When your only tool is a hammer...

I have repeatedly experienced the truth to this lesson. I usually understand it better after every new thing I learn. Have you heard the expression: "The more I learn, the more I learn I never knew"? What really makes sense about this is that the more I learn, the more ways I learn that I could have chosen to do things differently. However, this concept is a double edge sword. "When your only tool is a hammer, the whole world appears as a nail." Is a great testament to focusing on broadening and developing your skills so that you have the tools that required to respond to different situations. If you lack the skills to effectively respond, you will respond using only the tools you have. The point here is a keen focus in development, and a culture and lifestyle of learning. However, on the concept of the double edge sword is avoiding tackling a task just because you may not have the best set of tools. Settling with substandard tools is just that - settling. However always focusing on taking the best action possible with the tools that you have is being proactive and learning to adapt as required. Facing challenges head-on is how to build an arsenal of tested tools; fire hardened through experience.

I think I might expand on this lesson a bit if I have kids: "When your only tool is a hammer, the whole world appears as a nail. But, if a hammer is all you've got, then swing it like you mean it!"