Full disclosure: I am a geek. I’m not a formally trained IT specialist, just someone who likes technology and has learned a lot along the way. I do not know everything (not even close.) I became knowledgeable about the specific technology that I use simply because I needed to use it...and I enjoy it. But what if you are not that excited about technology? No worries, you don’t have to be a geek to master the skills you need.
Learning about new technology comes naturally to some and not so naturally to others. For those who may consider themselves “technologically challenged,” please know that there is hope! You don’t need to love it to learn it. However, you do have to see that there is a need to learn it and embrace the idea that these skills will add value to your life. Here are a few tips that may ease your frustration as you acquire new technology skills.
#1 Use The Right Tool For The job
You wouldn’t use a hammer to try to turn a screw, and while it could be done, using a screwdriver to hammer in a nail would be needlessly frustrating and time consuming. Using a tool only for the task it was designed for is soooo much easier than banging your head against a wall and wondering why it won’t do what you want it to do.
You have to understand what the tool is designed to do for you before you can make the most of it. Do a little digging before you start. Google it, read a little, watch videos, ask others who are already using it. For example, I find the iPad invaluable in my business. It enables me to get more done in less time and frees me from my computer and office. However, there are some tasks that are more easily accomplished on my laptop. In my area, the MLS mobile app we have sucks. It can be used for looking up properties on the go, but good luck trying to enter a new listing or viewing property disclosures with it. Many times the tech questions I get from colleagues stem from them trying to use something in a manner that it was not designed for. Technology should make things easier. So if you are pulling your hair out, stop for a moment and ask yourself, “is this really the best tool for the job?” And if you are still not sure, ask someone else. Even us techies have people that we go to with questions.
#2 Believe In Yourself
Remember this one? “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”
Stop telling yourself and others that you are not “techie” and embrace the idea that you can and will learn the skills you need. There is nothing wrong with you and you are not “less” just because you haven’t mastered everything yet. Negativity will only slow you down.
#3 Give Yourself Time
You may think that some of your colleagues just seem to instantly know everything about technology. The truth is that they acquired these skills over a long period of time, slowly building their knowledge. No one class, book, or video is going to magically pass on everything you need to know. You learn a little here, a little there, use it a bit, and after awhile you realize that you know it and move on to the next skill. Even the techiest of people can’t learn everything at once. Everything takes practice. Once we learn the skills, we may still bumble around for awhile until we use it enough to develop a smooth flow. Don’t give up too soon. Cut yourself some slack and give it time.
If you are patient with yourself, have confidence, and focus on using the right tool for the job, you may find that all of this techie stuff isn’t such a mystery after all. Who knows, you might even find your inner geek.
Comments(48)