HELP

 

The right tools?

During the week we had some problems with our garage door.  It came slightly out of the roller - just slightly so and we thought we just could push it back into alignment.  So we thought but it remained a thought because try as we would, we couldn't push it in and eventually we had to call in the professionals. I was so distraught because that meant the security of the house was somewhat compromised not to mention money leaving our pockets, but what else could we do?

The company sent in two men and the job was done in less than five minutes. To say I was shocked would be an understatement.  With all the effort we had put in without positive outcome, I expected it to be resolved only after an operation with lots of bangs and noise to accompany them. But no! They brought out a power tool, unscrewed the two affected bolts and aligned the door. And just like that the door was as good as new.  The company out of the goodness of their heart and good connection refused payment saying it was a small job. It may have been small for them, but it definitely was a big one for me. What made the difference between our effort and theirs? Simple - they had technical knowledge and the right tools; we had none of the two.

The situation got me thinking about how many times we want to undertake tasks we are not trained for because it looked so simple as we watched others doing them. We tend to forget that the ease we observe is as a result of training and many hours of practice out of the lime lights. We may experience frustration when we don’t achieve the success we set out for. I have learnt everything requires some form of training.

With so many people out of jobs and many looking to venture into new areas, I believe it is important to have the required training before going into those ventures. Every trade has it own tricks of the trade without which one will fail at it. If not, everyone who opens a shop would make fantastic sales, but it is not so because there are strategies to successful selling depending on the goods or service rendered. Trying to apply strategies for selling houses to selling cars may not produce desired results. Specific tools for specific jobs. Have you ever tried to undo a screw without the right screwdriver? Arguably, it could be better than no screwdriver, but it definitely won’t be easy.

So, I don’t know if you are venturing into something new; if you are, please get properly equipped before you begin. There are many short-term courses, refreshers courses or even just beginner ones that are available. One just needs to know where to get the right information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are many online avenues to learn or upgrade on practically any wanted skill. I have heard good reports about the Shaw Academy as well as Udemy. I am sure there are many more out there.  Some may require payment for certification. Do your homework well before you commit to any that requires payment.

I choose to look at the bright side of the Pandemic which is that it has opened up so many new ways of doing things and many opportunities. We only need to get equipped to take on those challenges by getting the needed knowledge and proper tools.

I Bi Dem