If Only I Had That Tool

If Only I Had That Tool

We have a tendency to get bored sometimes. For many, the trend is to make plans, gather materials to start work, and then about 60 to 70% through the project, get tired of that project and move on to the next thing. I understand because I am a painter. And, this happens a lot with painters.

I know we all collect various things for different projects we want to complete. And then, when the project wanes, we have a tendency to forget about all those tools, software, and other gadgets. Then, six months to a few years later, we come up with another project we want to do, and instead of inventorying what we have for what will work with the new project, we often go out and procure similar items to those we have already and could have done the job.

I am not going to accuse anyone, because if I did, I’d have to be pointing that finger at myself. The act of going out and getting new items when we have something similar that could do the job is something everyone does. I have done it before, and I am sure I’ll do it again. Yet for now, I plan to make an easy lookup list of everything I’ve got so I can take a look and see what I don’t need to go and procure.

I would like to tell you that this is an easy one-stop solution. If I said that, my nose would grow. The second step is actually more manageable if you do it while you’re doing the first step. You must find the items and store them in a way that you will be able to easily find them in the future. Yep, there’s always a catch. Worse yet when you get an item out and use it, you need to put it back where it belongs.

I know this is never as much fun as going out and getting a brand-new toy. It is economical, ergonomic, often ecological, and ready at hand. Knowing you have the old one and using it saves you the grief of realizing you already had one of these six weeks after you buy the new one. And it will save time and money for you to get the new things you really need.

Of course, this is just one mean old master sergeant’s idea. You should try it for yourself and see if it works.

Thank you for being with me today. I hope to be with you again tomorrow.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof