Recently I was asked to be interviewed on a podcast (cue party horns blaring and confetti cannons popping out glitter and paper everywhere)!
I was scared but said yes anyway (my newest battle cry) and anxiously showed up to the virtual interview using the provided link. That, of course, is when it happened.
That thing that always trips me up.
Technology.
If you ask me about my relationship with technology I’ll reply, “It’s complicated”.
Technology IS a beautiful thing.
It’s made my life easier and has vastly improved it. I can stay connected with our “faraway family” (aka children in college and foreign exchange students we’ve hosted), I can have a meeting with people from around the world now with the click of a button. And the TV, movies, music… Well, where do I start? It’s magic! I really do love technology.
But technology doesn’t love me.
It’s sly and sinister and totally has my number. Technology knows how to play me and bat me around like a cat playing with a mouse before it’s devoured. And it often torments me only to reveal itself with a simple solution in the end.
“Oh, I just needed to click this button to solve all my problems?” I say with wide, blinking eyes.
“Yes” it almost always answers, "but you weren't smart enough to figure that out."
“I wish I knew how to quit you.”
So when the latest tech challenge tapped me on the shoulder and whispered, “I’m sorry but today I’m not going to allow you to connect your camera and microphone,” I was furious.
I had prepped for the podcast.
I had planned my schedule around the interview.
I hadn’t eaten dairy the day before (because, you know, phlegm).
And the interviewer had done the same (not sure on the dairy part…)
She and I worked the problem like a piece of gum, but ultimately ended up having to reschedule the interview.
Once again I muttered, “I wish I knew how to quit you.”
I knew the solution was going to be one stupid thing. And it was. It turns out since I hadn’t been on the podcast platform website before I needed to unlock my camera and microphone in the browser. So it actually was TWO clicks this time. Two stupid things.
Technology is my kryptonite. So I plan to continue my personal battle by educating myself and learning more. Bit by bit. Tiny tweak at a time, I plan to grow in confidence in ability until I’m able to reply in casual conversation that I’m “tech-savvy” when the topic of computers comes up.
This experience got me thinking about that one stupid thing that trips each of us up.
What brings you to your knees?
Years ago, my one stupid thing was public speaking. I hated having to “say a few words” or having to give a presentation. So I started studying body language. And bit by bit, tiny tweak at a time, I started to tamp down some of my fears. I started to face and embrace the discomfort by learning more about the problem.
And it turns out that I still can get nervous and often have to review and remember “the basics” before presenting to a large group. But, at the end of the day, I’m able to reply in casual conversation, “I’m a speaker and a trainer”. For me it’s the little wins that matter.
What is your one stupid thing?
Is it public speaking?
Initiating a conversation?
Reading people?
Connecting with others?
Making a good first impression?
Technology (or is it just me?)
Making sourdough bread?
Making a killer cocktail?
We all have one.
And if any of your stupid things are related to people skills, send me your word and I’ll send you my hard-won advice. Like your own personal Ann Landers (note, if you don’t get this reference, I’m flattered that you are young and still reading my blog!) I’ll write you a response.
It’s time to look the stupid thing in the face.
Your co-pilot, (who is open to tech advice and book recommendations),
