Do you ever feel like technology is moving too fast to keep up with?
You're not alone! Whether it’s frequent software updates, a new smartphone feature, or the rise of AI, the pace of change in our tech-driven world can feel truly overwhelming to even the most tech-savvy. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a tech expert to navigate today’s digital landscape confidently. With the right mindset and strategies, you too can learn to embrace technology as a powerful tool for growth!
Today, I’ll share some of my insights from years of introducing new technology to end users, along with some techniques we’ve developed here at Tech To Thrive to help clients understand their resistance to technology, overcome it, and ultimately thrive. Often, we tell ourselves stories about why we can or can’t do something, but at some point, those stories stop serving us. Through personalized coaching, we help you flip those narratives, identify barriers, and develop strategies that align with your goals and needs.
- Rapid Changes: Technology evolves so quickly that it can feel impossible to keep up. What was cutting-edge yesterday might quickly become obsolete, making it challenging to stay current.
- Lack of Familiarity: As creatures of habit, people tend to resist new tools and unfamiliar technologies —unless there’s a clear and pressing need for them.
- Feeling Too Busy: Many people feel they don’t have the time to learn something new, especially when they’re already juggling personal and professional responsibilities.
- Past Negative Experiences: It only takes one bad experience—like losing important data or feeling embarrassed or on the spot when trying to learn a new complicated program — to make you hesitant to try new tools.
- Fear of Job Displacement and AI: The rise of AI and automation has sparked concerns about job security, leaving many to worry their skills could become obsolete.
- Fear of Making Mistakes: The concern of "breaking" something or making a costly mistake can prevent you from exploring new technologies.
- Improved Efficiency: Technology can streamline tasks and automate repetitive work. Tools like task management apps and smart reminders help you stay organized and focus on what matters most without worrying about missing events or tasks.
- Increased Opportunities: Technology provides access to remote work, online learning, new ways of generating revenue and many other opportunities that may have been previously out of reach. Whether you want to advance your career, better manage your health, become an influencer or learn a new skill, the digital world has the resources to help.
- Enhanced Connections: Video calls, social media, and collaborative platforms make it easy to stay connected with loved ones and colleagues, regardless of location.
- Makes Life Easier: Smart home devices, finance apps, and grocery delivery platforms can simplify everyday routines, making life easier to manage.
- Increased Time for Activities You Love: Leveraging technology can free up time and resources allowing you to add more fun into your life!
- Boosts Confidence and Enjoyment: Learning new tech can be rewarding. Each small success builds confidence, and discovering how technology enhances your life can turn challenges into enjoyable experiences.
- Helps you Live Longer: Staying curious and leaning into change not only allows you to more easily take advantage of new technologies that support healthier living, but also keeps your mind stimulated with a growth mindset which is an important factor in healthier aging.
Have you ever found yourself resisting new technology? Even though I work in the industry, it happens to me too! For the longest time, I held off on setting up Apple Wallet on my iPhone, telling myself it wasn’t necessary since I always had my wallet with me. But once I finally set it up a few years ago, it didn’t take long for me to adapt. Now, I can’t imagine not using it! Attending events, boarding planes, and checking out are so much easier. Reflect on those moments when you hesitated with new tech—were the changes as challenging as you first thought? Often, the hardest part is getting started, and once you do, the rewards can be surprising!
Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
- Have you ever hesitated to upgrade your phone because of the time or cost involved?
- Have you ever stuck to familiar methods at work just to avoid learning a new app or workflow thinking "If it isn't broke, why fix it?"
- Did you skip a software update because you weren't sure what would change?
If these or similar situations resonated with you, did the thought of new tech seem overwhelming and uncomfortable? If so, that's not unusual. But what if next time you faced new technology, you could approach it feeling empowered and excited to learn? How great would that feel?
Reflecting on past experiences can help you recognize and understand where and why you’ve resisted technology. The good news is that with mindset exercises and consistent practice, you can release that resistance and ride the wave of tech adoption with greater confidence. Perhaps some of your old assumptions about technology no longer hold true, and you’re ready for a fresh approach. For example, while upgrades used to be more challenging, today’s software updates are often seamless and happen quietly in the background.
Ask yourself:
- Have there been times you felt intimidated by new technology at work or at home? Once you got past the fear and learned something new, did it feel good?
- Did you procrastinate learning something new because you were worried about making mistakes? Mistakes are a natural part of learning and often necessary to build new skills.
- Have you missed out on opportunities because you hesitated to adopt new tech? If so, how might reframing that experience become motivation to lean into change in the future?
- Can you think of examples where you struggled to learn something new, but before long, you were off and running?
- How might you mentally and physically prepare the next time you need to learn new technology? Could this preparation help you feel more confident?
- Start Small: Don’t try to learn everything at once. Pick one new tool or feature and focus on mastering it before moving on to the next.
- Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. Whether it’s a colleague, friend, or online tutorial, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn.
- Practice Regularly: Like any skill, tech confidence grows with practice. The more you use technology, the more comfortable you’ll become.
- Celebrate Your Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Every new skill you learn is a step toward greater tech confidence.