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Do You Feel Intimidated By Technology? Here Are 7 Tips Just For You

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Haider Al-Mosawi writes at PersonalGrowthMap.com about holistic growth through balanced living.

Haider has written 1 article for ComLuv.com
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January 25, 2011 By 41 Comments
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With the rate technology is advancing in, it’s very easy to feel like you’ve been left behind.

And the more technology advances, the more you feel like a caveman.

You can put the club down and stop grunting, as you’re about to read 7 tips that will make technology more approachable and learning about it much more fun!

1- Don’t Hide Behind Excuses

“I’m too old.”

“I’m too young.”

“I’ve never studied computers before.”

“I don’t have time to learn about technology.”

“Technology is harming our environment.”

“Who needs email when you can use a phone?”

“If everyone stopped using the postal service for communication, what will happen to the poor postmen?”

There are many, many excuses for why you are avoiding technology, but none of them get you any closer to actually understanding technology and using it.

Excuses are only there to reassure you that your ignorance is bliss, when deep down, somewhere between your esophagus and your small intestine, you know that technology can help you in many different areas of your life.

Let go of the excuses. You don’t have to cling on to them.

Say to yourself: “Despite [insert favorite excuse], I will learn more about technology.”

2- Don’t Make Your Ignorance Your Identity

“You know me, I’m an idiot when it comes to computers! Haha!”

“Oh I can’t start a blog to save my life!”

“I’m not a computer person.”

Once you identify with your own ignorance of technology, it’s extremely difficult to learn anything about technology.

If you’re saying to yourself “I can’t understand blogging,” then you’re creating a barrier that prevents you from even trying.

And if you do “try”, then it’s only to prove to yourself and those around you what you’ve set out to prove: that you can’t.

Your identity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that shapes your learning experience.

Rather than identify with your ignorance, acknowledge your ability to learn.

Focus on what to learn and how to learn it, without judging yourself and your current understanding of technology.

3- Admit Your Ignorance

One of the biggest reasons for why we avoid learning something new is because we hate to admit that we don’t know, especially when we’re expected to know already.

It’s embarrassing to admit that you don’t know what an iPad is, or what WordPress is, or what you need to have to launch your own site, or how to create your own email account.

Everyone seems to communicate via email. Everyone seems to be talking about WordPress. Everyone seems to be drooling over the iPad.

But if you don’t admit your ignorance, you miss out on a stream of opportunities to learn.

Don’t worry what people will say or think of you.

If you don’t know, then you don’t.

It’s not something you have to hide or feel ashamed of.

We’re all ignorant about many things. And what seems obvious to you may seem like rocket science to me.

Let others know when you don’t have a clue what they’re talking about.

Most people would be more than happy to explain and admitting your ignorance can keep the conversation going.

4- Ask Those Who Know

You are surrounded by people who can help you develop your understanding of technology.

And if there’s anything geeks are known for, it’s their love of talking about technology.

So don’t be shy to ask.

Ask for definitions. Ask for explanations. Ask for suggestions. Ask for resources. Ask for recommendations.

As long as the person you’re talking to has the time and desire to yap away, grab a pen and paper and jot down some notes.

Disclaimer: Don’t assume everything a single individual says about technology is Gospel truth. Geeks can be quite opinionated and you’re bound to get different perspectives while talking to different people. Windows users will criticize Mac users who will critcize Linux users who will criticize Windows users. Be aware of how much the information you receive is tainted with biased views.

Additional Disclaimer: Mac computers are the best. Just sayin’.

5- Learn The Terminology

The most intimidating thing about technology isn’t technology, but terminology.

It’s difficult to make sense of technology when there are so many words that you don’t understand.

The solution?

Learn what the words mean.

You don’t have to wade through technical explanations when you can make sense of the words individually, then put their meanings together.

There’s no escaping the fact that you need to learn what technical words mean in order to understand technology.

You’ll be surprised how much you can accelerate your learning by simply looking up what technical words mean.

6- Adjust Your Expectations

If I was to hand you an iPhone, and it was the very first touchscreen mobile you hold, don’t expect that you’ll know exactly how to use it from the get-go.

Having high expectations can lead to intense frustrations.

Adjust your expectations so that they match your level of experience.

Expect to make loads of mistakes at the beginning.

Expect to take a long time to do simple tasks.

Don’t put yourself under the pressure to act like a pro when you’re still a novice.

And before we move on to the last tip in this article, can I have the iPhone back. :)

7- Get Some Hands-On Experience

Finding out what HTML means isn’t the same as looking at some HTML code, which isn’t the same as coding HTML yourself.

If you don’t have hands-on experience, learning can be quite intimidating.

By now you don’t have any excuses not to dive in and learn something new.

You’re not making your ignorance of technology your identity.

You admit that there are things you don’t know and are willing to learn about.

You’re prepared to ask those who know for advice and some pointers.

You’ll look up the definition of words you don’t understand.

And you’re willing to cut yourself some slack and make a few mistakes.

You also want to get a feel for technology, to explore what you don’t know and dabble with new gadgets, gizmos and web applications.

There will be many things that books and blog posts can’t convey accurately.

Only first-hand experience can help you develop the understanding and skills you need to master technology.

Enjoy your learning journey! :D

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Comments

  1. Saket Jajodia
    Twitter:
    says:
    January 25, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    Thanks for the tips, hoping it going to help…
    Saket Jajodia recently posted..See Historical Images And Places In Google EarthMy Profile

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  2. zoopco says:
    January 26, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    good tips – perfect for someone who is new to technology
    zoopco recently posted..Register CO Domains For 1199 @ GoDaddyMy Profile

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  3. retrocollage
    Twitter:
    says:
    January 26, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    The important thing for people to understand is that NO ONE is born knowing this stuff. We ALL learn it in some way, at some point in our lives. Technological ignorance is just an earlier stage on the way to knowledge.
    retrocollage recently posted..Collage for Toy Trains- the Art of Obsolete TechnologyMy Profile

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  4. phildgeo11 says:
    January 26, 2011 at 11:24 pm

    Great points (all). “Expect to take a long time to do simple tasks.” This was the hardest adjustment to my personal learning curve. My impatience resulting from failure to accomplish unrealistic time-lines was a huge hurdle for me. I feel that I am now much better. When learning the unknown it is important to view small steps as an accomplishment. Although not unheard of, it is rare to hit the ground running when it comes to learning tech.
    phildgeo11 recently posted..How long is a VA appraisal validMy Profile

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    • Haider
      Twitter:
      says:
      January 27, 2011 at 5:17 pm

      Thanks!

      A big obstacle that I come across every now and then is comparing myself to others and feeling insignificant because I don’t handle a task with the same mastery they seem to exhibit.

      Accepting that tasks will take longer at the beginning as we mentally adjust to the new experience is vital. We should experience life in our own shoes. ;)
      Haider recently posted..A Guide to Being YourselfMy Profile

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  5. Mitz
    Twitter:
    says:
    January 27, 2011 at 9:24 am

    WOW
    This post is fantastic! I loved the bit about “Don’t Make Your Ignorance Your Identity”. I know a lot of people that say all these things and use all the excuses under the sun. I am the opposite so it really annoys me!
    Mitz recently posted..Computer Tips – Import Facebook Contact Emails Into Yahoo Mail And GmailMy Profile

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  6. John says:
    January 27, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Technology might be a common and natural thing for a lot of people, but there are those who really just don’t completely understand it. That’s why I think these tips are great and can really help someone that is not fully comfortable using technology.

    I think your best tip is to get some hands on experience. There is no better way to learn than to actually do it yourself and get involved. Thanks for sharing your insights Haider .
    John recently posted..Put An End To Sweating ProblemsMy Profile

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  7. Maria Pavel says:
    January 28, 2011 at 12:40 am

    Great tips, absolutly great. We all got to admit the fact that the world is upgrading daily and we haven’t always got the chance to update ourselves and it’s kind of hard to maintain the rhythm but not impossible. Try to stay in touch with every domain and everything will be ok, you’re not too old/too young/too something, you’re perfect for learning! Thanks for sharing this very interesting article.

    Best regards,

    Maria
    Maria Pavel recently posted..CNA CertificationMy Profile

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  8. Kimi
    Twitter:
    says:
    January 29, 2011 at 7:02 am

    Hi Haider,

    Reading this post is like waking me up,

    I admit i have been hiding behind personal excuses, which are mostly, i don’t have time too much because of my family, which is really true though.

    My family is number 1 above all, means blogging is another world to me, first my family and then blog, so much things i want to do with the blogs, but i am so busy that i really don’t have time to achieve my goals ..

    Thanks for this reminder..
    Kimi recently posted..Thesis category nav menu video tutorialMy Profile

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    • Haider
      Twitter:
      says:
      January 29, 2011 at 10:07 am

      Hi Kimi,

      Because I want to create more time with my family, I think it’s important that I overcome my feelings of intimidation and anxiety, so that I get my work done as quickly as possible, without running around in circles trying to avoid new learning opportunities.

      We can free so much time if we develop the skills to learn faster and do work more effectively.

      Time we can spend with family, or doing other enjoyable things.

      Wish you all the best. :)
      Haider recently posted..A Guide to Being YourselfMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Tom Buczak says:
    January 31, 2011 at 2:56 am

    I bought a computer a year ago. I figured it was time to make a website for my business. I am amazed how much time I spend online. Hours everyday. I’m still learning, but getting better every day. Oh, by the way my main advertising this year was online and I had my best summer in years.

    Reply
  10. Dawn
    Twitter:
    says:
    February 1, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    This is such sound advice. Particularly for older people there is a real temptation to use your age as an excuse as to why you don’t learn about new technologies. I know – I do it myself at times! But once you get over that hurdle and give yourself time to take it all on board you’ll be surprised what you can learn. And you can always ask a 12 year old if you get stuck!
    Dawn recently posted..Nov 19- Difference Between Align And Culturelle ProbioticMy Profile

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  11. yodz
    Twitter:
    says:
    February 2, 2011 at 12:31 am

    Useful advice. On tip no. 4 let me add this one – if you’re shy to ask, try Google or Bing. It’s just a matter of digging and reading right stuff.
    yodz recently posted..The Art of Talking To Yourself » Why It Does Not Always Mean You Are CrazyMy Profile

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  12. Ankit Saini
    Twitter:
    says:
    February 2, 2011 at 5:41 pm

    Great Article..
    I definitely follow your guide..
    Thanks
    Ankit Saini recently posted..How To Edit “Limit Reservable Bandwidth”My Profile

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  13. alisongolden
    Twitter:
    says:
    February 3, 2011 at 4:06 am

    I wish my parents would read this but they’re ‘too old’ for technology even thought I’ve offered to help them. I wouldn’t say I jump on the latest technology AT ALL but I get there in my own time and I definitely have trusted techie people to help me. I don’t know how people who aren’t technical manage.
    alisongolden recently posted..Anyone Else Afraid Of RatsMy Profile

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  14. Haider
    Twitter:
    says:
    February 3, 2011 at 6:41 am

    Hi Alison,

    Technology can feel overwhelming and intimidating even for “techies”, but it’s important to build a healthy, positive relationship with technology since it can help us advance in so many ways.

    Thanks for sharing your own experiences! :D
    Haider recently posted..A Guide to Being YourselfMy Profile

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  15. Phil
    Twitter:
    says:
    February 3, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    Nice post! I’m in the technology field in addition to owning a side business. Technology is intimidating whether a newbie, or not! Some of us love it, others hate it, but ya gotta use it to stay on top of the game!

    Cheers!
    Phil recently posted..Roof Cleaning Maryland uses Keyworduv and CommentluvMy Profile

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  16. Jared says:
    February 4, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    “But if you don’t admit your ignorance, you miss out on a stream of opportunities to learn.”
    Great line! You should never be afraid to learn, no matter how hard it may be in the beginning.

    Reply
  17. Thomas
    Twitter:
    says:
    February 4, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    Hehe, you speak the true here. Maybe my father should read this post :-)
    Thomas recently posted..Help me I’m offline!My Profile

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  18. danbpr says:
    February 9, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    great advice all around! I’ve always been one to say just try it. Your last example re:html is perfect. One more thing for people to remember is they can’t break it. In that case it’s just a computer program…
    danbpr recently posted..Comments WelcomeMy Profile

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  19. sjpeck says:
    February 19, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    Thanks for the tips, I think it isn’t only technology that holds people back. Your ideas translate pretty well to anything that someone isn’t comfortable with and let’s their excuses hold them back.

    Thanks for making us think.

    Steve Peck
    sjpeck recently posted..Keep a Positive View Of Me!My Profile

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  20. linda
    Twitter:
    says:
    March 2, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    I REALLY like this post! (And it definitely can be applied to far more topics than just ‘fear of technology’.) Very well written, with a great wrap-up! You had me nodding my head in agreement with each point in the conclusion.

    I’m not the most technologically savvy person, but I’ve committed to spending the time, effort and brain power to learn. Sure it’s slow going at times, but once I understand something, I ‘get’ it and then move on to the next concept. I have a techie to help me out, but how else am I going to know whether she’s moving in the right direction if I just hand over control to her? And at the end of the day, I’m the one responsible for generating traffic, quality of content, branding, etc. Thank you!
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  21. Travel Agents Perth says:
    April 7, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    Aha!…you hit me straight in the eye…when i started working again after 8 years of being a stay at home mom, i was really intimidated how fast technology has evolved around us…and i still am…from time to time. Anyway,great post. Thanks for the tips!
    Travel Agents Perth recently posted..Ultimate Destinations with Luxury Cruises PerthMy Profile

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  22. Gabriel709 says:
    April 7, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    Great post! I wish my grandpa would read this, then maybe he would use a computer sometime! haha
    Gabriel709 recently posted..5 New Ways to View Your Blogger Blog VIDEOMy Profile

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  23. Integral IT Support
    Twitter:
    says:
    June 14, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    I think many people are afraid to ask for help which is a big problem! They’d rather just get by than having to swallow their pride and get help.
    Integral IT Support recently posted..How to get a graduate job in the IT industryMy Profile

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