Step 1: Reboot

On two different occasions recently, I have interacted with a support representative regarding my DVR. On both occasions, one of the first actions I was asked to perform was to unplug the DVR for ten seconds, plug it back in, and allow it to restart. It has always intrigued me that the miracle cure for so many electronic device ailments is a reboot; but I feel this is true with us as well. I have a few observations about reboots to share that I feel can help us from day to day.

• We must reboot in order to be effective. Rebooting takes many forms such as breaks, sleep, vacation, change of scenery, etc. and is of utmost importance to prevent ourselves from getting stuck in ruts and routines that are sub optimal. Not to mention, reboots keep us healthy and sharp.
• Reboot does not mean redo or do over. Rebooting does not necessarily entail scrapping everything and starting over, but rather restarting what you are already doing…hopefully with fresh energy and new perspective. I feel there are a lot of people who think they need to change jobs or change lives to regain their happiness when all they really need is a good reboot.
• Reboots sometimes involve unplugging. Like my DVR, sometimes we have to become unplugged in order for the reboot to really work. Taking a vacation? Don’t take a work-enabled mobile device. Taking a break? Don’t take work with you. Changing scenery? Take nothing from what you were doing, but allow room and time for creative restructuring so it can be done better.

To date, I have found nothing as valuable to my work as a reboot and I’m glad for the support rep that helped me remember this fact.

~ John