After shoveling out from yet another snowstorm, dealing with customers that literally define the word “frenemies”, and losing a set of car keys that brought all operations in my driveway to a ground stop, it was time to hit the control, alt, and delete keys simultaneously this week.
My initial, defiant response to the week’s challenges with “Do you want a piece of me?” not surprisingly turned out to be the wrong approach to ensure my inner peace. Just like Frank Costanza, I found myself throwing my arms up in the air and yelling “Serenity Now!”. The scary thing is that it worked. After taking some time to reflect on this stress that was growing out of control, I remembered that although I may not be in control of what life throws at me, I am in control of how I react to it.
One of the greatest challenges to this “new normal” is that I believe that I am now over-connected. As I sit in front of my home office computer, there is a constant barrage of information. I get pop-up notifications for incoming email, voice mail, online meetings, delinquent items on my To Do list, breaking news and even approaching tornados. While seeking some R&R for my weary soul, my smart phone conveniently fills in for my computer while I am on vacation. And just like my mother, my phone is so concerned about my well being that it tells me the time to get ready for bed so that I get the optimal rest.
Although I refuse to part with the analog, Swiss-made timepiece strapped to my wrist, many people now rely upon smart watches to remain connected when they are separated from their phone. With a quick glance at their wrist they can see their blood oxygen content, blood sugar level, what direction they are facing and how many steps they need to take to remain fit. I think it may even tell the time, albeit without the faint ticking we associate with a heartbeat. Wait, some smart watches actually show you an electrocardiogram to prove that you are not dead.
It gets even better. Apparently, now technology can inspire us and even pat us on the butt when we do a good job. I took this off of the website of one smart watch manufacturer:
“A milestone in motivation. At key moments, your metrics will come to life on the screen, like your heart rate or activity rings. And when you close a ring, it animates to celebrate your effort. It’s the perfect blend of information and inspiration, right when you need it.”
I know the stress I felt when I could not find my car keys. I can only imagine the anxiety I would feel if I became separated from my personal metrics and life coach.
Technology is the new meth. Companies are marketing products on which you are conditioned to depend for your health and happiness. Keep in mind that most of these services only come with a monthly subscription. That only materializes the relationship between the junkie and the dealer.
This brings me back to taking responsibility for our own happiness and well-being. We, not some microprocessor, need to decide the personal skills necessary to cope with stress, ensure our fitness and move us to become the better version of ourselves for which we aspire. On those occasions when it seems too much to bear, it’s OK to scream “Serenity now!”. I suspect that this method will produce a better result than your watch sending you a smiley face emoji and saying “great job”. You may even want to put down your phone with the navigation app. Sometimes going “free style” will result in you getting lost and discovering another happy place.
