The mental skills socket set: because one tool would be far too simple.

Do You Own a Socket Set?

I do. My one lives in the garage, and it’s an impressive-looking beast—packed with sockets, handles (I still don’t know what they’re properly called), odd attachments with bits on the end, and even a bendy piece that I assume is for “socketing” round corners. There’s also a screwdriver that looks like it’s been accidentally bent in half (apparently, it’s meant to be like that—thanks to my neighbour for clearing that up) and a couple of tools so strangely shaped I wouldn’t know where to begin.

I didn’t buy this socket set. It was left behind by the previous house owner. I’ve used it exactly once—to prop open the garage door while I sorted out my fishing tackle.

My best mate is a wizard with cars. He doesn’t just fix his own and his wife’s car to save a bit of money—he genuinely enjoys it. I’ve seen that smug look he has when he has fixed his car (or someone else’s). He has tools he’ll use once every few years, but when he needs them, he knows he’s got the exact right tool for the job. I’ve never seen his socket set, but I imagine it’s a glorious collection of thingamajigs and doodads. More importantly, he knows which jobs require those tools… and which ones need a fully kitted workshop.

What on earth does this have to do with mental performance?

Well, look around: it’s not like we’re short of information on how to “improve your performance” these days. Bookshops, podcasts, YouTube ads, and social feeds are overflowing with offers to help you overcome whatever with your generic discomfort in just an unrealistically tiny amount of time. Sometimes with the added bonus of “a secret technique someone doesn’t want you to know.”

Many of these resources are basically socket sets. They provide a variety of mental tools—breathing techniques, routines, reframing exercises—and you’re invited to try them out and hope one fits. That’s not a criticism of the authors; many are smart, experienced people who know their craft. But they’re also under pressure to make their content as accessible, clickable, and sellable as possible.

From a business point of view, it makes sense. A £20 book is an easy gamble compared to investing in personalised help designed to work for you—in your life, with your challenges, and your specific external and internal pressures.

And that’s the real issue. So many socket sets. So many tools. Different covers, different titles, different promises—but often containing variations of the same things. Before you know it, you’ve got a cupboard full of self-help “socket sets,” all slightly different, all slightly the same. You might even leave one out on the coffee table as a talking point:

“Oh that? Yes, it’s the number-one bestseller at Screwfix.”

If that’s the route you want to take—great.

Some of these books are a genuinely good read. But before you spend your money, time, and attention on another video, another book or even a course… do yourself a favour.

Sit down and honestly consider what you actually want to change about how you manage, monitor, and react to your thoughts and your life. This is something I can help you do; it’s an important part of what I do. However, you don’t need me or anyone else to help you make a start.

That bit of reflection might make the path forward clearer. It might help you figure out what you need your “socket set” to do. And with that clarity, you’ll be far more likely to choose tools that genuinely help—not just another shiny box for the pile.

Or, of course, you can just use the stack of self-help books as a doorstop.

Your choice.

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