"In a world that is constantly changing, there is no one subject or set of subjects that will serve you for the foreseeable future, let alone for the rest of your life. The most important skill to acquire now is learning how to learn."
John Naisbett

"Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself."
Robert Collier

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I recently purchased a new computer. My old laptop was five years old which I think is equivalent to about 108 in computer-years. And it was running like it was about 108: it had alzheimer's when it came to some of my appointments, it often became distracted and confused when executing a command, and the greater the hurry I was in, the slower it seemed to go. It was time to put the old processor out to pasture.

And so it was with a combination of anticipation and trepidation that I awaited the new computer. My anticipation was for the "lightening fast processor" that sounded like one of the smart robots out of Star Wars. My trepidation was from the fact that our friends at Microsoft have made it virtually impossible to buy a new PC without Vista. "You WILL buy Vista and you WILL like it!" seemed to be the edict. As I went through this process of purchasing and converting to my new computer, the many opportunities to be delighted and dismayed, I realized that there were many life lessons to be learned from this process. Whether you have a new computer in your near future, or you're just trying to get through life day-by-day, I hope you find these lessons from my computer experience helpful.

To summarize:
Lesson #1: Know what you want, and expect more
Lesson #2: Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, and know when to find a new game
Lesson #3: Learning can put the magic back in life
Lesson #4: Sometimes you've just gotta "reboot"
Lesson #5: Got help?

Lesson #1: Know what you want, and expect more
The first step to buy a new computer, and one of the hardest in my view, is knowing what you want. How will you use the computer, what functions do you want to perform, how long do you plan to keep it? I was forced to think about how I currently used my computer, and to anticipate my future. Hmmm. Sounds a bit like my coaching: What's working, what do you wish to be different, what do you need to do differently, and how do you envision your future with this change. The next step in the process was to find out what was available for the functions I wanted to perform. I kept inquiring and researching how else I could get a function, or what other software was available that might be cheaper or more fully- functioned. For example, through my definition of needs and willingness to expect more, I found free software that performed the same function as the $300 software I had been researching. When you're looking at a next step or a goal, know clearly what you want AND expect more. You just might get it!

Lesson #2: Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, and know when to find a new game
It's said that a key to winning in poker is knowing when to "hold" and when to "fold." Know when to believe fully in your position no matter what, and when to let go and move on to the next hand. Obviously there are risks and trade-offs with each position. In buying a new computer, I learned there are times to "hold" on your position, times to "fold" and move on, and times to create a new game that gives you a better chance to "win." Have you either stuck with a certain position too long and regretted it, or just given in too quickly? Me too. And I also learned that there's almost always a third alternative: create a new game! A couple of weeks before my new computer arrived I was given a free handheld computer - a cool, used Palm Pilot. I couldn't wait to start using it with my new computer. The new computer arrived with Vista installed. Guess what? After a couple of hours of struggle and "chats" with "it's-not-our-problem" technical support from each company involved, I realized I needed a new game. I realized I could buy a brand new, even cooler handheld, for the equivalent of a couple hours of my time. I made a choice to find a new alternative. When you find yourself in a double- bind, know when it's right to "hold," "fold," or find a new game.

Lesson #3: Learning can put the magic back in life
After five years of using the same computer, I was pretty set in my ways. I knew how to do everything I needed to do, and I was very efficient (even if my computer wasn't!). When the new computer arrived with Vista installed, everything looked different. There were new menus, new defaults, new icons. Yikes! My first reaction was frustration. Computers are supposed to make you MORE efficient, not less, I believed. Then I remembered how fulfilling the process of learning is. When I gave up my resistance, I found some exciting new features that made me more efficient. I took the time to research funny little buttons that magically showed my the old style of menus, so I can resort to the old way of doing things when I need to. I even found some of the "wow" features Microsoft claims. My shift in attitude to find the magic in the new system, instead of lamenting the old way, really changed the way I worked and how I felt. Think about how you can put the magic back in your life by being a beginner again, letting go of your resistance to "wasting time" or needing to have the answer, and explore the possibilities.

Lesson #4: Sometimes you've just gotta "reboot"
When I was first setting up my computer and installing new software, it frequently reminded me that to recognize the new features I needed to "reboot" the computer. The reboot allows the computer to go through its standard set-up instructions and know how to use the new applications or additions. I thought about how I go through my day, from one thing to the next, often not stopping to "reset" myself and get back to the most basic "instructions" of how I want to live my life. What if we remembered that when we get stressed, overwhelmed, or lost in our daily lives, that we can always "reboot" too? We can go back to our basic values, principles, standards of behavior, and identity of who we are. And when we do that, we can address each new "application" or challenge with a fresh perspective.

Lesson #5: Got help?
There's no trademark moustache with this slogan, but getting help with my computer was a great reminder that we need a daily dose of this. I called on resources for experience with buying computers and enlisted a friend to help with the wireless connectivity. The project was so much easier, much more fun, and infinitely less stressful knowing that I had friends and resources to call upon. We often get into the mode of doing it all ourselves, or waiting until we're overwhelmed and frustrated to ask for help. Get in the habit of seeking help and support from others, and looking for ways to give help. The cycle of serving and receiving is one of the most powerful opportunities in life.

I'm sure that I'll continue to learn more from my experience with my computer over the years. And when it comes time to do the same thing again, I'll remind myself that no matter what the challenges, there's always something to learn and a good topic for a newsletter right around the corner!