We recently hired a landscape crew to tackle our out-of-control shrubs. We do most of our own yard maintenance, but we inherited some very large and deep shrubs that are nearly impossible for us to handle with the tools we have.
The two young men were able to do the job in about ninety minutes. They used ladders and a professional trimmer on an extension rod, tarps to catch and contain the debris, plus a mulcher to minimize what had to be hauled off. They executed the job like pros.
Bottom line, they were properly trained and had all the right tools. If we had done it ourselves, it would’ve been a half-day job at the very least, but probably longer. And physically, we would have paid with hurt backs and scraped up arms. The right tools are everything.
Years ago when I became a professional photographer, a friend told me never turn a job down just because I don’t have the right equipment. If I have to, accept the work and let the compensation cover the cost of buying whatever I would need to complete the job. I may not make any money on that job, but I would have what I needed the next time a similar opportunity arose. And I would have some experience using it. I have never forgotten his encouragement to acquire the right tools.
How does this apply to each of us as we navigate life? The issue might not be about having money to go buy a needed tool, but it could be a perceived lack in an even greater commodity: time.
We may feel we lack the necessary time to invest in learning or doing something new, or taking time for exercise, spiritual growth, or personal development. When we believe that, we keep missing out on whatever might be gained if we were to stop procrastinating, invest the time and take the actions to improve ourselves.
After all, we are our greatest “tool.” We may be guided by God and the best of mentors, but if we don’t put foot to pavement, so to speak, nothing new happens. Why limp along when what we need to develop within ourselves is usually within reach?
Some of us may need to take some specific actions to grow and develop our capabilities, like renewing something that has expired, taking a course, or finding a mentor. Others may need to make self-care more of a priority. If we need to get something done, or at least started, maybe we need to make appointments with ourselves that we actually keep? We wouldn't miss a doctor's appointment—why is it so easy for some of us to stand ourselves up?
If we take the time to grow into and beyond our circumstances, focusing more on where we want to be and what needs to change in us (as opposed to what we presently lack and how “they” are falling short of our expectations), we may not have to keep repeating the same mistakes, suffer the same disappointments, or endure familiar consequences that result from operating without all the right tools we need to live an enriched and fulfilling life.
What “tools” do you need for a more satisfying life experience?
More patience?
Less anger?
More structure (less)?
A creative outlet?
A 12-step group?
A course in __(fill in the blank)__?
A gym membership?
A second language?
A coach?
An organizer?
A meet-up group?
The possibilities for self-improvement and thus life-improvement are endless. How can you become a better version of you? The tools we have today have yielded the life we have today. If we want more from life, we will likely need to upgrade our tool kit.
For today, contemplate what tools would help you experience more of what you want in your life. The right tools for the right job will get things done more efficiently. Investments in ourselves will pay dividends for years to come.
