“We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us.”
Marshall McLuhan, Ph.D.
I am not sleeping well . . . waking up many times during the night is normal. Last night was climatic as I woke up twice experiencing scary choking spells. After a visit with my family doctor, who is also a specialist in the area of sleep disorders, I am scheduled for a ‘test night’ at a local sleep center.
Meeting again with my family physician following the sleep study, the results reveal that I have sleep apnea. There is a solution, and he writes a prescription for a device called CPAP.
That experience was over 15 years ago. The 30 days after the initial doctor visit included a test night, diagnosis, prescription and integration of a new device. The result was enormous, dramatic and fast. Changed my life!
Since then, I have learned that I am not alone. Over 18 million people in America have sleep apnea. Untreated, this disorder can progress into other more serious ailments; some that increase the risk of death. Fortunately, there are solutions. My personal solution, a CPAP machine, illustrates a simple success strategy.
Increase success through tools.
Now, a little over 15 years later, I can attest that the personal change for me was so significant, it changed my life. Today, I never miss one night of using this incredible machine. Improvements in the product have made it easier to use and even more beneficial in the pursuit of healthy sleep patterns.
A CPAP machine is a medical tool – a life-changing device. For many people who have sleep apnea this device represents a huge increase in quality of life. For some, it is life-saving therapy that can prevent other conditions that increase the possibility of ill health and even death.
Increase success through tools.
What about tools you are now using? How important are such instruments to your success? Life-changing? Life-saving? Do the current tools you use help you in becoming more successful?
What about tools you have never used? Are there some that could help you become more successful? Are there tools you have not used recently, even though you know they could possibly enhance your quest for success? Perhaps, there is one or two which you do not know how to use.
Are tools really important? According to a statement made by 19th Century Scottish Essayist, Thomas Carlyle, “Man is a tool-using animal. Without tools he is nothing, with tools he is all.” Wow! Perhaps, his proclamation is a bridge too far. Tools are not everything – but properly utilized, instrumentation represents a substantial opportunity to improve efficiency and effectiveness. We only have to observe the myriad electronic devices available today that enable us to do tasks faster and with greater usefulness.
Increase success through tools.
Computers, Smartphones, machines and other electronic devices are common tools. Even in our electronic world, a notebook or 3 x 5 note card can serve as a useful tool. Are you advancing in your journey toward success by tools currently within your arsenal? Is it time to get rid of any tool that is no longer useful, replacing it with a more effective instrument? Maybe it is time for a refresher tutorial on how to use some devices. Is there an additional skill you could learn that would increase tool effectiveness?
All of us were given a toolbox in the beginning of our journey. As we navigate along life’s path, many opportunities become available to gather new tools. Have you looked inside your toolbox lately? Are you using the current tools in your stratagem to help you succeed? Are you maximizing other available tools for success?
Is there a tool that you have yet to engage that could assist you in your journey? When will you exercise such a beneficial tool?
Is there perhaps a powerful tool you need to learn how to use more effectively? Who could help you in acquiring skills necessary to increase the benefits of such a tool?
Today, I will add . . . tool into my toolbox for success.
Today, I will learn to more effectively use . . . tool for
Want a powerful tool? See The List
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