One challenging Monday, after assessing the situation at hand, taking stock, and gauging the chances of success, I triaged my task list and rescheduled my afternoon as follows:
- 2:00 – Don’t jump out the window.
- 2:30 – Don’t throw anything out the window.
- 3:00 – Just pack it in and head for home.
Unfortunately, I was suffering from a severe computer virus for the second time in three days.
After the latest incursion I had to surrender my computer to my Tech Guy altogether.
Oh, I was frustrated! I was a combination of helplessness and hopelessness: I was helpless because I lacked the necessary knowledge, skill, and expertise to improve my situation; and I was hopeless because if it happened twice, how could I be sure it wouldn’t happen again? I had no idea what I did (or if it was even my action) that (1) made me vulnerable to the virus and (2) caused the invasion.
And yet, and yet… all I’d experienced was aggravation and some embarrassment about being slow to respond to emails (none of which were actually urgent; I had already handled those). Repeated deep breathing eventually alleviate, if not eliminate, the former, and sincere apologies and brief explanations helped with the latter.
I reminded myself that it wasn’t a car accident, that my family is healthy, and that our home still needs only the minor repairs it needed last week. Some of my frustration was due to my renewed realization of my dependence on technology and the shock of suddenly being bereft of it. After all, I spend more time with my computer than I do with most of my loved ones, and in some ways, it knows more about me than they do.
I decided that something was a little backwards and rescheduled for tomorrow:
- 8:00 – Kiss my family.
- 8:30 – Toodle off to work.
- 9:00 – Count my blessings.
- 9:30 – Make some phone calls and express my gratitude to everyone I speak to.
- 10:00 – Work as hard as I can on whatever I’ve got.
- 10:30 – Ask someone how I can help.
- 11:00 – Repeat the last two hours until close of business.
How has your day been?
Onward and upward,
LK
I love your positive attitude! I’m already happier about my own day!
And you just lifted mine, Todd. Thanks!
I am re-reading this post and it strikes me as a great schedule! Family, blessings, gratitude, effort, help always good things to focus on! Thanks for the great reminder.
So nice of you to let me know. Thanks, Matt.
Refreshing perspective.