One Best Way

We all love hacks – ways to shortcut a process, simplify things, learn the most in the shortest period of time.  Achieve results in a short period of time that takes others years to learn.
The reality is there is no playbook for everything beyond simply applying the 80/20 rule. In order to truly master something worthy, there is no shortcut. We have to learn by first principles, use manual “tools”, go step by step, in order to understand the mechanical what and how and why – so that we can apply it different circumstances we encounter.
If we just take others’ tools and models and playbooks without the proper understanding, it may work fine when all the conditions are right, but we can’t adjust or correct when any factor or assumption is off.
We tend to fall for the solution or system that will magically solve our problems.
The fact is each system / tool is designed around a set of use cases and nuiances – in a similar way we have our own use cases and nuiances with our work.  The best tool (that is not built by yourself) will address best 80% of What you need AND How you want to achieve it.
There is no universal “One Best Way” nor universal “One Best Tool” for all situations. However, there is a best way for this set of goals and constraints, and that best tool for that set of tasks and resources.
Stop the obession to look for the perfect tool for what you are trying to do. The time and efforts spent will end up taking more time and energy than getting the task done…