Master Something and Feel Good
In a recent post on her blog, Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin suggested that learning to conquer a gadget, device or appliance can make us feel good. Her post made me chuckle since tackling new technology seems an ongoing experience for me.
Here’s a revised version of how I commented on Gretchen’s blog.
I remember one day decades ago when I decided I was going to learn to program my VCR. I sat down with the manual and vowed not to get up until I had mastered it. Yippee! I did.
The bad news about all this mastery, however, is that as soon as you experience that good-feeing-from-accomplishing-tech something new comes out, as well as upgrades to all your current possessions.
Since the day I decided to take over maintaining my websites and decided to set up my own blogs, I have been on a daily trek of climbing steep learning curves.
I agree with my daughter that we should buy appliances who features are easy in the first place. When I remodeled my kitchen that was the primary feature I required; sturdy and easy to clean were the next.
I thought I wanted chrome appliances, for example, until while in the showroom I saw that my handprint on the refrigerator door stayed there for all to see. So, whether or not my handprint was visible on the refrigerator door became the determining factor.
I bought a black refrigerator with a leather-like finish. No handprints.
It’s far easier to make wise decisions about buying appliances than it is to adapt to changes with online technology.
When I went over to check on several domains today, for example, I discovered that my host company has redesigned the look of their site–again! (I was just there last week!) I had to look carefully for links to the areas I needed. Eventually I had to call tech support. Thankfully their tech support is 24/7.
Although online technology throws challenges my way frequently, it also gives me many feel-good experiences when I finally figure out the latest new thing. It also gives me confidence that I’ll be able to master the next thing when it comes out next week.
This thing you master doesn’t have to be a big thing, like figuring out a computer program or how to use all the features on your cellphone.
I once figured out that an inexpensive clock that had I love stopped working just because it needed its battery contacts cleaned and a new battery. It still makes me feel good because at first I thought the clock was hopeless and considered throwing it away. Every time I look at it now I smile with pride.
Have you ever felt good because you mastered some appliance, gadget, or other device?
Share.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I am one of those with difficulty grasping anything technical. I’m even surprised myself that I’m able to put up my site.
A gadget that I recently mastered is my video camera. Took me a while for me to learn how to download pictures!
October 1st, 2008 at 11:08 am
Evelyn,
We all have difficulty with something technical. One person may be expert on software, but be dumbfounded by hardware.
While some are very knowledgeable about cameras, they may be lost when setting up websites.
I’ve been having fun lately setting up my own websites. They won’t be mistaken for ones created by top professional designers, but they are simple, easy to navigate and just right for my visitors.
Let’s congratulate ourselves. Yippee!
October 1st, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I’ve worked the basics - dvd, digital camera, computer. But would love to some day set up own web site. Mostly am reluctant b/c of the time involved!
October 1st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Yes, its always nice to be independent and figure things out ourselves. The problem is when there is someone else in the house who can get it done, we don’t feel the “need” to learn it since we think we can always rely on them.
October 1st, 2008 at 7:41 pm
@Joanne,
Setting up a website does take time at first, but try a very simple one to start. Take full advantage of all the tech support you can get with your host. Jump in.
@Shamelle,
I remember the early days when I was terrified of the computer and counted on my son to hold my hand every step of the way. Eventually I grew in confidence and soon took off on my own path. Now I’ve surpassed him in setting up and maintaining my sites and blogs.