I’ve had a tough week with technology. My laptop computer blew up. It literally popped and went dark. Fortunately, there was no fire! I knew I was in trouble. Then, on top of that, I started getting international spam calls from Armenia, Georgia and Serbia. My cell phone’s been ringing from 3 am until 6 am and again around dinner time. Can you identify with any of this? The onslaught of calls on top of a dead laptop set my nerves on edge. I had lost control over the technology that was an integral part of my life! And my gut was telling me my relationship with it would never be the same.
I felt overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do to regain my equilibrium.
So I turned to Write to Be Well to come up with a game plan. I quickly went through the first three steps, jotting down my feelings, affirming that I am competent, and coming up with a plan of attack. It wasn’t until I reflected on my readiness to change, that I began to acknowledge I could deal with new and different technology and live comfortably with it once again. I calmed down and felt the stress begin to melt away.
Here’s how my reflection, the last step in the Write to Be Well method, helped me. I reflected on three questions: 1) Am I confident in my ability to move forward? 2) What is my attitude about carrying out my action plan? 3) How will I hold myself accountable?
I responded: 1) I have a love/hate relationship with technology. It’s hard to learn all the features of a new laptop, but it’s not like this is my first computer. I know it’ll take time. I just need to be patient with myself. 2) My laptop is dead and my cell phone is compromised. Both were beyond my control. It just happened. I need to deal with this and regain control over my technology. First step, purchase a new laptop. My 2012 model is considered “vintage,” unsalvageable! Fortunately, the data can be retrieved. Second step, add a call-blocking app to my phone. With a plan in mind, I feel better. I’m pumped and ready to take action! 3) To be accountable, I’m giving myself 3 days to research and make a laptop purchase; I’m adding the app to my phone today. I’ll feel better once I get started.
If you feel overwhelmed and out of control with any aspect of your life, step back and reflect on what it is you need to do to regain your sense of equilibrium. Answer the same three questions I did or try these:
- Are there obstacles in your way that prevent you from going forward? How will you address them? What will you do once you’ve removed the blocks?
- Write from the perspective of your best friend. What would he/she say or advise you to do? Is this good advice? Why or why not?
- What will keep you accountable in your efforts to re-establish equilibrium? Do you need to set up a reward system to keep you going forward? What will keep you motivated?
Write on!