POSTED BY Bruce Kaechele

Jun 11, 2009

What Is Your “allineedis”?

A new set of clubs to get rid of your slice? A smart phone to keep track of your life? A different brand of running shoes to race a personal best? A new software package to reveal your design talent? A more advanced collar to make your dog behave? A YouTube video to boost sales?

Mine was a guitar.

When I was in high school my guitar hero was Dicky Betts of the Allman Brothers. I really wanted to play and sound like him. So I plunked down around $1,500 (used ’72 in 1978) for a Gibson Les Paul. Of course you already know the end of the story. It didn’t work. To this day, I still don’t play or sound like Mr. Betts.

Why not? I didn’t practice enough. I wanted the quick solution. I don’t think this was a conscious thought – but it’s right there under the surface. I could have practiced day and night on a crappy, used, starter guitar and gotten closer to my goal than practicing the amount I did on my Les Paul.

It’s easy to get caught in the allineedis trap; the idea that a tool is the magic bullet. It can be. But more often, your allineedis is a way to avoid the work that’s really needed. Of course this isn’t a new idea. But I think that the faster the influx of new technology and the associated promises of better, faster, sexier, cooler, the easier it is to buy the hype and forget about the work.

Before you shell out for your allineedis, practice the swing, learn how to say “no”, run the fartleks, discover your creative voice, spend time with your dog, develop your brand story. Do the work whatever the work is.

By the way, I still have the Les Paul – it’s appreciating in value. The only thing I own that is.

And for old times sake:

Posted by: Bruce Kaechele
Email the author: brucek@fathom.net