Is It Better To Wait For the Right Tool Or To Just Use The Wrong One?

Posted on January 17, 2008 by LJ Earnest
Categories: Techniques

Photo by Irish Typepad
This is a question I ask myself time and again. Is it better to do something, even using a sub-optimal tool, or to wait until the right tool can be acquired?

A recent example of this was in the second week of December. My list showed that I needed to clean my kitchen floor. It is not something I enjoy doing, and I have mopped weekly for three years. But looking at the floor, I saw the grime, and I knew it needed to be scrubbed. I had put off the task for six months, and I knew I needed to do it. So I went looking for my supplies.

Unfortunately, the scrub brush was unusable. Part of me rejoiced. Here was the perfect excuse not to do this nasty task. But part of me said I should just use what I had and get on with it. Following the attitude of “just do something” that I am trying to cultivate to break myself of procrastination, I decided to go ahead.

Using the Wrong Tool

The tools I assembled were hot, soapy water; some rags; an old toothbrush; and a multi-purpose tool that does everything from pick up pet hair to clean dishes. I got down and started working. My odd assortment of tools worked! I was able to quickly do about a third of the kitchen floor.

Using the Right Tool

The next day I went and brought a proper scrub brush. I did another section of the floor that night. It also did a great job, but in a little less time.

Comparing Methods

So the question still remains: is it better to wait, or to use what you have?

I am beginning to realize there really is no perfect tool for any job. Most often, my quest for the perfect cleaner, tool or what-not is just an excuse for not doing something. I need to bear in mind that my grandmothers did the same basic tasks I do in housecleaning without any of the same conveniences.