The 5 Reasons Why You Can't Resist Searching for the Perfect Tool!

Why is it that when we have the tools in front of us to do the work, we still look for alternatives? Like there is a better way of doing it or a better vehicle or more efficient method?

I keep wanting to write more. I have the best keyboard (Blade65) I could ask for, the best software (Obsidian), and I also have my dream notebook and pen (Traveller's notebook and Lamy CP1). But for some reason, I'm still looking; I still want that little bit better keyboard, journal, or whatever it might be. Why is it? Is it some form of procrastination, consumerism, or distraction?

Why do we always think there is a better, faster way of doing something, like a shortcut, cheat code, or hidden door?

Procrastination through fictional problem-solving

As technology advances, new tools and solutions become available, promising improved efficiency and effectiveness. The desire to stay current and leverage the latest innovations drives people to search for the perfect tool.

When, for writers the best tool is a simple cheap laptop, typewriter, or even a pen and some paper.

They say the best businesses are the simple ones, solving one problem, one purpose, one solution. And we need to consider that we should be the same when it comes to productivity. Just do one thing at a time.

Continuous improvement

Humans have a natural instinct to solve problems and optimize their processes.

The quest for the perfect tool is an extension of this instinct, as individuals seek tools that can address their specific challenges or enhance their capabilities. We desire more, new, because technology is always changing and promising a new solution to an old problem. Human emotion and desire.

We are not a Fortune 500 company; we are individuals, sole traders. What I mean is you have a soul. We are human beings, and we are animals that are messy; we learn through mistakes, and we don't have to consistently improve to impress the people around us.

It's OK to just do one thing, or a multitude of things kind of averagely, or even to just relax and put down our tools.

This drive for constant improvement is this capitalistic corporate mindset that has embedded itself into the everyday culture we live in. Because we used to be able to afford a home, two cars on a single working family income. Not anymore, and now it's normal for two working couples in a family. And now it's also normal or encouraged to have a side-hustle.

It's just culture and a sign of the times and the world we live in and the economical and financial global structure right now.

Envy, or what we now call social comparison

People tend to compare themselves to others, especially in the age of social media.

Seeing others using certain tools or achieving success with specific solutions can spark a desire to find the perfect tool to enhance one's own performance or lifestyle. We can easily do research online, find a video of someone talking about a new product or the latest version.

We feel like we are missing out, that we are falling behind. Social pressure to have the latest thing is a real marketer's dream; it removes planned obsolescence and changes it into social obsolescence. You still use that old thing? Man, that must be slow. How do you still use that? I've got the newest whatever. You get the idea.

We are social creatures, and needing to fit into the group is vital for our survival. Well, it was hundreds of thousands of years ago. Now we can survive without having to see a single human being if you want to. Just Google search hikikomori.

We envy what others have, and we need to fit into the group; it's our tribalistic nature.

Consumer culture

The mindset of continuous improvement encourages individuals to seek better tools and solutions constantly.

The pursuit of perfection is fueled by the belief that there is always room for improvement, leading to an ongoing search for the ideal tool.

We think that having the latest and greatest tool will help. In truth, it just might. But if we already have something that works, why buy something new? The old saying, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it," is so true, but we still look for something new anyway.

Advertising works; I can't help but see someone use a new laptop or someone I admire or follow using a certain device or tool. I think if they use it, it must be good; it must help. Surely it's not just personal preference; it's giving them a leg up in the game, and if I use it, it might do the same.

Why can't we resist our desires for perfection

We lie to ourselves all the time. It's called false logic. We tell ourselves in our head it the right decision, tricking ourselves into thinking and justifying our choices.

The truth is there is no perfect. Done is better than perfect; we all know this. But we still strive for it anyway. It's because we see perfect all the time, catered perfection, the perfect bodies, homes, lifestyles, smiles, holidays, jobs, careers. But we have to realize that those videos, images we see are just facades.

Perfectionism is internalized oppression.

There are no shortcuts, and the moment you jump over that fence thinking the grass is greener on the other side, you will realize it was astroturf all along.

Because no matter what you do, what tool you finally settle on, you still have to do the work. So you might as well start with what you already have.