things with 90 degree angles: scarves, wash cloths but graduated to a cowl, snoody thing. Love your videos, your energy your KNIT approach to life.

  26. I live with and care for my two major league ADHD grandsons. Liat and her enthusiasm and knowledge of knitting has been a lifesaver for me. I have been so inspired by her attitude and stories that I have not only become a better knitter, I have become a better and more patient grandmother. My 8 year grandson who can barely sit still for 2 seconds is fast becoming a knitting superstar by watching Liat’s videos (and a little guidance from grandma) – he loves to knit so much that we have started using it as a reward for other successes (such as homework, chores, etc.) He has never been so determined about any one thing (okay, maybe Minecraft) in his life. He even knits standing up, because he gets so excited he can’t sit still to do it. He has learned not to get frustrated about making mistakes because they can be fixed easily – he just has to come and ask for help instead of giving up. His brags to all his friends about his knitting and takes it in the car everywhere we go. His (and mine too!) whole attitude has changed so much about other challenges in his life thanks to Liat’s lessons – she has definitely been a lifesaver for me and my family!

  27. Liat, that is so true! I tell my friends that knitting is just two sticks and yarn. It’s not the end of the world if dropped stitches happen, or other so called knitting disasters. You’ve just tripped, so pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.

  28. I love your interpretation of the word KNIT. Everyone should embrace the KNIT philosophy, even the poor non-knitters amongst us.

  29. I used your system in teaching myself the Rasberry stitch, which I find very difficult, but I finally got it. I decided not to use it because it would not be relaxing, but I will later on. This forum is so helpful.

  30. You say this so lightly. I, on the other hand, tend to have heavier hand but have said for years that every horrible experience is a valuable learning lesson in life. As we learn these lessons, we become stronger, more confident, and ultimately, the bodacious women we were meant to be!

  31. i love everything about your knitting videos. and this has inspired me as well. my knitting has improved 1000% because of you. now i’m going to try to improve me, too. ithank you liat, i’ve a long row to hoe but “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

  32. I love this … I teach people how to become somatic therapists – a journey that takes lots of courage and passion. KNIT – whether with wool or with one’s hands or learning a new practice makes excellent sense. Thanks.

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