Some of the gear & some idea

There are two ways to approach hobbies in life.

All the gear, no idea

You get the the “All the gear, no idea” types. The ones who gear up with latest and greatest paraphernalia for the next new hobby. The new clubs, the glove, the shoes, the cap, before even setting foot on a golf course because if you can’t do it properly then don’t bother.

The “All the gear, no idea” guy probably feels that he’s lacking in skill, wanting to be good at something before they even try it. The gear will give him the confidence to give it a go and the financial outlay will ensure commitment to the activity. This guy does appreciate what good equipment or the right pair of quality running shoes can do for performance right off the bat, but probably doesn’t appreciate the effort and commitment required to be good at it. Reward first and then follow through. My dabbling in neuroscience would have me suggest this is an externally, dopamine- driven approach.

None of the gear, some idea

Then you get the “None of the gear, some idea” types who feel they only deserve the nice fancy stuff once they have proven to themselves that this is not a fleeting interest, have shown some commitment and dedication.

The “None of the gear, some idea” guy likely also deems himself not worthy of the good things in life until he has proven himself. There might be some ignorance here in not appreciating the benefit of the right equipment for serious contenders, but he knows what it will take in grit and determination to nail it. In this case the gear is the end reward as the motivation is internally driven through practising and getting better at the activity – which is serotonin’s speciality if I’ve understood Dr Huberman’s lecture correctly.

There’s no right or wrong approach here. Both have aspects of procrastination – I can’t do x, y or z until I have this or until I am that, confidence – I’m not good enough to have the good stuff or not good enough until I have the good stuff, and using the gear as either a motivator or as a reward.

Both could also be considered perfectionist in approach. The “All the gear” guy needs everything perfectly sorted to start. The “None of the gear” guy needs to become perfect to be sorted.

Which one are you?