Confidence is the companion of success.
—Anonymous—
The pride one gets from mastering—or, if you’re a techno-spazz like me, just getting the basics of—a computer, is very empowering. These machines can make us crazy (even though they were supposed to make our lives easier). In addition, learning something new builds brain cells and staves off Alzheimer’s.
Have you ever wondered why computer malfunctions cause us so much emotional stress? Well, encountering a problem you have no idea how to fix causes anxiety. Will I get my work done? What have I lost? How much will it cost to fix? Who can I get to help? How long will it take? And these are just the basic questions.
While you’re asking yourself about these, adrenalin and cortisol are coursing through your system,
making your body feel differently. From sweating to squirminess, the physical manifestation of angst is very uncomfortable and makes it difficult to concentrate.
Even if the problem is solved quickly, going into that momentary panic will take you anywhere from an hour to a day to recover from and get back to your normal level of functioning. And being in that place is not great for your confidence or general well-being.
Knowing how your computer works, and having the ability to dance around a program and make it do what you want it to, can make you feel creative and intelligent. And having the ability to get done what you need to and not encounter any problems allows for greater access to the inner resources and inspiration that we all have..
As you learn something new, you actually stimulatethe growth centers of your mind and you create a greater ability to figure out what you need to do next. The confidence of knowing that you can solve a problem, even before you actually encounter it, is very freeing, and allows you to push yourself without feeling pushed.
You can fly though projects like a stunt pilot, doing barrel rolls around your Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and making Ansel Adams green with envy by your knowledge of Adobe Photoshop. In addition, every time you accomplish a new task, it gives you the opportunity to feel better about yourself. It’s a win-win. If you invest an hour or two a week in a class, many of which are available online, you will master your computer/program of choice in short order. With that ability, you can then create and share your gifts with the world.
Social networking alone can link you up with what’s going on in many different parts of the world.
By tweeting here or blogging there, you can touch the lives of hundreds of people. Quite simply, knowing your way around the computer connects you to the rest of humanity. And that is a real confidence-builder.
So go get that new laptop or use your kids’; it’s time to learn so you can keep up with the rest of the human race.
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