Yeah see this is the problem, you want to work towards a goal like a deku spear, then be able to use that reward as a tool to further your next goals
Botw/totk is really designed around churn and chores. Your goal is just exploring in this world and maybe the few permanent upgrades. Everything else is specifically designed to be chores and busywork as you do that.
Some people find the act of exploration, the only reward they need in the game. Some of us want more going on, but that’s not the game nintendo wanted to make.