WorldWide Drilling Resource

41 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® APRIL 2018 Is Technology Stealing the Quality of Your Life? by Tim Connor Let me be perfectly clear from the outset - I am not against technology, change, artificial intelligence, transformation, or the steps we take into the future. Also, I'm sure many of you will take issue with some of my points - remember - truth is not what you or I think it is - but what it is. Let me also be clear, I believe not all of these advances will improve humanity's ability to deal with many of its core issues such as conflict, separation, loneliness, uncertainty, decision making, inner peace, fear, the need for love and acceptance, life meaning, and purpose. Trust me - your latest smartphone, social media connection, and apps are not going to solve your issues of patience, the need for control, or stressors. The age-old questions for thousands of years have still not been answered - where did we come from, why are we here, and where are we going still plague most of humanity and yet every year more and more tech- nological progress is made. Yes, technology may make some cures more successful and rapid, it may improve transportation and our ability to more quickly grab vital and valuable information. But consider - stress is still increasing and the divorce rate is the same as it was in the 1950s. You might think I'm being negative, but no matter where you look, in some segment of society, technology may have many advantages, but it isn't solving many of life's critical issues and, trust me, it never will. There are more books, videos, motivational speakers, psychiatrists, and life coaches today than at any time in history and yet we still have many of the same problems people have faced for years - such as impatience and how it leads to stress and then death; conflict and how it leads to separation and loneliness; fear and how it contributes to illness; uncertainty and change and how they lead to inse- curity. Ever been to a social media site and seen an old flame, buddy, or friend who is now more successful, wealthier, better looking, or more connected or famous than you? How did it make you feel? Ever received an e-mail, text, or voice mail from someone wanting to end a relationship? Ever gotten lost because your GPS lady was in a bad mood? Just kidding, but I'm sure you get my point. Yes, technology has and will continue to solve many of life's challenges and needs as it continues to advance, but my question is simply this - are you letting it replace the vital human elements in your life, relationships, career, or business? Do you spend more time on your tablet, phone, or computer than you do talking with or to friends, your spouse, employees, children, or customers? Statistics now say the average person spends 6-9 hours a day looking at a screen!!! I'll let this speak for itself. A few things to consider: Words are important. Words matter - the ones you say to others and the ones you say to yourself. Intent is critical. There are two types of intent - real and stated. One is what you say; and the other is what you do. Beliefs are the foundation. Everything you decide, do, say, feel, and have or don't is the result of your foundation of beliefs. If you want something in life to change, you have to start there. Gratitude vs. ego. People who come at life with gratitude and appreciation instead of self-gratification live longer and are healthier than those who don't. Everything is perception and mindsets. No one looks at anything the same. Everything you think, believe, feel, decide, is driven by your mental interpretation (perception) of others, circumstances, and life. Closeness and connection. Yes, solitude is valuable, but no one wants to spend all of their time separated from others. We all want, once in a while or more often, to experience the human touch (connection). Humility is the difference. You will never be the best-looking, smartest, most clever, best, wealthiest, etc. person in the room. Maybe once in a while, but it will all depend on which room you are in. Conflict is normal. Why? Because we all have our own personal version of good and bad, smart or stupid, etc. Change is constant. Change has been happening for over 250 million years and it will never stop. Consider though, it is happening faster every day now than at any time in history, and as we move into the future this trend will not change. Uncertainty is everywhere. Nothing is certain. Oswald Chambers once said, "The only thing in life that is certain is its uncertainty." Period! Character matters. Who you are speaks so loudly. What you do means more than what you say. How is technology improving any of the above? Think about it. Yes, it may make positive contributions, but are they the answer, or do we need something else to ensure human relationships control the quality of life and not robotic think- ing and acting? Robots are not the answer. Helpful, sure, but they will never solve humanity's fundamental needs. In His service, Tim To receive Tim’s weekly FREE motivational booster articles, contact him at www.timconnor.com with “please add me to your free booster e-mail subscriber list” in the subject line. Or contact him via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com Call WWDR today for the best coverage and pricing. 850-547-0102