Tools Or Project?

Is it worth getting...

People ask me all of the time...was it worth getting an MBA?  Did it help me get to where I am?  Should they get an MPH?  Should they do another residency? What fellowship should they do?

Sorry Folks...You Have It All Wrong.

Imagine you are walking into your workroom. You look around at the tools you have and then you ask one of these two questions:

What CAN I make with these tools?

Or you can ask...

What do I WANT to MAKE?  

The Tools Come Second

There are times when you ask the first question and make something that is based on the tools you have on hand.  There isn't anything wrong with that if your goal is to just do something.  But if you have something specific in mind, such as a need to make a shelf but you only have the tools to make a wooden kids toy, then how does that help you?  It doesn't.  

When you go to the tool store you don't go there with the focus of buying a tool because it looks cool, you are buying a tool to achieve an objective.  An objective, like drilling a hole or sawing some wood, because it is what you need to create the project you have in mind.  You buy the tool that performs the function you need.  A hammer to drive nails.  A drill to make holes.  You don't buy a saw to put in screws. 

This brings us back to the question, what is more important to what you?  Getting the right goal in place then acquiring the tools to achieve that goal?  Or picking a goal based on the tools that you have?

Are You Cheating Yourself?

I would submit to you that if you only look at the goals that are available to you based on the tools that you have already, you are cheating yourself.  You are cheating yourself out of accomplishing what you really want.  You are putting yourself in a position of accepting a compromise.  You are limiting yourself because you are not willing to set your goal first, then acquire the necessary tools to achieve that goal. 

The project you are setting for yourself provides you with a goal.  The tools that you have can contribute toward that goal, but may not be sufficient.  Once you have your goal and project established, then you can determine what additional tools you need.  It doesn't make sense to buy a tool that you don't need.  It's a waste of resources and only takes your attention and focus away from the goal you have established.

Know what you want to accomplish BEFORE you seek out the tools to acquire.

Get the tools that you need to get the job done. 

Spend your time and energy on what you will USE to achieve your goal.

Pick your GOAL FIRST, not the tool.