WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE WAY OF GETTING THINGS DONE.
A preference for tasks that are important. An approach for how to accomplish things. This way, preference has usefulness. You might even say purpose.
IT’S LIKE A TOOL IN OUR HAND. IT’S OUR FAVORITE TOOL. We use it to create value in the world and others are grateful.
Can you see yours?
It’s easy to use it in the wrong way or at the wrong time. We use it to protect or defend ourselves when we feel insecure or threatened. This can hurt others and is unhelpful. Noticing these times can help us identify what our favorite tool is.
Let’s say your favorite tool is a hammer. Hammers are great. When building a house you want hammers on framing day. However, when it’s time to paint walls, hammers are not helpful. You need a different tool. You need a paint brush.
HAMMERS ARE STRONG, CONFIDENT, AGGRESSIVE. They are good at taking things apart and putting things together. If the only tool you have is a hammer, pretty soon everything looks like a nail. Myers Briggs type: ENTJ Enneagram: 8
PAINT BRUSHES ARE GENTLE, KIND, SOFT. They are perfect for making things beautiful. If the only tool you have is a paintbrush, pretty soon everything looks ugly. Myers Briggs type: ISFP Enneagram: 2
Can you identify your favorite tool?
We love our tool. It feels good. It seems best. We believe its use is valuable. Said differently, we try to prove it’s value through its use. This is a mistake. Tools at rest are valuable; their use is sometimes valuable. It’s a matter of timing and context.
PAINT BRUSHES MAKE BAD HAMMERS AND HAMMERS MAKE BAD PAINTBRUSHES.
When we learn to set our tool down two wonderful things happen. First, we demonstrate to others that we understand its value and when to use it. This builds trust in others and increases the likelihood that they will welcome it’s use. Second, setting your favorite tool down makes it possible to pick up another tool.
IT TURNS OUT THAT PEOPLE WHO LOVE HAMMERS CAN ALSO USE PAINTBRUSHES.