Recently a client called and was very frustrated because he was struggling with some web technology he was not familiar. He complained he had spent hours banging his head against the wall trying to figure out the technology. He is a brilliant marketer and implementer but frankly is not as brilliant when it comes to technology. He is stubborn, I have to admit he does the get the job done but he certainly could save himself from a lot of aggravation, simply by asking for help early before getting trapped in the frustration. The question is; “Are you willing to ask for help before you end up in the frustration zone?”
I wrote this article in response to his request and I helped him with the technology. When you are frustrated learning a new skill, struggling with technology, failing at implementing a new feature, goal or system into your business. You need a check-up from the neck-up! A lifeline… a reality check… a checklist to break the cycle. You are trying to get your new thing perfect! Repeatedly you try, fail, swear and repeat the process, getting more and more frustrated… You are about to give up, but you know you cannot. You need to break the ugly cycle, stop the frustration, stop driving your family and your dog crazy; but how? Here are…
Five Quick Tips to Break Free of the Technology Frustration Zone
Stop, drop and roll!
Seriously, chill out! Come back to it, take a break, change your approach, break the pattern of frustration and it will be much easier the next time around.
Phone a Friend!
If you are struggling with technology or learning new method or skill, call out to someone who can help, go to your online mastermind group, or Facebook group, or phone a friend and talk about your problem. Sometimes talking out your problem will present a solution, just by explaining it. The majority of tech support calls I make, the issue is solved just by clearly explaining the problem to the person on the other end.
Have Fun
You’re an entrepreneur for a reason; you want the freedom to live life pursuing your dreams. This should be a lot more fun than working for someone else. Have a little fun, don’t take things so seriously.
Give Thanks
Be thankful for your obstacles. In fact, give thanks in all things. Giving thanks not only makes your problem seem smaller, it also puts it into perspective. You issue is likely not life threatening. You are probably way more upset and concerned about your problem than it warrants.
Ship It!
You are probably a little like me. You are a perfectionist. You want everything just so, everything in its place. When it comes to being an entrepreneur, you have to ship. If your video, whitepaper, ad, campaign, email or letter is pretty darn good … Good is good enough! SHIP IT! Get it out there! You can always tweak it later!
There you have some tips you can use the next time you are so wrapped up in a problem that seems bigger than it really is. Use these tips with caution; they just might make you more productive, effective and happy as an entrepreneur!