We are currently in the middle of the end of the year discount craze. A lot of audio companies are promoting new products also.

I really enjoy checking out new plugins and tools.

It’s easy to forget that buying new tools is not just a monetary investment. It also prompts us to acquire the skills to use those tools properly.

What’s the cost of that? Your time and attention. A disruption of your normal workflow.

Many times, we end up not wanting to spend those costs. And the shiny new thing we bought ends up neglected.

The money is wasted and we end up with extra mental baggage for having made a useless investment.

Why not invest directly in our skills and understanding of our existing tools?

This investment can have a much bigger impact than a new tool ever could.

Skills — not tools — is what truly helps us get ahead of the curve.

(By the way — If you’re looking for a free, supportive community to help you grow your skills in music production, you’re welcome to join the Resoundsound Discord — invite link for you here.)

I have dedicated countless hours to expanding my knowledge of many of my favourite tools. I continue to make time for it by regularly practicing, watching tutorials, and re-reading manuals.

When considering buying something, I strive to be honest with myself. I make a clear distinction between utility and pleasure. Does it bring genuine value to my work? Usually I want a new purchase to solve a bottleneck situation. Or do I simply crave the novelty and enjoyment it may offer?

I give myself the permission to buy stuff just to have fun with it, as long as I’m honest about it. I try to strike a balance between work and fun, but I do get distracted more than I would wish.

Never the less, it’s always a good time to remind ourselves: There is more we can do with what we already have.