Well Worn Tools vs. Shiny Chrome

 People tend to feel they need to compress learning into as small of a time frame as possible these days, because it seems like it's possible, therefore that's what you should do.

The physical embodiment of a bar chord. Used on aluminum Cold War nails from
Poland to build skateboard ramps when I was 10, and to nail braids
 to secure fencing in my yard last week. I've never used a nail gun.

 There are some concepts in music that should be viewed as "tools".  Phrases that use a unique mechanical movement perhaps, or a particular embellishment.

 Instead of learning said concept and moving on, one should... savor it.  If you're learning it, it's probably because it's a classic, great thing.

 Having a few tools that are well worn, because you know how to use them and can use them well, makes you a better musician than having the big Snap-On tool box filled with brand new tools that you don't really know how to use, or even what they're called.

 Knowing when to use a tool, use it appropriately and well, is a great skill to have and one should take pride in it.  Taking pride in the accumulated skill is part of the reward process that makes the next thing easier to do.  If you short circuit that, you'll hit a brick wall.

 Sometimes you have to take a step back, and use the tool over and over.   You can then put the tool down, pick it up later and it will still be there.

 If you use it once, put it away - you've wasted your time.  When it does - IF if does - occur to you to use it again, it won't be there for you.  The effort you put into it to learn it initially will be gone.

 Having the toolbox with a lot of shiny tools in it can be interesting if you know that's what you're doing, collecting tools.  Being a tool "tourist" so to speak. But driving one nail doesn't mean you can use a hammer.