If at first you do succeed...

try not to look astonished.

Sometimes our failures can be hilarious. However being caught unaware by instant success can be just as funny and not being prepared for it can be embarrassing.

This can be something minor like putting up a shelf and finding it is level even though you didn't check through to adding 17 weird numbers together in your head faster than the calculator can be typed on. The task is often not as entertaining as the shocked reaction when you realise, any thoughts from those around assuming you are a genius disappear as soon as you declare 'Really?' or similar when told you are right.

In training I have often underestimated what I will be able to do then been astonished. Unfortunately the only time you realise that you are standing in slack-jawed disbelief is when you see how ridiculous you look in the mirror or there are people laughing at you.

Sometimes you will make plans that seem logical and doomed to failure at the same time. Often you will abandon the idea in favour of something sane and realistic, but sometimes you will go with it. The mix of pride and confusion when all goes well it un-matched at any other time.

Most of us will have been in the situation where we are asking someone for a dance etc. and expecting to have pitched beyond our reach. In this instance we are often prepared for the inevitable rebuttal, and can be left looking a prize prat when accepted and unsure what to do next. Even more so if the person you have been thinking about asks you for a dance and you somehow forget how to give the simple response 'yes.'

Working life is another time when you often try everything that should work and fail then turn to the ridiculous in despair to find success. The fun part is always explaining this to your boss.
'Well sir we tried all the stuff in the book but in the end it was connecting the curling tongs, 3 lemons and a piece of 2x4 that got the machine to go.'
'You're a software engineer, which explains the curling tongs and lemons but what the heck were you doing with a piece of 2x4? And how exactly did you manage to boot the machine during a power-cut?'

Bribery with children is great but there are limits many of which are based on age and experience. The first time you use 'You need to tidy your room before your friends come over.' it may work and you will be shocked. Don't worry it won't last before long they will come back with 'But we'll be making a mess anyway so it doesn't matter.'
So many things surprise us as parents and trying not to look astonished here is of optimum importance. If your child catches you out they know you weren't expecting the good behaviour and that is dangerous. My son is honest and has often confirmed noticing this and that I didn't expect the result. I maintain this by being honest back and expressing pride in him for being so good.