4 Steps toward Transforming Techno-Fear into Techno-Serenity
by Donna K. Fitch
(Calera, Alabama, USA)
Donna K Fitch guest blogger at Coaching Leads To Success
Technology Demons On The Run - my friend from across the pond in Canada, Donna K. Fitch explains how the fear of technology no longer needs to be an ordeal. Enjoy her article and leave your comments.
Technology is all around us, and getting along in business and life these days requires a certain amount of knowledge of and familiarity with computer software and webpages and apps and all those other buzzwords. Techno-fear can make the most confident and blessed person crumple into a state of anxiety, or send her or him into a rage.
Here are some steps I recommend if you’re a person who is anxious about working with computers, tablets, smartphones, or any other type of technological device. Perhaps you won’t go all the way to techno-joy, but at least you will feel more centered, serene and less fearful in your daily life.
1. Start with a calm mind.
Do whatever is necessary to put you into a receptive state of mind. Meditate, sit quietly in a calm and peaceful room, pray—whatever you know helps prepare your mind for study. You are learning something new. Respect yourself and your abilities. Hurrying into the process when you have little time will only increase your anxiety.
2. Take baby steps.
So often people apologize to me when they ask a question. “I know this is probably a dumb question, but...” or “I know I should know this, but...” My reply is usually, “Why should you be expected to know that?” If it isn’t part of your job or your daily routine, you shouldn’t expect to know it. We all know children, even toddlers, who can pick up an iPad and play a game. The difference is, nobody told them they should be afraid. But honestly, nobody is born knowing how to create a webpage. You have many other wonderful and valuable skills. How did you learn them? A bit at a time. You can’t eat an elephant all at once, as the (rather weird) saying goes. Start out learning one small thing. If you’re interested in creating your own website, read about them first. There’s no shame in a “Dummies” book or other introductory work. And don’t spend long hours at a time working at it. Schedule an hour on your calendar each day, and then go do something else.
3. Get a techno-mentor.
Find someone who feels more comfortable with the technology about which you’re apprehensive, and ask her or him to sit down with you and talk about it. Or better yet, trade teaching time. You want to learn more about Microsoft Word or how to buy an app on a smartphone, while he or she may want to learn to knit or bake a pie or change the oil in a car. Younger people, such as grandchildren or young neighbors, often spring to mind first, but think about an older friend or grandfather; sometimes they have more free time to experiment and may have a wealth of computer knowledge for you.
4. Hire someone.
What happens if you try it and just don’t like it? If your daily job depends on a technology-based skill, you may not have the luxury of just not doing it anymore. If, however, you need to use Microsoft Excel to balance the books of your home business or require a website to share your latest book with the world, and you just can’t get the hang of it or really don’t like doing it, you can hire someone. Hiring someone doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it just means you prefer to direct your talents elsewhere.
I hope these steps will help you. What are some ways you overcome fear of technology? What’s your favorite affirmation to help you overcome when doing something seems too challenging?
Donna K. Fitch, MLS, MCert*, is the founder and CEO of Maximum Author Impact, creating beautiful WordPress websites, training webinars and other resources for indie authors. In her day job, she is the digital communication specialist in the office of marketing and communication at Samford University. She is the author of Second Death, The Source of Lightning, and The Color of Darkness and Other Stories, and a member of the Alexandria Publishing Group, aimed at raising the level of professionalism among indie authors.
*Master of Library Science, Master’s Certificate in Web Design and Development
