Sometimes, Efficiency Isn't the Goal

There was a moment when I discovered a more efficient way to tie my boots. I practiced it several times, hoping to make it second nature. Yet, the next morning, I found myself lacing them the same old way I had for years. I remember the new technique and even agree that it's better, but I just don't care. This indifference has started to affect my garage projects as well.

Despite my deep interest in the mechanical wonders that fill my garage, I no longer feel the need to learn new methods for tasks I already know how to do. While efficiency can allow us to do more and better work, it's not always the goal. For me, working on things is about enjoyment, not productivity. Doing something the "slow" way isn't a hindrance—it's the point.

I suspect this mindset is common among many DIY enthusiasts. Most of us get into this hobby to save money, collect tools, or simply escape the couch. There's something inherently satisfying about using our hands, as if it's what we were meant to do. The items in my garage don't generate income, and while the skills I gain might occasionally bring in a few dollars, it's usually in the form of a 12-pack rather than a steady paycheck.

Learning new things is essential in life. No one is born knowing how to adjust an idle mixture screw on a Quadrajet or the ideal dwell angle for a high-compression small-block engine. We all had to learn these things, and most of us continued learning as technology advanced, or at least figured out how to apply old knowledge to new problems.

This might sound like a softer way of saying that sometimes the old way isn't better, but it's the way I prefer. Since I maintain my vehicles for personal enjoyment, there's little reason to become better at simple tasks like removing a drain plug or investing in a tool that would speed up tire changes. Instead of focusing on improving tasks I already know, I choose to spend my time, money, and energy on learning new processes and techniques with different machines.

Repeating tasks I enjoy serves as a form of relaxation, while tackling new challenges encourages growth. This approach keeps me constantly learning without feeling like my work in the garage is stagnant.

Take, for example, my LS-swap Corvette project. I've built V-8 engines before, but never a Chevrolet LS. I've installed engines multiple times, but never one that wasn't originally designed for that specific engine bay. It's a new challenge that builds on my existing experience without requiring me to start from scratch. In my view, it's important to always learn, but there's no need to waste time relearning the same thing twice.

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