Tip: When in doubt, reboot!
I am no great computer whiz. You might say that I am “technologically challenged”. As a matter of fact, I was amazed when I learned how to send an attachment with an email! It just does not seem to be my area of expertise. But, because I am committed to learning and growing, I will eventually get better at it!
My friend, Patrick Pettibon, who is a technological wizard, has told me that whenever my computer is “acting up”, the best thing I can do is to “reboot”. In other words, shut everything down, turn off the computer and then turn it back on again. In doing that, it resets everything and often repairs whatever problems may have been occurring. I wrote myself a reminder note that says, “Remember to reboot!” and put it on my computer. The last time Patrick looked at my computer he saw the note on my computer and laughed. I told him that would be one sure way for me to “remember to reboot” when action was needed!
I have also learned that same trick for my iPhone. When it starts acting up I know what to do. I just turn it off, wait a couple of minutes, then turn it back on and presto – everything usually works just fine!
You know, I have come to see that life is a lot like my computer and iPhone. When things are not going the way we think they should, sometimes it is best to just reboot. Since no one knows the perfect path to walk in order for everything to always run smoothly, we may find it necessary to stop, re-evaluate things and reboot.
Last week I read a quote by the famous American literary poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. He said, “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All of life is an experiment! The more experiments you make, the better. What if they are a little coarse and you may get your coat soiled or torn? What if you fail and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice? Up again; you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.” I like that approach. When I read that, I thought to myself, “Ralph Waldo Emerson was not afraid to reboot.” He learned the great lesson that life sometimes causes us to stumble and fall, but during that process we will learn a lot and be better for it.
In past years the economy was pretty slow. That can be discouraging at times. Now things seem to be picking back up and moving in a more positive direction. Regardless, in good times or in bad, I think that we should keep our chin up and keep doing the next right thing. We should daily try to accomplish all the good that we can, not only in our own personal life and business, but also try to help others along the way.
Recently I was in Haiti. When I look at the condition of that country, I realize that most of us are not dealing with problems anywhere near that magnitude. In comparison, we just have basic irritations that we are dealing with on a daily basis. They will learn and grow through their challenges, as difficult as they may be, and because of the strong, indomitable human nature, they will continue to press ahead and get through their challenges just like you and I will as we proceed through life.
If you are having trouble with your computer, I would encourage you write yourself a reminder note that says, “Remember to reboot.” And, the next time you are having life challenges and don’t know what to do, look at that note and remember this Tip. It may be time to stop, re-evaluate, and reboot your life as well! When you get a fresh start everything seems better. I guess that is why we have a fresh, new start every day.
Someone wisely noted, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift – that is why it is called the present!” Reboot your computer and your life this week!
Tip: When in doubt, reboot!
Have a great week! God bless you!
Dr. Robert A. Rohm
