Our Tools in Our Toolbox

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges at us. Some days, it feels like we’re equipped with all the right tools to handle whatever comes our way. Other days, we’re scrambling, feeling like we’re trying to tighten a bolt with a spoon—frustrated, overwhelmed, and questioning why we didn’t prepare better.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of our “toolbox” lately—the skills, knowledge, experiences, and support systems we carry with us to navigate life. Just like a carpenter wouldn’t build a house with only a hammer, we can’t expect to face life’s complexities with just one approach. We need a variety of tools, each serving a purpose, each valuable in its own way.

Some of these tools we actively seek out—education, training, and the lessons learned from trial and error. Others come from unexpected places—advice from a friend, a moment of failure that teaches resilience, or even the quiet wisdom found in reflection. Then there are the tools we often forget we have until we desperately need them—patience, adaptability, and the ability to step back and breathe.

But here’s the thing about tools—they’re only useful if we know how and when to use them. Carrying around a wrench won’t do much good if we don’t recognize when something needs tightening. The same goes for life. We may have strength, but do we know when to use it versus when to rely on compassion? We may have intelligence, but do we know when to lead and when to listen?

Our toolbox isn’t just about having resources; it’s about developing the wisdom to use them effectively. And sometimes, we realize we’re missing something—a tool we never thought we needed until we faced a challenge that required it. That’s when growth happens. That’s when we seek out new knowledge, new perspectives, and new ways of approaching life.

So today, I’m reminding myself—and maybe you, too—to take inventory of our toolboxes. What skills do we have but rarely use? What strengths are we underestimating? And most importantly, what new tools should we be adding to ensure we’re prepared for whatever life builds next?

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about having the right tools—it’s about knowing when and how to use them.