Technology = Stress
2020 has been a tough year in a lot of ways, and it got off to rocky start for me with technology. First my blog stopped working. Then my brand new computer couldn’t print and fixing the OS froze the computer…back to the store. The TV was next (ok, it was 12 years old). And then both my cable and phone lines went down; as in, the wires were physically ripped off my roof.
I imagine most folks wouldn’t find these glitches much fun, but it took my stress to the next level. Every time I solved one problem, calmed down and my neck relaxed again, a new thing went wrong – and my neck immediately was tight as a fist.
Technology is a big trigger for me, with all of my reactions being over-reactions and disproportionate to the actual problem. In my mind, however irrational, technology issues threaten my self reliance, my productivity, my financial stability, and my very self worth! What if I can’t fix these problems?! What if no one can?! Ever?!!
Like I said, it’s not very rational. But when I can stop for a moment and take a few breaths, here is what I know to be true:
- I always seem to find a solution to a problem
- Many problems require not just solutions, but patience
- If I can’t figure something out, I can ask for help
- There is always help
- I’m grateful to have the means to replace old technology
- I’m grateful for people who are willing and able to help me
- My stress about most problems is wasted energy; it doesn’t change the problem or speed up the solution
- What I see as a problem in the moment may be an actual blessing (i.e., all this stuff got resolved before COVID)
I’d like to say I handled this string of technology problems well. On one phone call, I thanked the technician for his patience, and he said, “I was just about to say the same thing to you!” So that was a good sign. However, I know that more patience and acceptance could have brought me more peace and less anxiety. I hope the next time I have a technology issue, I remember to read this post!
What’s that thing that tends to trigger you? Where a small problem feels huge or unmanageable, and you find yourself spinning out? What do you need to remind yourself in those times, so the problem gets right-sized?
Wishing you – and your technology – glitch-free operations!
p.s. Your comments are most welcome on this post at https://www.facebook.com/jenfrankcoaching