The right tool for the job

Twenty years ago I worked as a lender for Farm Credit Canada, and attended their annual conference. The CEO at the time gave a keynote speech with the premise: “The right tool for the job”. Although he was speaking about loan products for agriculture, his message carried with me through the years.

When you encounter challenges along the path of life, be assured that many people have dealt with the same issue before you. In many cases the knowledge that allowed them to overcome their adversity is now available for you to learn from. In some cases these trailblazers have even built a tool that can solve it for future generations.

If you’ve ever used zip ties, rubber jar openers, magnetic phone holders, ratchet straps, chip bag clips, stud finders, or millions of other useful items, you will know exactly what I mean. 

It was on my mind this morning as I shaved my head with a contoured trimmer, perfectly designed to bend around the curvature of the cranium. A google search, and $80, has provided me with years of efficient and safe haircutting.

Next time you are struggling to accomplish a task, whether fixing a car, or dressing a wound, take a minute for a Google (or AI) inquiry. Chances are, the tool that can accomplish your task already exists, and it’s probably one Amazon delivery day away.

• Now that’s a peak ethos.